Building Joy, One Ride at a Time: The Story of Darren Janesky

In the quiet town of Blacksburg, South Carolina, Darren Janesky is doing something different. He runs Big Round Wheel Amusements, a business that brings carnival rides to events all over the country. But his work is about more than just fun and games.

Darren is focused on something deeper: safety, care, and community. “Safety is everything,” he says. “If we’re not safe, we’re not in business. It’s that simple.”

He writes his own safety manuals. He also makes videos that show how the rides are built and checked. He believes people should know how things work. “We need to be open about how these things work,” he says. “People deserve to know that what they’re riding is secure.”

Darren was born in 1973 in Milford, Connecticut. He graduated from Platt RVTS in 1992 and later moved to Blacksburg. That’s where he started his amusement company and still lives today.

Over time, Darren has gained a reputation for working with high-end clients. His company provides rides for private parties, corporate events, and marketing campaigns. But he doesn’t focus on status or flash. “We do a lot of work that people don’t see,” he says. “Sometimes the best events are the ones where no one knows we were there.”

To Darren, carnival rides aren’t just fun—they’re tools for connection. “They can support messages, drive business, and bring people together,” he explains. “The rides catch the eye. They create a moment people remember.”

Even with all of that going on, Darren has stayed involved in his community. He’s been a member of the Blacksburg Town Council since 2011. He’s served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and Cherokee County Hospice. He was also a Guardian ad Litem for eight years, speaking up for children in the court system.

Helping kids is something Darren takes personally. “I’ve seen kids who’ve never been to a carnival before,” he says. “They light up. And for a few hours, they get to just be kids.”

He invites foster children and kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend public carnivals for free. It’s one way he tries to make joy more accessible. It’s also part of a larger belief: that amusement should include everyone.

Darren’s way of running a business reflects his beliefs. He moves carefully. He double-checks everything. He wants to grow—but only if it’s done right.

He’s looking at opportunities abroad, especially in the Middle East. But he’s not rushing. “I’m not just looking for new markets,” he says. “I want to work with people who care about quality and safety the same way I do.”

Travel plays a big part in his interest. He enjoys meeting people from different places and learning how things are done elsewhere. “It’s not about selling something,” he says. “It’s about showing what’s possible when people work together.”

Even with all the growth, Darren says his main priorities haven’t changed. Safety. Community. Integrity. That’s the core of it.

“You don’t need a million customers,” he says. “You just need the right ones—the ones who understand what you’re trying to do.”

When asked if he’s ever wanted to change careers, he gives a simple answer. “This is it,” he says. “I like building things that move. I like seeing people smile. And I like knowing that I had a part in making that happen.”

Darren doesn’t seek attention. You won’t find him in the spotlight. You’ll find him behind the scenes—checking bolts, leading his crew, and making sure every ride is safe.

“I don’t need to be the face of the show,” he says. “I just want to know the show is running safely, and that people are having a good time.”

In a world that often moves too fast, Darren Janesky stands out for taking things slow and steady. He’s not chasing trends. He’s building something solid—one ride at a time.