Meet Johnny “Bronto” Lipscomb
A Detroit transplant, Johnny “Bronto” Lipscomb didn’t always know he would live and work in Central Florida. In fact, Bronto attended Eastern Michigan University with the hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher. Fate, however, would intervene.
After a particularly frustrating Michigan day, Johnny needed to vent. As most people would, he called a trusted friend (who also happened to be an alumni of the Walt Disney World College Program). Aware of the healing powers of Florida weather and tourist attractions, that friend gave Johnny a piece of life-changing advice.
Why don’t you move to Orlando?
This singular conversation made history! While it would take a few months to bring the move to fruition, Johnny made the immediate decision to relocate to the Sunshine State and the home of Mickey Mouse.
Life in Orlando
After arriving in Orlando, Johnny built a life in his new city. While he did not ultimately become a school teacher, he did end up using his teaching skills and public speaking talent to impact the local community. As a corporate educator and training instructor in the real estate world, Johnny helps agents and professionals achieve their fullest potential and maximum success. He recently celebrated his nine year anniversary with Stellar MLS.
As a new Orlando resident, Bronto attended his very first Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) in 2008. As a “victim” of Halloween Horror Nights: Reflections of Fear (Bloody Mary’s year), Johnny was blown away by the sets, costumes, scaractors, and atmosphere of this popular event. Already a movie buff and horror-film enthusiast, Johnny fell in love with haunted houses and spooky happenings. While he remains an HHN fan (Jonny’s favorite Universal house to date is Nightingales: Blood Prey), Bronto soon discovered the vast array of locally produced haunted events throughout Central Florida – each of which offers a unique story and experience for diehard horror aficionados. It wasn’t long before this passion turned into something more, and Johnny began utilizing his professional public speaking skills to promote and support local haunt professionals and attractions.
Enter HauntScene!
In 2015, Johnny founded HauntScene – a media company with a unique focus on locally produced haunts and horror experiences. Instead of reviewing events or focusing on a few select favorites, the HauntScene team strives to shine a light on all notable industry leaders, creators, and, of course, their spooky attractions. And they don’t just do this during the Fall season. Throughout the year, HauntScene is posting pictures from their hair-raising adventures, interviewing prominent figures within the scary community, and highlighting the horror-filled happenings that many of us adore. By supporting the haunt industry and spreading awareness of locally produced haunted events, Johnny is connecting horror addicts with a variety of creators – allowing local haunters to broaden their potential fan base and haunt-goers to discover new, terrifying adventures!
In 2018, HauntScene expanded its reach beyond the Florida state lines. Each year the team completes a road trip, visiting attractions and haunted productions in other parts of the United States. It’s HauntScene’s goal to visit at least one haunt in every state – and they are getting closer to that objective every year. You can find a comprehensive record of their adventures and haunt coverage on their website.
Getting the Scoop from HauntScene
As a horror fan, the best way to enjoy HauntScene’s coverage is through their weekly, LIVE show. Catch it on Facebook at 8pm every Tuesday night from March – November. Each week, you’ll enjoy interviews with haunt professionals, deep dives into the industry, and information on existing and emerging attractions. If you miss the live show, you can find the recorded version in their video archive. Follow their Instagram for beautifully horrifying photography, and don’t forget to check their website for spooky happenings throughout Central Florida and beyond.
Thanks, Johnny!
It’s been quite a journey since Johnny Bronto took that initial leap of faith and made the move to Orlando so many years ago. And thank goodness he did! Few people end up making the kind of thoughtful impact that he and HauntScene have on the local community. While Orlando is generally thought of as a world-class theme park destination, we can’t forget the local talent and creativity that makes our city so unique. Thank you, Johnny Bronto, for your passion and dedication to the haunt industry and the difference you make in the lives of haunt enthusiasts all over Central Florida.
© HauntScene 
© HauntScene 
© HauntScene
If you would like to suggest an influential individual (or nonprofit organization) to be featured in our local profile series, contact Krysti at krysti@orlandodecoded.com.
