Luis Villamonte is in a Class by Himself

2 min read
Luis Villamonte is in a Class by Himself

Luis Villamonte: Magician, Entrepreneur, and Mentor

Luis Villamonte is a multifaceted dynamo—practicing magician, savvy entrepreneur, and dedicated mentor—who has made lasting contributions to both the magic community and local business landscape in Nebraska.

Early Roots and Performing Career

Luis's passion for magic began in childhood, inspiring countless hours learning sleight-of-hand. Alongside his wife Rogene, he performed professionally from 1989 to 1998, averaging nearly 300 shows per year.

He has been an active figure in the magic community, holding leadership roles including:

  • Helped found the Bill Morton International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring in 1986 and served two terms as President.
  • Served two terms as President of the Lincoln Magic Club, part of SAM Assembly #293.
  • A member of prestigious organizations: International Brotherhood of Magicians, Society of American Magicians, Texas Association of Magicians, and the Omaha Magic Society.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Luis expanded his impact beyond performance by creating two successful businesses:

  1. The Computer Magician (est. 1995)
    Originally started at his kitchen table, this thriving IT services company provides managed IT support, custom websites, cloud backup, and network solutions for Nebraska businesses—with about 30 years of service. The Computer Magician
  2. MagicKits.com (launched 2001)
    A family-owned magic shop offering over 200 kits and magic supplies. Luis created and designed more than 25 (and by some accounts, 30) proprietary “house-brand” magic kits and sources used, rare, and collector items globally.

The site is particularly notable because it is the only online magic shop endorsed by the Society of American Magicians.

Mentorship and the Magic Mafia

Luis is known for nurturing young talent. He taught numerous students, some of whom performed with him. In 2002, he helped form the group Magic Mafia with former students—and Luis is considered the group's "Godfather".

One of his most prominent protégés is Chase Hasty, whom he mentored from age thirteen. Hasty went on to perform internationally and was accepted into the prestigious Chavez School of Magic.

Luis’s son, Vincent Villamonte, has also achieved acclaim—winning first place at the Texas Association of Magicians and second at the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ national convention.

Awards and Recognition

In 2015, Luis received the prestigious David P. Abbott Award from the Omaha Magical Society in recognition of his lifetime achievements in magic. This honor echoes his dedication to creativity, innovation, and entertainment in the magical arts.

A Legacy of Magic, Business, & Community

Today, while Luis steps back from full-time performing, he continues occasional shows, runs successful businesses, and inspires others through his work with MagicKits.com and The Computer Magician.

Balancing family life—he is a father of eight—and a commitment to both community and craft, Luis embodies the magic of dedication, invention, and mentorship.