Our Expert Pyrotechnicians

Meet the Francisco Display Fireworks Team!

Ryan, the founder and lead pyrotechnician of Francisco Display Fireworks, LLC, brings over a decade of passion and expertise to the art of professional fireworks displays.  Based in Scottsburg, Virginia, Ryan has transformed countless celebrations into unforgettable spectacles, specializing in creating magical moments for weddings and special events across Virginia and North Carolina.

With an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, Ryan has established himself as one of the area's most trusted fireworks professionals.  His company offers innovative solutions including the signature "Send Off" display and "Finale for Photos" experience and cutting-edge cold spark effects, all while maintaining rigorous safety standards that exceed industry requirements.

Leading a skilled team of professionals, Ryan personally oversees every aspect of his operations, from initial consultation to final display execution.  His dedication to creating breathtaking shows has made Francisco Display Fireworks the go-to choice for couples and event planners seeking to add that perfect spark to their special occasions.

Kaley Francisco, Lead Technician at Francisco Display Fireworks, embodies the evolving face of modern pyrotechnics with six years of distinguished experience in the field.  As a trailblazing female pyrotechnician, she challenges industry stereotypes while delivering exceptional displays that range from intimate venues to major celebrations.

Known for her commanding presence and precise attention to detail, Kaley has established herself as a respected leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.  Her meticulous approach to show execution and unwavering focus on safety protocols have set new standards of excellence within the company and the broader pyrotechnics community.

In her role as Lead Technician, Kaley demonstrates remarkable versatility, expertly managing displays in challenging close-proximity venues while equally excelling at large-scale celebrations.  Her technical expertise, combined with her assertive leadership style, has proven invaluable to Francisco Display Fireworks' reputation for delivering flawless performances.

As both a skilled pyrotechnician and role model, Kaley continues to inspire the next generation of professionals, proving that excellence in pyrotechnics knows no gender boundaries.  Her contributions have not only strengthened the company's capabilities but also helped pave the way for greater diversity within the industry.

Richard Hamlett serves as a Lead Technician at Francisco Display Fireworks, bringing four years of dedicated pyrotechnic expertise to every display.  As a certified pyrotechnician licensed by the State of Virginia, Richard has masterfully orchestrated over 45 professional shows, specializing in large-scale corporate events and sophisticated electronic firing systems.

In his role as Lead Technician, Richard demonstrates exceptional leadership by overseeing all aspects of display operations from initial setup to final cleanup.  His comprehensive approach to show management, combined with his technical proficiency in electronic firing systems, ensures each display meets Francisco Display Fireworks' high standards of safety and spectacle.

Richard's experience in managing corporate events showcases his ability to execute complex displays with precision and professionalism.  His attention to detail and commitment to safety protocols make him an invaluable member of the Francisco Display Fireworks team, where he continues to deliver awe-inspiring experiences for clients across Virginia.

Austin Slabach brings five years of pyrotechnic excellence to his role as Lead Technician at Francisco Display Fireworks. As a licensed pyrotechnician with the State of Virginia, Austin has demonstrated his expertise across more than 40 professional displays, ranging from intimate wedding celebrations to grand Fourth of July spectaculars.

Known for his meticulous preparation and strategic approach, Austin stands out for his ability to develop comprehensive contingency plans, ensuring shows proceed flawlessly regardless of the circumstances. His forward-thinking mindset and problem-solving skills have become invaluable assests to the Francisco Display Fireworks team.

As a Lead Technician, Austin oversees every aspect of display operations, maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance. His versatility in managing both small-scale wedding displays and large public events showcases his adaptability and technical prowess in the field. Austin's commitment to excellence and reliable execution has helped establish Francisco Display Fireworks as a trusted name in professional pyrotechnics across Virginia.

With over 3 years of pyrotechnics experience, Evan Slabach brings versatility, technical expertise, and a passion for creating unforgettable displays to every show.  Whether he's designing an intimate wedding fireworks finale or coordinating a large-scale professional production, Evan excels at tailoring each display to match up the unique vision and atmosphere of the event.  His ability to adapt to different venues, work seamlessly with clients, and deliver flawless performances has quickly established him as a trusted leader on our team.

Evan is fully licensed in Virginia and comes from a firefighter background, giving him the safety-first mindset that's absolutely essential in the pyrotechnics industry.  His training in emergency response and fire safety protocols ensures that every display he leads meets the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.  Clients can trust that their event is in capable, experienced hands.

Fun fact:  Evan is the brother of our lead technician Austin Slabach. Pyrotechnics leadership truly runs in the family!  The Slabach brothers share a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a genuine love for creating magical moments that guests will remember for years to come.

Steve Bechtold brings a unique and valuable background to Francisco Display Fireworks as a retired firefighter and hazmat specialist from Floyd, VA.  With years of experience in emergency response and hazardous materials management, Steve has built a career around safety, precision, and staying calm under pressure, which are qualities that translate perfectly to the world of professional pyrotechnics.

While he's new to the fireworks industry, Steve has quickly proven himself as a dedicated and skilled technician.  He's already performed multiple successful shows across all display levels, from intimate consumer displays to large-scale professional productions.  His ability to learn quickly, adapt to different venue requirements, and execute flawless displays has made him an invaluable addition to our crew.

Steve is now fully Virginia licensed and ready to help create unforgettable moments for your special events.  His extensive firefighter training, deep understanding of fire safety protocols, and meticulous attention to detail make him a perfect fit for our team's unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.  Whether it's a wedding celebration, corporate event, or community gathering, Steve brings the professionalism and expertise that Francisco Display Fireworks is known for.