I got started in the 70’s. I used to save my lawn mowing money and ride my bike (candy apple green with banana seat and sissy bar) to the local 7-Eleven to play Joker Poker. At the time you had to be 18, but the counter clerk let us play anyway. My favorites are almost anything that needs saving, love great art-Pins and Neon. I have owned from a 1932 World Series through some new Sterns, but I think my current favorites are Scooby Doo, Farfalla, MB, CFTBL, Octoberfest, great colors and play.
I attended my first TPF in 2003 where I decided to purchase my first pin, a Doctor Who. I started helping out running the tournaments in 2009 and continued until 2015. Beginning with the 2015 show I started helping Kim with the show. I did backend IT work as well as the creation of a check in tool for machines as they arrive at the back door, and Guests and Vendors at the Registration desk. When Kim retired after the 2023 show, I was given the opportunity to become an organizer which I happily accepted.
I currently have 7 pinball machines, a Rockola Jukebox, and created a MAME cabinet from an old Mortal Kombat 2.
Our Right Hands
Elizabeth serves as the director of Belles and Chimes Houston and as the state coordinator for women's IFPA events in Texas. When she's not playing in tournaments, Elizabeth is busy repairing and restoring machines with her husband as the owners of UpKick Pinball.
Kris is a seasoned TPF Volunteer, member of the DFW Pinball and Arcade Club, and Frisco local.
-- Currently ranked #1 at not getting wristband glue in your arm hair.
My favorite game is Bram Stoker's Dracula because it is so challenging. I also feel I have become an honorary Texan because of TPF. What else do I say? I love to travel and experience different cultures. I also married into the hobby. Scott lured me in with his funhouse. =)
Best In Show Judges
Started buying and restoring pinball machines in the 90s. First game was a Silverball Mania. As a Graphic Designer by trade I always looked for ways to use technology to enhance my restorations, such as using digital art to create stickers, stencils and plastics. This was a fairly new concept in the 90s as new parts were still available.
My favorite restoration was a Capcom Pinball Magic where I replaced everything and hand painted the entire cabinet. Many playfield swaps later I still love the satisfaction of making a beat down game look as good as new.
Bought my first game when I was 16. Current collection consists of restored classic Bally and Sterns, WPC and newer Sterns. Have worked and restored many games for myself, with friends and customers. Engineering background which makes attention to detail important. I like barn find restorations.
Worked and played in the pursuit of Pinball since 2002.
As an Owner of Total Pinball Restorations, have completed 100+show-quality restorations of everything Arcade and innumerable repairs and refurbishments.
Gravitates toward and collects the early year solid-state machines. In a love affair with good fried Catfish.
Pinball started my engineering career working for a Large pinball/game room company during my early years. Started collecting literature and manuals in my teenage years. Realized in late 90’s “Containers” were a “thang”. Purchased multiple containers from Europe through early 2000’s. Have been buying and selling ever since.
Favorite games are definitely minty – non restored Classic Stern’s ; Survivors from the early 80’s. I love to see rare, collectable games that have not been poorly restored and enjoy original restorations where NO re-mfg. parts have been used. Keep it original “folks”!!
Pinball-ERS
Located in Princeton, Texas, Kevin has been working on and restoring pinball machines since 2009. He has won numerous 'Best in Show' awards and is the proud recipient of two Grand Champion awards from the Texas Pinball Festival held annually in Frisco, Texas.
In 2016, while in the midst of building a custom The Addams Family pinball machine, Kevin and Jessica began their journey together. Kevin needed someone to play test The Addams Family and, as luck would have it, that was Jessica's favorite machine. From the moment of play testing, Jessica expressed her interest in learning everything she could about restoring and repairing pinball machines.
With their combined interest in pinball, they began visiting the homes of local collectors helping to prepare their machines for tournaments by repairing, cleaning, upgrading, and, of course, playing the pinball machines. Kevin and Jessica are now offering their services to the public and look forward to working with you to get your machine up to 'Best in Show' standards!
Past Organizers
This show wouldn’t be what it is without the vision and dedication shown by its past organizers: Jeff Ball, Dan Ferguson, Chris Munson, Grieg Riddle, Tillman Strahan, Bob Herbison, Mike Johnstone, Shannon Smith, Eric Debrecht, Craig Hassell, Ken Kemp, and Kim and Ed VanderVeen.