802: Dick Stoner - Trade Show Pioneer

At 93 years of age, Dick Stoner was a pioneer in performing magic at trade shows and a magic shop owner since the 1940’s. It is because of people like Dick that other magicians have been successful trade show performers. Certainly many of us are figuratively standing on his shoulders. But not only that, Dick has owned and operated Stoners Funstore in Fort Wayne, Indiana, since 1949. There are few brick and mortar shops that have been around that long.

While attending the 2023 Abbott’s Get Together, I had the chance to sit down with Dick Stoner to record this week’s chat. He attends this convention somewhat regularly, but doesn’t stay more than a day, so it was hard to catch him. In this episode we chat about his magic store as well as his career as a trade show magician. He also reminisces about some of those with whom he worked like Johnny Thompson, Eddie Tullock Bud Dietrich and other trade show titans.

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606: Al the Only - Business Tips

From Michigan to Hawaii, Al the Only has entertained thousands of people in restaurants, at trade shows, and for corporate banquets over the decades. He is also a mainstay of Abbott’s Get Together in Colon, Michigan, where each year he conducts the “magic graveyard” tour about which he literally “wrote the book” on who is buried there.

Al has a lifetime of experience that he shares in an encapsulated hour. He gives us some great business tips on working trade shows, performing in restaurants, and entertaining corporate audiences. He also discusses his role as the tour guide for the Colon, Michigan, “Magic Cemetery.”

Click on this graphic for more info on the Crown Royal egg bag by Robert Baxt.

Magic Graveyard winner - Jim Jorgensen.jpg

593: David Magee - Reinventor

From behind the radio microphone to trade show floors to celebrity charity shows to casino showrooms to a one-man show, Dave Magee is one of those performers who excels in every category. He is one of the busiest magicians who most magicians have never heard of. He doesn’t have products for sale to magicians and rarely appears at magic conventions. But he has found more than one niche where he is comfortable and earns a very comfortable living. Along the way, he has called on the expertise of Johnny Thompson who went from a producer/director/consultant to a best friend.

Las Vegas mentalist and illusionist David Magee is back with a 100% new show for this year's Dominican Republic missions benefit.

A military exclusive! Mentalist and sleight-of-hand artist David Magee chats with Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Kevin “KO Osby” about his mind-blowing act, his mentors, and he throws in a few live tricks just for you!

In this episode, Dave talks about how working free shows is a good thing that can advance your career if you wisely choose the correct charities. He also shares many stories about working with Johnny Thompson, how he developed his niche at Indian casinos, and performing his own “sold out” one-man magic show.

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