In the Beginning: I came into this world in Austin, Texas, where my father was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. He was a Captain and fighter pilot in the Air Force. My mother and I moved to Kearney, Nebraska to be with her family when I was 11 months old after receiving word that my father was killed in action while fighting in the Korean Conflict. I had a wonderful childhood growing up in that small mid-western town where I graduated from high school and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kearney State College.
Family: I married my high school sweetheart, Martha, in 1970 and we have two fantastic kids. Our son, Rob, has a PhD from the University of Colorado and is a Medical Science Liaison( MSL) for EMD Serono. Our daughter, Corey, is married and has two sons – Bobby( 20) and Austin( 16). She graduated from Colorado State University and is now the Animal Services Manager for the City of Irving, Texas.
Career Moves: I entered this amazing industry back in 1965 at the age of 15 as an usher at the World Theatre in Kearney, Nebraska. The next year I was asked to manage the Drive In Theatre. Two years later when I started college I became the projectionist at the Drive In and held that position throughout college. After college graduation in 1974 I started as a Manager Trainee with AMC Theatres in Denver, Colorado. In 1976 I became the GM of Fashion Square 4 Theatres in Southern California where I won Showman of the Year for AMC’ s West Division. In 1978 I became a District Manager and eventually moved back to Colorado to supervise 12 theatres. In 1986 I accepted the Director of Concessions role for the West Division and oversaw concession operations until 1996. After 21 years at AMC I moved to Mann Theatres as VP of Concessions. What exciting times I had with handprint ceremonies at the world famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and movie premieres at Westwood theatres! The company sold in 1998 and I moved back to Colorado to be the VP of Concessions at United Artists Theatres. In 2002 UA merged with Regal and Edwards Theatres and I moved to Dandy Amusements as VP of Marketing. We placed video game machines in theatre lobbies all over the country so I still got to work with all of my friends in the theatre industry. Then in 2009 I was fortunate to be able to come to Dallas to work with the great folks at Cinemark where I am now a VP in the Food & Beverage Dept.
Hobbies: Music is one of my hobbies. I played guitar and keyboards in a couple of bands back in the late 1960’ s and early 1970’ s. We played in concerts and night clubs in the mid-west, toured with The Lemon Pipers, and opened in concert for Steppenwolf. Folks might need
68 • ShowTime Preview Guide – Spring 2017
Wally Helton
VP Food and Beverage Cinemark
to Google them to find out who they were!
Best advice I ever got: From the then CFO at AMC, Frank Rutkowski, when we were having dinner during the Showman of the Year trip in 1977:“ Never get drunk at a company function and always put the maximum in your 401K.”
Best advice you have for others: I have always said“ Have fun and make money – and it has to be in that order”. If you have fun with whatever your job happens to be then it won’ t feel like work!
People who’ ve influenced you most: I have to tip my hat to Stan Durwood who was the owner of AMC Theatres back when I worked there. He always challenged you to do a better job today than you did yesterday. I learned so much during those 21 years at AMC and have been able to continue to use those learnings throughout my career. I also need to mention Chuck Goldwater who was the President at Mann Theatres when I was there and Bruce Taffet, Kurt Hall, and Neil Pinsker who worked with me at United Artists. Finally I must thank Lee Roy and Tandy Mitchell for bringing me on board at Cinemark and treating me like family.
Giving back: In 2000 I was blessed to be able to be the Chief Barker for the Colorado Tent of Variety The Children’ s Charity. This industry charity provides for children’ s needs and has a rich history dating back to 1927. Currently Martha and I are very active in our church and community working with special needs individuals and food banks.
Fondest Convention Memories: I have been very fortunate to be able to meet quite a few“ movie stars” in various Green Rooms, charity golf tournaments, and industry functions. One of my favorites was during ShoWest in 1983 riding on an elevator with Debra Winger who was there to receive the Female Star of the Year award – it was just Debra and her body guard and me!!
Biggest reason to remain optimistic: I have to admit that I have seen many changes in our industry over the past 51 years but the fact that our Guests still have a need to gather together to be entertained stays strong. Many of the exhibitors have had to step up their game to include recliner chairs, the newest innovations in sight and sound, and even high end food and alcohol options in the auditoriums! I can’ t wait to see what is going to happen next. And Hollywood continues to do their part in releasing exciting product for all generations to see. Thank goodness that our Guests still love to have an ice cold beverage while munching on the best popcorn and enjoying their favorite movies. Life is good!!!