John Bloemeke
Member Profile
How has Cinema United membership been impactful to you and/or your business?As the owner and president of Golden Ticket Cinemas, I can confidently say that our membership with Cinema United has been a meaningful asset to our business. The organization has played a vital role in uniting independent exhibitors, advocating for our interests at a national level, and providing access to invaluable industry insights, educational resources, and networking opportunities. Whether it’s staying ahead of policy changes, participating in collective discussions that shape the future of theatrical exhibition, or simply having a platform where exhibitors can learn from one another, Cinema United has empowered us to make more informed business decisions. It has also helped us strengthen our voice in an industry where collaboration and advocacy are more important than ever.
I got my start in the exhibition business at 16 years old as a concessionist at my local movie theater. From the moment I handed out my first popcorn, I fell in love with the energy, the people, and the magic of the movies. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for cinema and ultimately led me to build a career—and a company—dedicated to creating memorable moviegoing experiences for others.
My favorite part of the job is the guests—seeing families, friends, and communities come together to share in the magic of the movies. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’re helping create lasting memories, whether it’s a child’s first movie, a date night, or a weekend tradition. I also love the challenge and creativity involved in constantly improving the experience—finding new ways to make our theaters more welcoming, exciting, and memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
The summer of 2022 when we experienced packed auditoriums for films like Top Gun Maverick and Jurassic World: Dominion. Coming out of Covid and seeing the appetite and desire for moviegoers to relish in a communal experience, validated all our struggles and hard work to stay afloat during those challenging times. Through all the struggles since, we have never lost sight of our role in communities across America and this is what makes me continue to work hard not only to advocate for our industry, but to grow Golden Ticket Cinemas into new markets.
Member Gallery
So many to choose from. My first ever movie experience that I remember with my Dad, taking my kids to the movies countless times but, if I had to pick one, it was watching Murder In The First at the Willowdaile 8 in Durham, NC. This was my first date with my wife when I was 17 years old!
What excites me most is the creativity and innovation that’s emerging across the industry. We’re not just showing films—we’re making memories. Like other industries, we must evolve. This evolution is giving moviegoers a reason leave their couch. As I see all the amazing upgrades going on throughout our industry, it gives me a great deal of excitement for our future. As streaming becomes more common at home, theaters have the unique opportunity to offer something truly special—an immersive, social, and unforgettable event that can’t be replicated at home.
Start with a passion for people and storytelling—this industry is all about creating experiences that connect and inspire. Be ready to work hard, stay flexible, and never lose sight of the guest experience. Whether you’re sweeping floors, selling tickets, or managing operations, every role matters and every detail contributes to the magic. Learn as much as you can, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who share your drive. If you truly care about the audience and believe in the power of cinema, there’s no limit to how far you can go in this business
