Member Spotlight


Brad Donati

Marketing Manager
Raging Waves Waterpark
Yorkville, Illinois - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," February 2019

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 

I attended North Central College (Naperville, IL) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing & finance. As an eager freshman, I was anxious to get experience in the marketing field after my first year of college. Having grown up near Illinois’ largest waterpark, I knew about their opportunities for summer marketing internships. After receiving and successfully completing an internship at Raging Waves, I was asked to stay on with the company in a part-time capacity as a Marketing Assistant. Upon receiving my degree, I was promoted to Groups Sales/Assistant Marketing Manager for my first full-time job within the industry. I now serve as the Marketing Manager and oversee the marketing and sales department of the organization.
 
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
While at North Central College, I was honored to receive recognition as the Outstanding Marketing Manager of the Year as a senior. Within the industry, I’ve received recognition for multiple awards including a WWA Wave Review Award and an Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award Finalist for Best New Ride (Waterpark) and Best Brochure of Midwest (CTM). 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
After completing an internship within the entertainment industry, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in a field that promoted fun. Being able to go into work every day and sell fun experiences and memories for families makes it worth it! 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
What is not to like? I get to hang out at a waterpark all summer long, get some awesome tan lines and have stories for a lifetime. After completing my 7th season at Raging Waves, I can now say I am fully ingrained in the amusement industry. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
A lot of inspiration within my life and career comes from my grandfather. However, my previous manager helped teach me many new skills and strategies to supplement my college degree and make me the person I am today. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
As most reading this publication know, the waterpark industry is a seasonal sprint of roughly 90 days. In your rookie season, it can be a challenge to adjust to the fast-paced environment of a waterpark. However, once you realize the fun and excitement the field offers, you’re excited to go into work every day. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
In advertising, it is easy to stay motivated with how fast and evolving technology continues to be. Learning about new practices, methods and techniques to stay ahead of the curve brings excitement to my job. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
No matter what industry you want to go into, make sure you gain as much experience as you can before you earn your degree. I encourage everyone to do multiple internships to make sure they find the right fit before they start looking for their first full-time position. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
To stay up to date within the industry, I always refer to the World Waterpark Magazine, Funworld and Recreational Management. It’s important to see what other parks are doing within the industry as well and Screamscape.com has been a great resource for that. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
My favorite part of my job is meeting and interacting with a variety of different people. Whether it is our 500 seasonal employees or talking to strangers at events, I love to hearing new stories and get to know people. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
Well, I am still only 5 years out of college, so I have yet to hit that mid-life crisis. Maybe ask me again in 10 years? 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
Once I started full-time at Raging Waves, I began to learn more about WWA and what they had to offer. WWA has been a great resource as a young professional within the industry. I was excited to finally attend my first WWA Show this past fall! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I have a passion for music and continue to play the trumpet! I even perform in a local big band, which plays a monthly swing dance for the community of Yorkville!