Cody Van Nest
Senior Lead Water Safety
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Frankenmuth, Michigan - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, December 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am currently a 4th year undergraduate student pursuing a Management degree at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan. I have worked at the Bavarian Inn Lodge of Frankenmuth, Michigan, for nearly 5 and a half years across multiple departments including: Water Safety, Redemption and Gift Shop, and Front Desk. Additionally, while at the Lodge, I went through the Dale Carnegie Leadership Development Program, which helped me to further expand my knowledge and skills.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
As a part of the Lodge’s Water Safety Department, I have worked through multiple lifeguarding certifications including Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Deep Water Lifeguarding, and most recently, achieving the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I was accepted into the Vitito Global Leadership Institute, which strengthens individual’s skills while also studying what business leadership looks like around the world. I am also ecstatic and humbled to have been this year’s recipient of the Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I found myself going into this field almost by accident. I originally started working at the Bavarian Inn Lodge as a high school job but ended up finding enjoyment working at a waterpark. Before attending this year’s show, I would compare my understanding of the industry to looking through a keyhole of a door. After attending this year’s WWA Show, I have a newfound love for the industry and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
My favorite part of the waterpark industry is the fact that it is like one giant family. Everyone is so willing to help one another within the industry and I feel that I forged genuine friendships, which I look forward to growing in the future.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Jackie Zervos-Elizondo, the Director of Aquatics at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, has been my mentor throughout my time in the waterpark and has shown me what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER SO FAR?
Finding my unique role within the waterpark at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and pursuing ways to grow from there. This has been the biggest challenge thus far but also the greatest step on my journey.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I have recently found a philosophy that I have adopted and tried to model my daily life by: “Kaizen”. “Kaizen” is a Japanese philosophy that refers to continuous improvement. Every day that we have is a new opportunity to grow and become a better version of who we were yesterday no matter how large or small that growth is.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A FELLOW YOUNG LEADER WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Advice I was given at the show and wholeheartedly believe is that you must jump in with both feet, find your niche and grow from there. I would also brag about how great of a team culture the aquatics industry has as a whole.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I would say any of the books or movies you see on perseverance, and the tenacity of never giving up, have inspired me to continue to grow. I know that at times those movies can seem like a fairy tale and a stretch, but great things come to those who continue to chase their dreams. For example, if you would have told my younger self what I have done, they would most likely laugh at you.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My job is to help others create amazing memories that they will cherish moving forward. Every day I go to work and get to work alongside friends to make people laugh and smile, and making others happy is a great way to make yourself happy.
WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN A FEW YEARS?
I am looking to be a part of the waterpark management team for the Lodge’s new $80 million waterpark and family entertainment center expansion. As part of this process, I hope to hone my skills and gain more knowledge.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Jackie is the one who first told me about the WWA as she pushed me to get involved. She was the one that told me about the Chris St art Emerging Leaders Scholarship Opportunity, which I am forever thankful for.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I started playing hockey at the age of 4 and was able to play at the Joe Louis Arena, which was the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings home arena before the new Little Caesar’s Arena. •