Sam is a Pyro Show Designer for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza and has had the privilege of designing shows for a long time – 2024 will be his 27th Year. Sam started working on displays when he turned 18, right after graduating from high school in 1979. In 1988 he got his CA Basic Public display license #1177-02.
In 1987 Sam started working at San Diego Fireworks as a shop technician, prepping all kinds of low level devices, aerial shells, building set pieces and crewing on displays, handling all types of fireworks. That’s where he learned what they’re called and what they do! Over the years he had plenty of mentors including Dick Borgerding, Ron Dixon, Eric Tucker, Ken Nixon, Jim Souza and Jean Star. Since then he had the honor of creating 1000’s of friendships that to this day are what makes his pyro tenure worth it.

Sam has done a ton of traveling across the globe to work on or watch some of the best pyrotechnics a person can: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, Malta, Canada and Mexico and oodles of events such as Olympics, Super Bowls, NFL, MLB, NCAA, Soccer, Lacrosse and many theme parks and festivals. The KGB Sky Show in San Diego was a display that had been a long time desire to be able to produce, which he has been able to do brilliantly multiple times now.

As a show designer, Sam has found that the few who have this privilege pretty much feel as he does. A display is built with many, many looks from the start to the end. He states “Our work is valuable; Our job is to finesse the pyrotechnics to tell the story while unwrapping and revealing the moods and intensity of the audio track. A successful display is leaving the audience begging for more, appreciating the in-show pyrotechnic offerings.” He dreads hearing: “That was a great finale” The Finale is Just That, The End! – All parts of a Synchronized and Choreographed Display are equally important.