Jeff Coonce owns a business that has more pop, snap, flash and bang than most people can ever imagine.
His company, Pyro Guys, specializes in fireworks, and every outdoor concert at the Reno Hilton ends with one of its dazzling shows.
"I dabbled in pyro as a kid then it became a career when I was the Stage Left Supervisor at Hello Hollywood Hello." That position put him in charge of the show's pyro crew.
"After the show closed in 1989, I decided to keep going as I enjoyed it and could fill a void at local concerts and conventions," he said.
"It took me five years to get the license I needed as two Nevada pyrotechnicians are required to sign off on my work, and I had to do 1,000 hours or 50 shows."
At that time Coonce worked for free or for very little money.
Once, when he was supposed to get paid, the technician told Coonce he could consider his time as "paying his dues."
"That guy knew I would take away some of his business when I got my license and I did," he said.
The company's name came while he was working a show at Harvey's Hotel and Casino.
"They were always asking, 'Where's the Pyro Guy,' so I chose that name for the business," Coonce said.
The company's principle market is indoor shows, either stage productions or conventions.
Besides pyro the company offers confetti cannons, smoke, mirror balls , two 16-inch strobes and flame projectors.
"We're unique as we can do water shows as I have a barge," he added.
"And, we can do rooftop shows as well." Coonce explained that outdoor and indoor shows are very different.
"It takes more labor for an outdoor show and sometimes we hire part-time help for those," he said.
"Safety is the major consideration indoor shows.We use cold spark products and need to be aware of clearances, audience proximity, talent location as well as any flammable surroundings."
Keeping up with the many regulations takes a constant effort due to the many licenses and permits Coonce has.
These include a Nevada state pyro license, certificate of registration and a license from the U.S.
Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms.
"Even though I am only required to carry $1 million of general liability insurance, I carry $2 million," he said.
One extra Pyro Guys has over its competition is that Coonce works with two other licensed technicians; his wife Zan and long-time assistant Danny Sommers.
This allows them to do more than one show at a time.
After explaining this, he laughed and said, "But I'm still the master pyro technician."
The licenses allow Coonce to buy the products used in shows as well as the specialized equipment needed to make it all happen.While his business is based at his home, he stores the products in bunker at a remote location.
While it looks simple, a show doesn't just happen.
"Preplanning is needed as the fire department likes two weeks notice," he said.
The sequence used to produce a good looking show also requires planning.This is where Coonce's stage experience and UNR art degree help.
"You can't just shoot shells but need a pattern and design for a good show," he said.
Concerts visiting Reno often arrive with pyro crews lacking the necessary licenses so Coonce oversees their work to be sure everything is done safely.
As a result he's worked with The Backstreet Boys, Kiss,Tina Turner and WWF Wrestling among others.
One disadvantage in being local is that Pyro Guys operates in a limited market that is suffering an economic slowdown.
Still, there are signs of better times ahead.
"One positive is that we did the first ever pryo show at the Reno Rodeo this year, Coonce said.
"Another is that we have a lot of repeat business in this area." Coonce feels being local has advantages.
"It's very important to know the local conditions and winds here," he said.
"I have a good relationship with area fire departments and we're big on fire prevention.
Outside competitors might have a lower base price but we offer savings as the venue doesn't have to pay for meals, lodging or transportation."
