A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Ocala resident Bill Nassal’s career has taken him from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the far reaches of outer space.

// BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON

Whether you’re a fan of the Harry Potter novels or you’ve visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando more times than you can count, people of all ages can thank not only author J.K. Rowling for the wonderful vision but also all those in Orlando who brought the theme park to life. Chief among these people is Marion County’s own Bill Nassal.

In 1979, Nassal relocated to Orlando from Pittsburgh to build Orlando Regional Medical Center, and the timing coincided with the opening of the Universal Orlando sound stages.

“I tried to get in with Universal to build their sound stages and (eventual) theme park, but it was hard to connect with the right person,” shares Bill. “I nally connected with the head of design, Ray Brandt.”

Now involved in the studios, Bill left Turner Construction and a steady salary to form The Nassal Company in 1984, which grew quickly from there, with the rst project at Universal Studios, the Psycho House, completed in 1988. The Nassal Company focuses solely on custom scenic fabrication in theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, resorts and specialty attractions around the world.

In 2007, Nassal was introduced to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and given the opportunity to create—alongside Universal and Warner Bros.—a world that only existed through the imagination of J.K. Rowling and the more than 120 million people who have read her books. This was a game-changer.

From meager beginnings with just two town you can get your arms around. Its community employees to now employing over 300 workers is authentic, down to earth and solid. Ocala is and with o ces worldwide, Nassal’s company certainly home, so that drive to Orlando and back has become one of the most award-winning each day is worth the trip without a doubt.” scene-building companies in the world. From rockwork lagoons in Iceland to Volcanos in Orlando and a galaxy far, far away, Nassal You can get involved with the Reilly as well. COMING SOON TO THE REILLY* has been a part of creating many amazing Check out these upcoming events. destinations around the world.

The move to Ocala from Orlando in 2000 Dec. 2 // The Polar Express At The Park was a natural one. Cindy, Bill’s wife, has been Dec. 4 // Symphony Under The Lights traveling to Ocala from West Virginia her entire Dec. 9 // Wynonna & The Big Noise life to visit family, and her love of horses has Dec. 10 // Big Bad Voodoo Daddy become a life-long passion. Now, Cindy breeds, Dec. 18 // Led Zeppelin: II by Classic raises and races thoroughbred horses on their Albums Live farm, Stonecli , in Ocala. Dec. 19 // The Rocket Man Show:

Another passion for Bill is the symphony and Elton John Tribute Show the performing arts. In the late ‘80s, he served as Jan. 8 // AC/DC’s Back in Black president for the Orlando Philharmonic and board by Classic Albums Live member of the Orlando Ballet, so it was a natural Feb. 12 // Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn transition when equestrian Chester Weber called Mar. 26 // Lee Ann Womack him and said the downtown auditorium in Ocala Mar. 29 // An Evening with Kenny G needed saving. Nassal was instrumental in helping Apr. 9 // Kevin Nealon raise the $4 million needed to open the Reilly Arts Jun. 5 // Gilbert Gottfried Center in October 2015. Bill has been a key player in the development and success of this performing Learn more and purchase tickets at arts venue. reillyartscenter.com.

“Ocala is a special place,” says Nassal. “It’s a