Today we’d like to introduce you to John Eslich.
Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for creating experiences that bring people together. My background in construction and business management gave me the foundation to build and operate large-scale attractions. In 2000, I purchased the Factory of Terror, which at the time was just one haunted house. Over the years, I expanded it into one of the largest indoor haunted attractions in the country, later revitalizing the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory in Akron and branching into other seasonal ventures like the Ohio Christmas Factory and the All American Axe Throwing & Battle Bar.
In 2015, I had the honor of serving as President of the Haunted Attraction Association, which gave me the opportunity to represent and advocate for haunts across the country. A lot of people don’t realize just how big our industry really is — it’s a multi-billion-dollar business that reaches millions of guests every year. For me, it’s been a journey of hard work, creativity, and teamwork, and I’m proud to see our attractions not only thrive but also become part of the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Running seasonal attractions comes with unique challenges — like staffing hundreds of people for a short period of time and the constant need to innovate so guests come back year after year. On top of that, the majority of our income comes in the fourth quarter, so we have to make every night count. Early on, one of the biggest hurdles was simply convincing people that haunted attractions could be run as a serious business and not just a hobby.
There were plenty of growing pains along the way: managing rapid expansion, navigating city regulations, handling unexpected costs, and pushing through tough years like the recession and the pandemic. But every challenge pushed us to improve, build stronger systems, and rely on our team in new ways. Looking back, those struggles weren’t setbacks — they shaped the business into what it is today and made the successes even more rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Factory of Terror, All American Battle Bar, Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our businesses are all about creating unique, memorable experiences. The Factory of Terror in Canton and the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory in Akron are two of the largest and most well-known haunted attractions in the country. We specialize in large-scale, immersive shows that combine Hollywood-quality sets, special effects, and live actors to deliver a world-class haunted experience. We’re proud that these attractions have become destination haunts that people travel from all over to see.
What sets us apart is not just size, but attention to detail and the commitment to keeping our shows fresh. Guests know that every year they’ll see something new — whether it’s a redesigned scene, new effects, or a twist on a classic scare.
Outside of haunt season, we also operate the All American Battle Bar, which combines axe throwing and interactive games with a full bar. It’s a space designed for groups, parties, and anyone who wants to try something different while having a great time.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built experiences that stand out nationally but still feel rooted in our community. We’ve created places where guests can escape the everyday, connect with friends, and make lasting memories. At the end of the day, that’s what our brand is all about — delivering unforgettable entertainment in ways people don’t expect.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about impact. Of course, we need to be profitable, but real success is seeing guests walk out the door with smiles, screams, and stories they’ll talk about for years. It’s about building attractions that become traditions for families and friend groups, and knowing we’ve created something memorable.
On the business side, success also means building strong teams. Seasonal attractions can’t thrive without people who believe in the vision and bring their best every night, so watching our staff grow and come back year after year is a huge part of it.
At the end of the day, success is creating experiences that matter to people while building a business that can keep doing it year after year.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fotohio.com | www.hauntedschoolhouse.com | www.allamericanbattlebar.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/factoryofterror | instagram.com/hauntedschoolhouse | instagram.com/allamericanbattlebar
- Facebook: facebook.com/fotohio | facebook.com/hauntedschoolhouse | facebook.com/allamericanbattlebar
- Youtube: youtube.com/@FactoryofTerror1031 | youtube.com/@akronhauntedschoolhouse | youtube.com/@allamericanbattlebar
