Edgar Lizarraga worked as a Production Scheduler at a local veneer manufacturing company and spent most of his hours making sure that production schedules ran efficiently and on time. He studied management techniques like 6 Sigma and Kaizen, business philosophies focusing on continuous improvement.
Today, he still uses those skills but enjoys his work much more. He started and runs The Mighty Express, a trackless train ride that runs safely through The Shoppes at Chino Hills every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
"I can get that entire train loaded or unloaded in less than 20 minutes. I have a system." said Edgar. You can tell when you talk to him, that he uses his management skills to work out all these small details.
Edgar and his wife Letty, have two sons. "Both of my boys have always loved train rides... so do I!" said Edgar. "I used to take them on trains as often as possible and they loved every minute."
Now Edgar lets them ride anytime they want to along with hundreds of delighted children each weekend. A ride around the Shoppes is $2.00 per ticket for adults and children (above 2 yrs old). They also offer "Discount Cards" where frequent riders get 12 rides for the cost of 10... And people use them. Kids never tire of the ride around the Shoppes in the Mighty Express. Edgar plays the role of Engineer and wears the uniform to boot, striped engineer cap and all. Before each ride, you can hear him call out, "All Aboooaaarrrd!!" with the ring of his bell.
Train Rides for Local Events and Fund raisers
During the week, The Mighty Express is available for local events, picnics, churches, and fund raisers. They have done several large events and toy drives at huge venues including a special event with Garth Kemp (of Channel 7) at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
Advertising
Edgar offers advertising on the tops of each train car for very reasonable rates. He estimates that over 20,000 persons view those train cars per month.
"Advertising on The Mighty Express is a great way to reach out to families with children in Chino Hills and the surrounding area. They're a strong demographic." said Edgar. This is one entrepreneur/engineer that knows how to have fun while he works. All Aboooaaarrdddd!
For more information on The Mighty Express, visit their web site at www.chinohills.com/mightyexpress.
