Shawn Welch
Director
Typhoon Texas
Katy, Texas - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," February 2017
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I began my college career at Louisiana Tech and then transferred to Oklahoma Wesleyan University to play basketball. My degree is in education. After college, I worked in the camping industry for Pine Cove and served as camp director for nearly 10 years. About 3 years ago, I transitioned to the waterpark world and was the General Manager at Hawaiian Falls. Currently, I am one of the directors at Typhoon Texas.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have my Food Manager Certification and I am a Certified Pool Operator.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Honestly, I stumbled into this field. I began working in the camping industry and after 10 years, I was ready for a change and new challenge. A friend put me in contact with an individual who had worked in the industry for years. After meeting with him, I thought it was just the challenge I was looking for.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I like that we get the opportunity not to just train our team members to be better waterpark employees, but also equip and prepare them for future success.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There are so many people who inspire me and have taken the time to help me in my journey. My parents taught me to work hard and play hard. Craig Langemeier, my first camp director, showed me how to be a servant leader. Kevin East, my first full-time boss helped me understand what excellence looks like and held me to that standard. Currently, my General Manager, Evan Barnett, models for our team how to build loyalty and trust with those you work with.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Every year we get a “new” batch of employees and most of them are under the age of 22. The challenge is getting them to understand our Typhoon Texas culture and motivate them to consistently create a wow factor for our guests.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I remind myself of the leaders and managers who took the time to help me learn and grow and try to look for opportunities to do the same for our employees. Also, I have to remember each day we are open that there will be some guests who have never experienced Typhoon Texas and we want them to have a great time.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Be a sponge and learn as much as you can. Take the time to work in different roles and departments. The more you know about the over-all operation of the park, the better you will be equipped to step up in leadership roles. Also, observe how different organizations outside of the waterpark and theme park industry create unbelievable guest experiences and apply those principles to your company.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I am a leadership nerd and read almost every- thing from John Maxwell and Patrick Lencioni. Also, I’ve been reading a lot more biographies and learning from leaders who have gone before us.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Equipping our employees for future success and creating experiences that allow our guests to make memories with their families and friends.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I was good enough, I would have wanted to play professional basketball. But, honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. I am grateful for the opportunities to have worked at Pine Cove and to currently work at Typhoon Texas. I’m definitely blessed.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
This past year was my first year to attend the WWA Show with my colleagues from Typhoon Texas.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have been bungee jumping.