Member Spotlight

Chelsey Lamar

Director of Marketing & Events
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark/American Resort Management
Grand Prairie, Texas - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," March 2018

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor of art’s degree in communication studies. I started my waterpark career with NRH₂O when I was 16. I’ve held additional recreation and marketing positions throughout the years, including with: Blizzard Beach at the Walt Disney World Resort, iProspect digital marketing agency, The Richards Group, Radio Disney and NRH₂O as a full-time Sales and Marketing Coordinator. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers + Administering Emergency Oxygen, and I hold Google AdWords certification. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
In college, I was president of the Association for Women in Communications, a wish-granter for Make-A-Wish and a “big sister” for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Just recently, I was a speaker at a local marketing conference, Brand-Aid, and I was recognized as an “honorary shark” of Shark Tank for a local college entrepreneurship and marketing class. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Frank Perez first spoke to me when I took a friend of mine to NRH₂O for a job interview in 2004. He encouraged me to apply for a position, and the rest is history. I immediately fell in love with the industry and the passion that was shared by so many of my fellow co-workers. Getting a position with American Resort Management has made me fall more in love with the industry day after day. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
My friends and family have always said that I should never be one to just sit behind a desk. Yes, marketing involves many hours at a computer, but I have always wanted to work in a field that is not only fueled by fun and entertainment, but one that is challenging and continues to help me learn and grow. Simply put, the waterpark industry is fun and unpredictable, which would normally stress-out a Type A personality like myself, but it’s thrilling! 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
Recently, the biggest challenges that I’ve faced were the ones associated with opening a brand new waterpark! I had to learn to be flexible, yet ridiculously organized, composed and ready for anything. Working with American Resort Management has helped me grow tremendously; our team is dynamic, and we all work together when the going gets tough. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
A lot of Dr. Pepper and a great Spotify playlist. In all seriousness, I gain inspiration and motivation from those around me. I have to remember that the end result is so very rewarding and to “just keep swimming.” 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
I would say that you can never stop learning and to be open to feedback and constructive criticism. This is not an easy job—it’s fun, yes, but it’s very hard work. Networking is also important, as well as staying well-informed of trends within your department/areas. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service, Start With the Why and Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results are all great reads. I also follow and subscribe to e-newsletters such as the Skimm, Amusement Today and AdWeek. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
It’s a combination of working with my fun, driven teammates, the excitement of not knowing what each day will bring and the ability to teach and mentor young individuals. We’re in the business of fun, and what’s better than that? 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
Honestly, I love what I do, but I would have loved to stay working for Walt Disney World as a professional Disney Princess with a goal of becoming a Cruise Ship Director. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I attended several Member Meet-Ups when I worked at NRH₂O, and I look forward to attending the WWA Show this year for the first time! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING IN TERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I’m obsessed with pineapples; I dance anytime and everywhere; I’ve never met a stranger; and I think chocolate is gross.