Utah Business proudly presents this year’s cohort of our Leaders of the Year award. These 12 honorees represent accomplishments of Utah’s business community in 2024 and were selected by the Utah Business editorial team.
Lagoon is a summer staple in Utah. From rides and rollercoasters to themed adventures and live shows, a day-long visit promises fun for the whole family. And none of it would be possible without the tireless efforts of Lagoon’s leadership team: Kristen Freed, president; Madison O’Bagy, director of marketing; Julie Freed, director of special events; Christopher O’Bagy, director of group events; Terry Capener, general manager; André Mecham, director of safety and security; Jimmy Sunlight, director of operations; Tim Bean, director of purchasing; Dustin Allen, director of engineering; and David Gray, director of human resources.
Lagoon is a top employer for young people in Utah, hiring employees as young as 14 years old. Many on Lagoon’s leadership team have spent their entire careers with the park, starting off in entry-level jobs. Madison O’Bagy, Christopher O’Bagy and Kristen Freed all started their careers with Lagoon in their youth.
Kristen began as a ride operator, where she learned to run every ride in the park. This gave her an understanding of the intricacies of Lagoon’s operations, which has followed her into her current role where she selects and designs new attractions.
In the 1980s, alongside her brother David W. Freed, Kristen installed the first major steel coaster, known as Colossus: The Fire Dragon. Over the next several decades, Kristen, David and their team traveled worldwide in search of the best rides and attractions to add to Lagoon.
Lagoon’s past, spanning back to 1886, lives on through a few select attractions: one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in the world, the original Lagoon carousel, and Pioneer Village, where visitors step back in time to experience the Old West.
The future of the park will be found in two new treat stations, Peacock Parlour and Carousel Candy, and an upcoming area suitable for both kids and adults called “The District” that will feature three new rides and a “journey through time and imagination,” says Julie.
The rich history of the park, unique attractions and great leadership has put Lagoon in the spotlight for many years. Most recently, Lagoon’s ride, Primordial, has earned two prestigious industry accolades. After being named “Best New Theme Park Attraction” by USA Today, the ride went on to win the 2024 Brass Ring Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) — the industry’s highest honor for outstanding achievement and creativity. The attraction broke the world record for tallest vertical drop track, features an 80,000 square-foot mountain and includes an unprecedented interactive portion.
“Our brilliant team created something extraordinary with Primordial, combining storytelling, artistry and engineering into a world-class attraction,” Julie says. The ride has drawn comparisons to Universal and Disney-level experiences.
“We were honored by the recognition,” Julie says.“The road to opening Primordial was littered with strife, not limited to weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. We view these awards not only as wins for Lagoon but as achievements for Utah as a whole.”
Over 75 percent of the ride was manufactured in Utah and took 8 years of hard work to pull off. The recognition from both USA Today and IAAPA proves that a knowledgeable, loyal and committed team can overcome obstacles and put together something truly extraordinary.