AMA Names Tyler Dobbs As Executive Director

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has announced the appointment of Tyler Dobbs as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. Dobbs succeeds Chad Budreau, who had served in the role since 2018.

Tyler Dobbs has been a dedicated leader within the AMA for nearly a decade, most

recently serving as the Government Affairs Senior Director, where he led the organization’s advocacy efforts on behalf of recreational model aviation enthusiasts across the United States. His proven leadership, deep understanding of the hobby, and commitment to the AMA’s

mission position him perfectly to lead the organization into its

next chapter.

“Tyler has long demonstrated an unwavering passion for model aviation and a strong commitment to the AMA’s members,” said AMA President Rich Hanson. “His experience working with policymakers, his strategic vision, and his hands-on knowledge of our community make him the ideal leader to guide the AMA as we continue to protect, promote, and grow the hobby we all love.”

In his new role, Dobbs will oversee the AMA’s operations, including membership services, educational outreach, safety initiatives, and advocacy efforts at both the federal and local levels. He will also lead efforts to further strengthen the AMA’s partnerships with industry

stakeholders, youth organizations, and government agencies.

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Executive Director,” said Dobbs. “The AMA has been a part of my life for many years, and I am deeply committed to serving our members and ensuring a vibrant future for model aviation. Along with our incredible staff, volunteers, and members, I look forward to continuing the work of preserving and advancing this great hobby.”

Internet Meme Hobby Store Finds A New Owner

We highlighted the “Backrooms” in the October 2024 issue of Hobby Merchandiser. At the time, HobbyTown Oshkosh owner Robert Mazza was dealing with being the center of an online controversy,

the “Backrooms,” an internet urban legend. Now, he may have a buyer for the business and building.

John Hetzel, owner of John’s Hobbies in nearby Hartford, said he intends to take over the hobby store business once he can obtain the funds to purchase the building. Hetzel said he plans to keep the Oshkosh store intact, including the store’s established racing programs.

The building is in need of restoration, with roof and brick repairs estimated at more than $120,000. Hetzel’s store has faced problems of its own, with a water leak forcing a shutdown for repairs that took several weeks. Mazza had started a fundraiser to replace the roof on the building, built sometime before 1913.

The story of the “Backrooms” is a bizarre insight into the early days of the Internet. When he opened the store in 2003, Mazza posted some photos of the building before it was converted into an RC track and other uses. The images of the upstairs portion of the building became known as “The Backrooms.” The photos featured the many walls between the ceiling support poles, plain wallpaper, and molding carpet, all lit with a yellow hue from an old fluorescent tube light.

The space was soon remodeled, but the photos remained online. Somehow, the images went viral, and enthusiasts spent 10 years tracking down the location of the creepy, outdated rooms. Online rumors swirled that the rooms were a gateway to another dimension or that people could be teleported there and trapped.

Mazza has fielded calls and emails from around the world and welcomed visitors who are surprised the building still exists.

Owning the building has helped Mazza operate with low overhead, and he fears the business would not be sustainable in a location where he had to pay rent.

HobbyTown Springfield Opens Larger Location

The HobbyTown in Springfield, Missouri, reopened in a new, larger location in

a long-empty storefront. Owner Tim Weyers said the store outgrew its previous square footage. “I wanted something different; I wanted the store to be a place where people can come in and feel at home,” he told Ozarksfirst.com.Weyers added lots of toys for fun and education, in addition to the traditional RC and model railroading stock. There’s an RC track, party zone, crafting/gaming space, and a bunch of toys, puzzles and fun for all ages.

Customers love the huge Tyrannosaurus Rex figure from Schleich in the center of the shop and take pictures in front of the massive mural that highlights Springfield’s heritage as a transportation hub, including Route 66, a railroad car and a vintage airplane.

Weyer said the location has become a demonstration or trial shop for brands trying out new concepts. It’s the first U.S. retailer to host a Ravensburger puzzle store-within-a store, which is common in German toy shops. It’s also a flagship store for Schleich animal figures and Bandai models and figures.