Beth Wheeler
Director of Waterpark Operations
Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center
Sheboygan, Wisconsin- USA
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, April 2020
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor degree in environmental science with a minor in Chemistry. I worked my way up through the ranks at Timber Ridge Lodge as a lifeguard, headguard, Operational Supervisor, then Assistant Director of Waterpark. I have also held positions as Waterpark Manager at Country Springs in Pewaukee, Wis. And Assistant Director of Aquatics at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Currently, I am the Director of Waterpark Operations at Blue Harbor Resort.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard and Life- guard Instructor. I also hold Certified Aquatic Pool Operator (CPO) and Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certifications.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
All my awards or special recognition have been facility related. I was People Pleaser of the Month for Marcus Corporation. I also had the pleasure of being a speaker at the WWA Show in 2019.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I started working at a waterpark at the age of 16 not realizing that this would become my career of choice. The more I learned about waterpark operations and how we as a team can create a culture of safety, I was hooked.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Once I became a lifeguard instructor, I found my passion with training and coaching my staff. I find it rewarding to start with a group of young adults and to guide them into a lifeguard professional. We have an impact on ALL who enter our facility and that is a power that can be infectious.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Many trainers and operators come to mind but the one who is the most influential is Geno Kloiber. I first met Geno at Timber Ridge when he came in as the director of the waterpark and I was just a college staff lifeguard. He recognized my potential and introduced me to the world of leadership, training and coaching. He helped me every step of the way with gaining my certifications and he introduced me to the Aquatics community such as WWA, Ellis Safety School and getting involved with park and rec. programs.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Trying to solve the universal questions: how do we get staff, how do we keep staff and how do we motivate staff. In my current area, our unemployment is under 2 percent.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
With how important our jobs are, I don’t know how you don’t stay motivated. I like to think my staff is a huge part of why I do what I do.They inspire me every day to come in and make a difference. I appreciate the guests that we have coming up thanking us for a wonderful time with their families. And of course, the aquatics community keeps me on the right track if I hit a road block.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Get involved with classes and trainings. It’s a lifestyle not a job and you have to love it. It’s hard work but worth it at the end. Reach out to other operators for guidance and encouragement. There is a whole network of people out there who want you to succeed; use us!
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
World Waterpark Magazine is a big one for me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love the teaching aspect as I mentioned above but I truly enjoy the experience that my team is able to create for our guests. We get the pleasure to share in family memories and get the privilege to become family traditions.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would like to be involved with the Department of Natural Resources. I have strong environmental ethics and would like to help preserve where I can.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My mentor asked me to join him and my fellow managers at the annual WWA conference where I volunteered and was a speaker in 2019.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am a huge Harry Potter Fan. Harry Potter is life. I also love my dog more than anyone else... sorry, not sorry.