Welcome to the Hocus Pocus Meet the Staff page. Here, you'll find all the behind-the-scenes information on all the great people that help make Hocus Pocus your number one online magic resource in the world!
Owners Paul & Betty Gross Paul Gross began his magic career very early on, performing magic at age 8 when he frequented Buma's House of Magic in San Francisco. As an adult, Paul performed for family and private parties, and was the official Bank of America Magician, travelling all over the United States. Paul was also the official magician for Holiday Inn Comfort Suites and performed corporate work and hosted many magic conventions. Paul has performed all facets of magic , from performing large stage illusions to strolling close-up magic! By the time he was in his late teenage years, he decided to open his first magic store in Fresno, California. High profile magicians and celebrities frequented the shop and word got around that something different and unique resided in Fresno, California! Paul says the real magic in his life, however, is his wife, Betty. Betty and he work together side-by-side every day at Hocus Pocus and are both dedicated to serving your magical needs.
Mike Giusti (right) - Graphics, Advertising, Web Design, Resident Loon & HP Poster Boy Mike Giusti is one of the zaniest, most entertaining comedy magicians in the world today, providing award-winning, unique and hysterical entertainment for television, cruise lines, concerts, casinos, corporate & private events, variety shows, restaurants, and even radio! Unlike most magicians, Mike developed a love for the art of magic at the late age of 42, which is rather odd, considering he's still in his 30s! Affectionately dubbed the "Rubberface of Magic" by his peers due to his highly unusual and entertaining facial expressions, Mike is a globetrotting comedy magician with a reputation for the unexpected and unexplainable! Mike has performed magic and comedy internationally and throughout the States for countless venues. Mike's rare brand of comedy magic makes him one of the most sought-after performers working today! In addition to performing, Mike has also created many unique and original effects, all of which were carried through Hocus Pocus. Mike rarely has time to sleep with all the creative energy he has. He even hosts his own show, The Mike on the Mic Radio Show on the Magic Broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM Pacific Time. Mike is also the graphic designer and web site developer/maintainer for Hocus Pocus.
Tony Blanco (middle) - Manager, Sales Representative, & Jack of All Trades
Defying the age-old theory
that a performer can be a jack of all trades is the
best way to describe multi-talented Tony Blanco.
Starting in the mid 1970's he worked from being a magician and mime
on the streets of New York City.
Then teaching magic and clowning for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In
New York Tony's talents were seen at hundreds of private high end parties.
Using all his circus skills learned as a graduate of the famous Ringling Bros.and Barnum and Bailey he was a one man circus. Puppetry became one
of Tony's passions, creating his own puppet company. Being trained by many
different puppet performers, some who even worked with Muppets lead to
a spot in the wedding scene in "The Muppets Take Manhattan".
Moving out West found Tony's street
magician performer style was used by some of the great casinos in Reno.
Tony's talent to gather a crowds was great in promotional events
for properties such as Circus Circus Reno, Harold's Club and the Eldorado.
After a year in Reno found Tony in Las Vegas at Circus Circus. He worked his
way up the entertainment ladder as a strolling magician, Circus Circus Clown
and then Ringmaster Magician. From Circus Circus to hundreds of conventions
and trade shows, then to the Excalibur Hotel Casino with his own show Magic
and Mirth.
Tony's many talents he has learned over
these past 33 years of showbiz include: Magic, (Close-up and Stage) Family
style and comedy magic, Juggling, Unicycling, Stiltwalking, Puppetry, Fire
eating, Tightrope walking, Sewing, Woodworking, Puppet Builder,
Costume design and builder. Tony is also the co-author of the book
"Creative Clowning" which has been considered the best book for clowning. He
has lectured and appeared at conventions for Magicians, Clowns and
Puppeteers. Tony is also the manager at Hocus Pocus and teaches magic
classes weekly for ages young and old.
Jan Ward - Shipping & Receiving Manager Whether she wanted to or not, Jan Ward was exposed to magic at a very young age. At the age of 6, Jan, Paul Gross' sister, was also his magic assistant. Whether getting locked in a trunk or having a sword stuck in her neck (long story), in some way, somehow, Jan has always been a part of magic. Now, any box or package you receive was personally packed or overseen by Jan herself! Hundreds of packages a week are all under the watchful eye of Jan. How one person does as much as she does is magic to all of us!
Ken Walker - Shipping & Customer Service Ken Walker, the gentle giant of Hocus Pocus works in the shipping and receiving department. Ken frequents Renaissance Fairs and is an aspiring author persuing a BA in English at Fresno City College. If you've ever ordered something through Hocus Pocus, chances are Ken processed your order to insure quick and prompt delivery! Ken also heads up the Customer Service department.
Karen Ceppaglia - Shipping & Customer Service Karen, Paul Gross' cousin, was also introduced to magic at a very early age. We were extremely happy when Karen offered to join the Hocus Pocus family. Along with her shipping and customer service duties, Karen also assembles many of Hocus Pocus' original effects like the Baxt's Better Newspaper Tear, Martin Lewis' Cardiographic, and many others. Karen's son, Joey, has also been bitten by the magic bug and has been attending Hocus Pocus magic classes regularly. |
