Jim Lipuma's first job while still in high school was working at the Greater Pittsburgh Drive-In Theatre in North Versailles, PA in 1982. 

By 1985 he became a projectionist at the theatre. Additionally, he managed and operated the South Hills Drive-In Theatre in Pleasant Hills, PA.  Both the Greater Pittsburgh and the South Hills were owned by the Warren family for whom Lipuma worked from 1982 until 1994.

Along the way, he wore many hats outside of the theatre business, all of which helped him to build a strong business foundation.  He was assistant-manager for a Radio Shack store.  He was a warehouse manager at Triangle Electronics Co.  In Pittsburgh, PA for 7 years.  He owned and operated two businesses, L&M Lawn Service and L&S Fundraising Company prior to selling them. Additionally, the community minded Lipuma has also served as a volunteer fireman for the last 11 years and a licensed EMT for 6 years.  He did all of those things while working at the Greater Pittsburgh Drive-In!

Soon, Lipuma wanted to own his own drive-in.  In 1994 he re-opened a long closed drive-in in Vandergrift, PA.  The Galaxy Drive-In took a lot of work to get up and running again, but he made it look easy.  In 1996 he re-opened a second drive-in, the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre in Brookville, PA. 

As owner and operator of The Moonlite Drive-In, Lipuma has been the subject of many nationwide newspaper articles and served as the first President of The United Drive-In Theater Owners Association.  He is an inspiration to all who are considering re-opening a long-closed drive-in.

In 2022 Jim added a second screen to The Moonlite.
Written by Randy and Debreen Loy



 

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