Atlas Pyrovision Productions is the tech-savvy millennial of the firework industry. 60 years young, the company focuses on the importance of technology in its shows.
Steve Pelkey, president and artistic director of Jaffrey, N.H.-based Atlas, never thought he would end up in the business. Now 49, he remembers being a kid and "having a fascination with what happened when the fireworks went in the air." But that was about it.
But his now ex-wife's family -- the former owners of Atlas -- convinced him to get into the business. He proceeded to take over the company and has been running it for 27 years.
By staying on top of technology delivery systems and being innovative, Pelkey has allowed Atlas to lead the technological game. This 4th of July, his company will put on a show on the Connecticut River, and its three barges will simultaneously launch fireworks -- all of which will be done wirelessly.
With such old and well-established competitors, Pelkey paused when taking over Atlas. He asked himself, "Do you want to compete with the Joneses? Or do you want to do something different?"
He chose the latter.
Where to Watch: Boston, Mass.; Hartford, Conn. at the river
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