Conversations with John Eslich

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Eslich.

Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Factory of Terror with a simple goal—to create a haunted attraction unlike anything people had experienced before. What began as an idea fueled by a passion for Halloween and immersive entertainment has grown into one of the country’s premier haunted attractions and a Guinness World Record holder.

Over the years, we’ve continued to invest in bigger sets, better special effects, talented actors, and new experiences that keep guests coming back year after year. Today, Factory of Terror is much more than a haunted house. We’ve expanded to include themed bars, live entertainment, axe throwing, special events, and family-friendly experiences like Kids Day, creating a destination that offers something for everyone.

As the owner and operator, I’m still heavily involved in the day-to-day operation. I enjoy finding new ways to improve the guest experience, challenge our team creatively, and continue raising the bar for the haunted attraction industry. Seeing families make memories, hearing returning guests say we exceeded their expectations, and watching the business continue to grow is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating COVID. Like many businesses in the entertainment industry, we had to adapt quickly while dealing with uncertainty and changing regulations. It forced us to rethink how we operated and find new ways to continue delivering a great experience for our guests.

Another ongoing challenge is that guest expectations are constantly evolving. Every year, people are looking for something bigger, more immersive, and more interactive than the year before. Staying ahead means continually investing in new attractions, technology, and experiences while never losing sight of what makes Factory of Terror unique.

On top of that, hiring and training hundreds of seasonal employees each year is no small task. It takes a tremendous amount of planning and teamwork to build a staff that’s passionate, professional, and committed to giving every guest an unforgettable experience.

Those challenges have ultimately made us stronger. They’ve pushed us to innovate, improve, and never become complacent. Looking back, every obstacle has helped shape Factory of Terror into the attraction it is today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most people know me as the owner of Factory of Terror, but my background is in demolition and construction. That experience has allowed me to design, build, and continually reinvent our attractions from the ground up. I also had the privilege of serving as President of the Haunted Attraction Association, where I worked with attraction owners across the country to help advance the industry.

What I’m most proud of is that Factory of Terror has never stopped evolving. I’m still involved in nearly every aspect of the business—from designing new scenes and building sets to planning future seasons and improving the guest experience. If something can be better, we’re always working to make it happen.

I think what sets us apart is our commitment to quality and innovation. We don’t believe in standing still. Every season we invest in new attractions, effects, and experiences so there’s always something new for guests to discover.

What matters most to you?
For me, it comes down to hard work and taking pride in what you do. I’ve never expected anything to be handed to me, and I’ve always believed that the details matter. If something isn’t right, I want to fix it. If something can be better, I want to improve it. That mindset has carried over into every part of my business.

Pricing:

• Full Experience (Online): Starts at $32.95 (pricing varies by date).
• VIP Full Experience (Online): Starts at $47.95 and includes expedited entry.
• Kids Day Admission (Online): Tickets start at $9.99. Adult admission required.
• Haunted Ohio Season Pass: $160 for unlimited VIP Full Experience admission to Factory of Terror and Akron Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory through December 31, 2026, plus additional passholder benefits.
• Group Discounts: Available for groups of 20 or more when purchased online in advance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fotohio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotohio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fotohio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factoryofterror
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/factory-of-terror-canton?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)