Meet Iolaus Lee of AMS DISPLAYS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iolaus Lee.

Hi Iolaus, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
About AMS Firework Displays
Hi, I’m Iolaus Lee, founder of AMS Firework Displays. Our story began with a deep-rooted love for fireworks — the kind that makes you pause, look up at the sky in awe, and feel something unforgettable. What started as a backyard fascination born out of Covid during the shutdown, has quickly turned into a purpose-driven business built on creativity, safety, and the joy of bringing people together through moments that truly light up the night.
AMS Firework Displays is a licensed professional fireworks company specializing in 1.3G display shows as well as 1.4G displays across Michigan and neighboring states. We don’t engage in retail or wholesale — every shell we fire is part of a carefully designed, permitted, and highly customized show. From large city celebrations to intimate weddings and community events, we tailor every display to be unique, safe, and impactful.
We’re not a massive corporation. We’re a small, hardworking team fueled by passion, integrity, and an unwavering attention to detail. What sets us apart is our commitment to staying sharp and pushing the envelope. We participate in national competitions like Skywars in Missouri, where the best in the industry showcase their craft, and we’re regular participants at COBRA-CON, one of the top pyrotechnics conventions in the country. These experiences keep us current with new technology — from state-of-the-art firing systems to DMX lighting, pyro-musical synchronization, and drone show integrations — all of which enhance the magic we deliver.
At AMS, we specialize in pyro-musicals, an art form that merges fireworks with music to create a truly immersive experience. This transformation takes traditional fireworks displays to a new level, adding a visual layer to the emotional power of music. It’s not just about the fire in the sky; it’s about telling a story through light, sound, and emotion. The synchronization of fireworks with music allows us to enhance the impact of every beat, making each display an unforgettable narrative. This is where we shine — creating a seamless connection between music and fireworks that makes people feel as if they’re part of the show.
Our passion goes beyond just putting on a show; it’s about building community and taking people to another place for the time they allow us to do so. Whether through school visits, community demos, or simply engaging with the audience, we want to share our knowledge of how chemistry, physics, and artistry come together to make each show come to life. At the core of what we do is a desire to spark wonder and connection, to make fireworks a shared experience that resonates on a deeper level.
Balancing a fireworks business with being a father of four isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. Every show we fire is more than just a job — it’s a calling.
At AMS, our mission is simple: make people look up and say, “wow, that’s Fireworks Done Right!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — but the obstacles have only sharpened our purpose and pushed us to do better.

Working with 1.3G professional fireworks means stepping into one of the most heavily regulated industries in entertainment. We’re federally licensed through the ATF under a Type 54 license, which involves rigorous background checks, secure transport and storage protocols, and full compliance with local, state, and national laws. That alone can be a major barrier to entry — but it’s just the beginning.

We stay up to date with evolving standards set by the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI), the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), and advanced training resources like COBRA-CON. These organizations provide critical insight into safety protocols, technical innovation, and responsible display practices — and we go out of our way to engage in those spaces so we’re always growing and staying current.

But beyond regulations, one of the biggest challenges is perception.

As a newer company in a tradition-heavy industry, there’s always some uncertainty from clients. Will the show be what they’re used to? Can we deliver the same level of excitement and professionalism as the companies that have been around for 10, 15, even 20 years?

That’s a fair question — and we welcome it.

What many people don’t realize is that longevity doesn’t always equal expertise. Some legacy companies may have been around for decades, but the actual operator on-site might be brand new. In contrast, we not only design and fire our shows — we instruct others on how to do it. Our hands-on experience, our investment in education and training, and our understanding of how to tell a story through fireworks gives us a level of detail and care that often sets us apart.

Insurance is another area where newer companies are often unfairly judged. Some clients may default to choosing the vendor with the highest insurance policy, assuming that equals a better or safer show. But in reality, coverage levels don’t directly correlate to experience or quality — they often just reflect how long a business has been operating or that other business is in the retail and wholesale operations which has to have a higher insurance liability. Our current policy is appropriate for the scope of what we do and we’re always growing it as we expand, but it’s frustrating when a number becomes the deciding factor rather than the creativity, precision, and safety we bring to every show.

Going up against legacy companies is never easy — they have name recognition, long histories, and built-in trust. But we see that as an opportunity, not a threat. It pushes us to overdeliver, to innovate, and to make sure that from the first conversation to the final cue of the show, our clients see just how passionate and capable we are.

Because for us, this isn’t just business — it’s a true passion.

We’ve been impressed with AMS DISPLAYS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What Sets Us Apart

We don’t just launch fireworks—we create shared moments that pull people out of the everyday and into something extraordinary. Our pyromusicals set us apart, blending cutting-edge technology with emotional storytelling to make audiences feel part of the show. By syncing every burst to the beat of the music, we turn the sky into a canvas of vibrant colors and effects that resonate deeply. Our participation in the world record-breaking fireworks attempt in Mott, North Dakota, alongside Pegasus Illuminations, showcases our ambition and expertise. Helping launch 12 sixteen-inch shells simultaneously—a certified world record—demonstrates our ability to execute high-stakes, high-impact displays with precision and professionalism.

As a newer company, we face legacy competitors with longer histories or higher insurance levels, which don’t always reflect the operator’s skill. We counter this with hands-on expertise, often training others in the industry, and a relentless drive to innovate. Our team stays ahead by engaging with the best at events like Skywars and COBRA-CON, adopting tools like advanced firing systems, DMX lighting, and drone integrations. We navigate strict ATF, PGI, and APA regulations with diligence, ensuring safety without compromising creativity. But what truly distinguishes us is our heart—we’re a small, Black-owned business from Michigan, bringing diversity and a fresh perspective to an industry built on tradition.

What We’re Most Proud Of

We’re immensely proud of our role as trailblazers, not just as Michigan’s only Black-owned fireworks company but as innovators redefining pyrotechnics. Our contribution to the world record fireworks display in Mott, North Dakota, with Pegasus Illuminations, where we helped execute the simultaneous launch of 12 massive shells, is a testament to our skill and ambition. This milestone, combined with our reputation for pyromusicals that weave music and light into emotional experiences, has cemented our place as a rising star in the industry. We take pride in turning moments—big or small—into memories, whether it’s a community festival or a couple’s gender reveal. Above all, we cherish the trust we’ve earned, proving that a newer company can deliver world-class results while fostering connection and wonder.

What We Want You to Know

AMS Firework Displays is about creating experiences that unite people, offering a brief escape where families, friends, and communities can share in the awe of a sky ablaze with color. Whether it’s a grand pyromusical, a cold spark display for an intimate moment, or a historic world record attempt like the one in Mott, North Dakota, we pour passion, precision, and artistry into every project. We want you to know that when you choose AMS, you’re choosing a team committed to safety, innovation, and making your event unforgettable. As a Black-owned, Michigan-based company, we’re here to light up the skies and bring people together, one spectacular moment at a time.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Just go and engage at Pyrotechnic clubs and events. Everyone is extremely helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amsfireworkdisplays.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amsdisplays