Release schedule
The ten chapters.
Each chapter has its own page, its own poster, and its own share link — so one film can be released a day without sending anyone to the whole record at once.
Film 01 · 1981
The Early Hustle
John’s account of the early work that set the first People’s Choice story in motion.
Film 02 · 1987
The $1 Idea
The $1-per-movie idea that gave families an affordable way to return.
Film 03 · 1987
The Video Rental Revolution
How a growing video-store chapter became part of local family routine.
Film 04 · 1997
Fire, Recovery & a Larger Home
A devastating loss, a second chance, and a much bigger next chapter.
Film 05 · 1999
More Than Just Movies: The Fun Center Begins
John traces the 1998 decision that turned a video-store chapter into a growing place for family fun.
Film 06 · 2012
It Was Never About the Yacht: The Core Philosophy
John connects passion, children’s smiles, and community access to the work he values most at People’s Choice.
Film 07 · 2020
When Everything Stopped: The COVID Shutdown
John recalls the COVID shutdown, the pressure on his flagship store, and the difficult choices facing his team.
Film 08 · 2020
Survival Was Never the End: The Comeback Begins
John describes reopening during the COVID era, finding room to grow, and building toward the next People’s Choice chapter.
Film 09 · 2026
Almost to the Top
After the post-COVID rebuild, People’s Choice reaches an unresolved February 2026 question: stay in Waukegan or start over somewhere else?
Film 10 · 2026
It’s Always Been Waukegan. It Will Always Be Waukegan.
The closing chapter follows the move, Waukegan’s response, and the opening of People’s Choice’s next chapter in the community it has called home for more than four decades.