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BUILT BY FAMILY,
FOR FAMILIES

ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Much has changed since Kevin McNicholas founded SSA in 1971, but even as our business grew, evolved and shifted into new markets, who we are has always stayed the same. We are a family business built on personal relationships, always taking the long view approach to business.

About Us

OUR STORY

BUILT BY FAMILY, FOR FAMILIES.

Much has changed since Kevin McNicholas founded SSA in 1971, but even as our business grew, evolved and shifted into new markets, who we are has always stayed the same. We are a family business built on personal relationships, always taking the long view approach to business.

2020

50 Years in Business

SSA celebrates its 50th year in business and even as our business continues to grow, evolve and shift into new markets, who we are has always stayed the same: we are a family business built on personal relationships, always taking the long view approach to business.

2020

1971

Hand Shake

Our history begins with a “hand shake” agreement in 1971, in which Kevin McNicholas crafted a partnership to provide programs, souvenirs, and press box catering at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. That same year, we started our long-standing partnership with the National Western Complex. And three years later, we came together with the Denver Zoo.

1971

SSA is Born

1989

In 1989 Kevin McNicholas founded Service Systems Associates, with his business partner, Tim Brantley, helping it grow to become one of the premier visitor services companies in the country.

SSA is Born

The Family Business Grows

2010

Following in his father’s footsteps, Sean McNicholas joined the ownership team of SSA, leading our strategic financing and growth initiatives. SSA now serves well over 25 million visitors annually!

The Family Business Grows

Growth

2012

The Round Table was formed to elevate and grow our executive team while keeping the family core to the company. Bringing on various talents from around all industries, SSA was able to accelerate our footprint under a decade.

 

Growth

Our History

2020

50 Years in Business

SSA celebrates its 50th year in business and even as our business continues to grow, evolve and shift into new markets, who we are has always stayed the same: we are a family business built on personal relationships, always taking the long view approach to business.

2020

1971

Hand Shake

Our history begins with a “hand shake” agreement in 1971, in which Kevin McNicholas crafted a partnership to provide programs, souvenirs, and press box catering at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. That same year, we started our long-standing partnership with the National Western Complex. And three years later, we came together with the Denver Zoo.

1971

SSA is Born

1989

In 1989 Kevin McNicholas founded Service Systems Associates, with his business partner, Tim Brantley, helping it grow to become one of the premier visitor services companies in the country.

SSA is Born

The Family Business Grows

2010

Following in his father’s footsteps, Sean McNicholas joined the ownership team of SSA, leading our strategic financing and growth initiatives. SSA now serves well over 25 million visitors annually!

The Family Business Grows

Growth

2012

The Round Table was formed to elevate and grow our executive team while keeping the family core to the company. Bringing on various talents from around all industries, SSA was able to accelerate our footprint under a decade.

 

Growth

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE MEANS DOING MORE

DICE

Through our one-of-a-kind DICE program, we recognize that investment in a diverse team not only makes us better, but also improves the community we serve.

We believe in mentorship and support. We don’t just provide jobs, we provide stepping stones for professional and personal growth.

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BUILT BY FAMILY, FOR FAMILIES

ThE personal feeling of family permeates our entire team

We are a family business built on personal relationships, always taking the long view in our approach to business. Because we’re a family business, we think generationally about how we operate, always considering the long-term legacy and mission of our partners. SSA is uniquely positioned as a large company with a small company feel that can offer more of a personal relationship. Built by family, for families, we still are 100% independent.

THE MOMENTS BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCES BUILT BY FAMILY, FOR FAMILIES.

Excellence is never an accident. It requires hustle, teamwork, authenticity, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Above all else, it requires passion. We strive for operational excellence and unmatched ability in all that we do – externally with our partners, and internally with our people.

DICE

Through our one-of-a-kind DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, Community, Engagement) strategy, we recognize that investment in a diverse team not only makes us better, but also improved the community we serve.
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Sustainability

Sustainability, conservation and education are the quintessence of who these institutions are at their core, and SSA is the best partner for driving change and moving the needle. We’re always more than just a guest service partner. SSA is an equal in the fight for a stronger sustainable business and a larger position in conservation. The choices that guests make matter, and we lead our partners to go plastic-free in our gift shops, promote eco-friendly collections throughout our operations, and use sustainably sourced ingredients and practices to complete our menus. Together, we are making the world better.

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