In 2010, Chris Stafford made a pivotal decision to leave his 12-year banking career and pursue his long-held passion for the spooky season by launching a haunted house business. This bold move marked the beginning of what would become Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a prominent name in the world of Halloween attractions across the United States.
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Stafford’s introduction to the world of fright and fun began at the tender age of 15 when a friend invited him to help out at a family-owned haunted house. “I was bit by the bug,” Stafford recalled during an exclusive interview, where he shared insights into his thrilling journey. This formative experience set the stage for his future ventures, as he spent every Halloween working at haunted attractions.
Fast forward to today, and Stafford serves as CEO and founding partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, which operates an impressive 19 seasonal Halloween attractions. The company has expanded significantly and now also offers immersive live experiences in diverse cities such as Chicago, Denver, and Houston. Despite the success and recognition, the roots of the company all trace back to that first haunted house created in partnership with his high school friend Warren Conard.
After Stafford graduated from high school and moved to Colorado for college, he embarked on a career in banking. However, the idea of building a haunted house was never far from his mind. In 2001, after more than a decade in finance, Stafford rekindled his collaboration with Conard. He extended an invitation to reignite their childhood dream: “If you ever want to do that thing we talked about, give me a call,” he prompted.
Shortly after, Conard reached out with a lead on a potential property in a Denver strip mall. Both felt it was worth a shot. In 2002, they opened their first haunted house as a side project alongside their existing jobs, with Stafford remaining in banking and Conard working in marketing. The tickets for their initial venture were priced at a modest £15, and with limited resources, they had to be innovative in their approach to scare tactics.
As their haunted house gained popularity, Stafford found himself contemplating whether he could transform the side venture into a full-time career. However, making such a drastic change was daunting, especially given the comfort and stability of his banking role. It was the 2008 financial crisis that ultimately pushed him to make the leap. “The stock market crash was really the catalyst,” he explained, noting that the uncertainty of his previous profession ignited a newfound desire to pursue his passion wholeheartedly.
The decision to shift gears proved to be a turning point for Stafford and his burgeoning company. What began as a single haunted house has blossomed into a multimillion-pound enterprise featuring a variety of seasonal attractions and novel immersive experiences. Today, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group not only operates haunted houses but has also ventured into activities such as ax-throwing and escape rooms, while collaborating with notable locations like the historic Queen Mary and the Winchester Mystery House.
Stafford’s commitment to ensuring that each visit is unique is evident in his strategy to alter approximately 30% of an attraction each year, although creating an entirely new venue takes significant time and planning. He believes the most effective scares need not rely on elaborate setups. Returning to fundamentals, he emphasises that the simplest, most primal elements—such as darkness and sensory deprivation—can evoke the strongest reactions from guests.
Behind Stafford’s vision is a sizeable operation, employing around 80 full-time staff year-round, a figure that swells to approximately 4,500 seasonal employees during the Halloween period. Building this team has become one of his proudest achievements. He once managed only a handful of employees in banking, but now leads a company that collaborates with thousands to create unforgettable experiences.
As the Halloween season approaches each year, Stafford encourages his team to remember the impact of their work. “When you’re in one of our haunted houses, you’re not thinking about your to-do list or the stress of the world,” he imparts, highlighting the escapism he hopes to provide to each visitor.
Moreover, Stafford’s passion for the theatrical has extended to his family life. Both of his adult children now work within the company, albeit in different capacities. His son participates in the technology and construction team, while his daughter, after starting as a teenage actor, has pursued an interest in makeup and special effects and now studies in Los Angeles.
As Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group continues to grow, the company is preparing to make its mark during the Christmas season for the first time in 2026. Stafford views this as another opportunity not just to expand the business, but to offer people a chance to escape from everyday worries and share joyful experiences.
Thus, from a simple desire to scare, Stafford has built a vast empire of entertainment that aims to connect people through imaginative, immersive experiences throughout the year.