Tom Acomb and Mike Ostendorf founded AOA in 2009 after working together for many years at Walt Disney Imagineering. The firm has helped shape numerous award-winning themed entertainment projects around the world.
“We learned a lot at Imagineering, from the second generation after Walt Disney. Amazing, legendary mentors. Then we went and worked for some other folks and realised that there was a market to provide our creative process and PM procedures globally. I also think there was a history and a business chemistry with the two of us,” Acomb told blooloop.
Providing immersive experience design, production, procurement management and full-service project management, AOA has few direct competitors. Its themed entertainment and hospitality credits include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs, Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas and Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia.
“Truly, I have to say, all our projects stand out to me,” added Ostendorf. “Tom and I have a finger on the pulse, yet we have unbelievable people that are continuing the traditions we started AOA. Every project that we touch gets the same level of passion and commitment.”
“Mike and Tom embrace innovation and new ideas,” said one colleague. “They created a company that is built on trust, authenticity and transparency. This has kept AOA ahead of the curve in this ever-changing world.”
One person who nominated Acomb and Ostendorf said they are “truly the next generation design, construction and project management team for the future of the immersive environment business”.