# Michael Tockstein

Having an absolute fascination with fireworks and an interest in electronics since he was a kid, Mike promptly earned his CA pyrotechnic operator’s license two weeks after his 21st birthday, and went on to earn his M.S. degree in electrical engineering a number of years later. After operating shows for fireworks display company Pyro Spectaculars for a number of years, Mike started Pyro Innovations in the early 2000s, which ultimately grew into the most comprehensive online training platform for professional fireworks and a recruitment powerhouse.  Throughout his decades as a licensed pyrotechnician, Mike has performed hundreds of professional fireworks displays, been involved in many entertainment and media productions, including Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters,” along with celebrity weddings, major sporting events, TV commercials, theme parks, and more.  In addition to continuing to produce new pyrotechnic related educational content on his website and YouTube channel, today Mike enjoys spending time with his family and providing unique experiences like Western WinterBlast for his two daughters.

## Sessions

- [Building the Boom - A Day in the Life of Crafting A Sky Bound Spectacle](https://www.westernpyro.org/events/winterblast/2027/schedule/building-the-boom-a-day-in-the-life-of-crafting-a-sky-bound-spectacle) at Western WinterBlast 2027