Brandon Moore
Vice President of Operations
Boomers Parks
Boca Raton, Florida - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, May 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I earned a dual degree at Ball State University for exercise science of aquatics as well as criminal justice and criminology. I began working in the waterpark industry in Indiana. First at Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park then at Grand Bear Resort. I made the move to the East Coast to open Sahara Sam’s Indoor & Outdoor Water Park in New Jersey. There I spent several years overseeing the Aquatics Department, then all park operations and ultimately I was the Park Manager. As the Regional Director of Operations for Boomers Parks, I added Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park in Destin, Florida. As the Vice President of Operations for all Boomers Parks, I now oversee two waterparks and six family entertainment centers across the country. Additionally, I am a first responder actively involved in fire service for ten years, serving in many capacities including captain and president of my local fire department.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I currently hold StarGuard Lifeguarding, Certified Pool Operator, NAARSO Level 1 and Pool Director certifications. I also hold several certifications for the fire service for incident management and fire protection.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
During thirteen years overseeing operations at Sahara Sam’s, the facility has continued to earn Aquatic Safety Awards in recognition of exceptional operational safety standards, life- guard professionalism and excellence in risk management practices.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
My journey into aquatics began in my adolescence, training 15 years as a competitive swimmer. I found my passion in the pool and knew I wanted to pursue a career that would keep me there. While studying aquatics at Ball State University, I learned the different aspects of aquatics facilities and waterparks and it enhanced my aspirations to continue in the field.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The waterpark industry is a community full of professionals willing to assist each other with advice and knowledge. While we all work for different operators, we share similar goals.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Several individuals have inspired me through the years. First and foremost, Leland Yarger, Aquatics Program Coordinator at Ball State University. He advised me of the many opportunities in the aquatics industry and highlighted how teaching aquatics could inspire individuals wanting to be lifeguards, swim instructors and aquatics directors. Additionally, the Girlya family who built Sahara Sam’s provided me with an opportunity to open and develop a new waterpark from inception thru expansions. Working at Sahara Sam’s for more than a decade gave me the opportunity to learn various aspects of the business. In addition to the aquatics department, I gained the ability to teach, and continued to accrue a plethora of business and operational knowledge that led me to my current position.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
COVID-19 has been the greatest challenge of my career for many reasons. I had to furlough entire management teams and their team members, re-hire and re-open with new staff that had to be trained and certified. I also had to enhance safety measures across all operations, to keep our team members and guests safe from a global pandemic.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I keep focused by starting my day at the gym with a morning workout. Hearing from individuals I have trained and now mentor continuously motivates me. Above all, it’s my family that understands my love for what I do and reminds me daily of my journey and purpose.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would advise them to never stop learning about aquatics and be willing to take risks. Take every opportunity to learn for personal and professional growth.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I enjoy reading industry publications to stay informed. I also read leadership and personal development books including
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I really enjoy training team members because it helps keep me grounded and my skills fresh. Mentoring also helps connect me back to the beginning of my journey in this field. In addition to training and mentoring, I love overseeing parks that pro- vide a memorable experience for our guests.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I had to start over and was not permitted to stay in my field, I would be firefighter.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended WWA for the first time in 2009 and have wanted to continue to get more involved so that I can pass along knowledge and help others in the industry.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
Few would know that in my spare time I work on making and developing craft cider.