Jack Guarnieri

Jack Guarnieri, founder of Jersey Jack Pinball, began his career as a teenage repair technician in the bustling arcades of the 1970s and 80s. His mechanical expertise grew alongside the industry’s shift from electromechanical to solid-state technology, giving him a rare, holistic view of pinball’s past and potential. In 1999, he launched PinballSales.com, an early online venture that connected collectors and fans across the country, foreshadowing his later efforts to rejuvenate the industry.

Guarnieri officially made waves in 2011 by establishing Jersey Jack Pinball, a company dedicated to bridging traditional pinball appeal with modern innovations. The debut machine, The Wizard of Oz, exemplified his forward-thinking approach, showcasing full LED lighting, a vibrant LCD screen, and lavish playfield features. In turn, Guarnieri’s creations inspired a larger pinball resurgence, attracting fresh fans and pushing other manufacturers to embrace new technologies. Through a dedication to both heritage and progress, Jack Guarnieri has cemented himself as one of the driving forces behind pinball’s twenty-first-century renaissance.