David Bodgonov
VP Business Development
WhiteWater
Vancouver, BC - Canada
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, January 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Lakehead University in Ontario, Cana- da. Immediately out of school, I pursued a career in construction working on some heavy industrial projects and building sewage treatment plants. It was around this time that I learned about WhiteWater. I joined the company in 1999 as a project manager and never looked back!
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a professional engineer registered in British Columbia, Canada.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I was always interested in applied sciences and, upon graduating, was drawn to the construction field. I really enjoy watching projects grow from drawings to reality.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The waterpark industry is a thrilling field to work in because of the community of clients, designers, suppliers and operators. I really enjoy that the industry is made up of a small group of hardworking and creative people. The most satisfying part of the job is watching people playing in the parks once they are opened to the public. I love to see all the laughter and smiles!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There has been no shortage of bold and creative visionaries in our industry that have inspired me in my career by seeing how they work outside of the box. As an owner at WhiteWater, Andrew Wray has inspired me to be a problem-solver for our many clients; his example continues to guide me in my work.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge in my career has also been the greatest adventure of my career. Before switching into my current role serving North America, I worked as a Business Development Officer for our Shanghai team. I spent 10 years traveling back and forth to China monthly, meeting with clients all over the country. The trips were long and grueling at times, but were always rewarding and fascinating. Working across different languages and cultures has always been the biggest blessing of my time in this industry.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Focus and motivation comes easily when all the projects you are working on are unique and interesting. There is never a dull moment in the waterpark industry. I am always motivated by new ideas, new rides and new challenges.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
My advice to someone new to the waterpark industry is to be open-minded, a good listener and always search to find creative solutions to the needs of the park operators.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
A recent read was Into the
Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James R. Doty, MD. It was an excellent exploration of what can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The best part of my job is meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures all over the world. When you get the opportunity to work with a diversity of clients, you learn that for all the differences, people everywhere share similar concerns and challenges. I look forward to traveling for work again when borders start to open.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I were to do it all over again, I would remain in the waterpark industry. However, I would have maybe changed my path to have studied architecture. The creative elements of waterpark design have always been among my favorite activities of the building process.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I joined WhiteWater as a Project Manager in 1999. Slowly as I shifted into a more business development oriented role, I gained more and more involvement with WWA. I believe that I attended my first WWA trade show in 2001 or 2002 and have been at many of the shows since that time. I really missed seeing everyone in person this year at WWA!
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I love to hike and ski in the beautiful coastal mountains of British Columbia. The top of Whistler Mountain is one of my favorite places to spend my leisure time.