Steve started performing magic at the age of 11 when he assisted a friend with
a sixth grade classroom magic show. His interest and skill in magic grew and soon he was performing
at various local churches, scout troops, birthday parties, and other local venues.
He continued doing his magic through his college years at Southwest Baptist University
in Bolivar, Missouri. On several occasions he teamed up to provide magic shows for special university events.
Steve graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 1975. It was there that he met
his wife, Celia. The two have been married since 1976 and live in the home they built in Blue Springs, Missouri,
on Chicago Street in 1979.
Following Steve's graduation from college, magic took a backstage role to his
other endeavors and interests. In 1979, after having learned the electrical trade from his father,
he started
his own electrical company, Paragon Electric, and today still remains a minority owner. In 1982 he began a
wholesale and retail fireworks business, Lighthouse Fireworks, which currently serves as his main source of
income. Steve and Celia started Midwestern Christian Academy, a K-12th grade private school, in 1987, and
served as the school administrator for 14 years.
Steve is the creator and man behind the annual Chicago Street Christmas Lighting Display.
For over 20 years, the neighborhood display has involved over 55 houses along its three-street route, drawing
an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 spectators each year. The Christmas scenes, many of which are animated,
depict the life of Christ in lights.
 Over the past 15 years, the display has brought in an estimated $250,000 for
local charities. He was named "Blue Springs Citizen of the Year" in 1994 for his work with the Christmas
lighting display.
In April of 2002 Steve was elected to the Blue Springs City Council and two years later
elected as Blue Springs Mayor. His hobbies and interests include video editing, computers, sports, and
performing magic shows.
Steve can also be seen officiating junior and senior high school volleyball games
during the fall and winter months.
Shortly after becoming mayor, Steve's interest in magic perked once again after
he was asked to be the keynote speaker at several local 5th grade D.A.R.E. graduations.
He currently performs a variety of shows for children and adults in and around
the Kansas City area. He is a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and The Society of
American Magicians.
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