David Thompson
Regional Director of Revenue
Cowabunga Vegas/PYEK Group
Las Vegas, Nevada - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Kentucky Wesleyan College. I started in the industry in 2009 at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. I worked there for 8 seasons moving up from cashier all the way to being a manager of food and beverage. In 2016, I moved to Texas to work for Ken Whiting and Lenny Freund at a park near Austin, Texas. In 2017, I moved to Houston, Texas to be the Food and Beverage Manager for Typhoon Texas. I added retail to my scope in 2018 and admissions in 2020. In 2021, I moved back to Austin to be the Director of Revenue for Typhoon Texas Austin. Then in December 2021, I moved to Las Vegas to be Regional Director of Revenue for PYEK Group, the parent company of Typhoon Texas and Cowabunga Vegas.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a ServSafe Manager, a CPO, an Ellis Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certified.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have worked at a lot of parks. I have always found that the people are why I went into this field and why I love my job. We have such a close bond. We often spend more time with our co- workers than with our actual families. I wouldn’t love this job if it wasn’t for the people I work with every day.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love seeing the growth and development of the seasonal team year over year. I love setting their initial foundation in a first job. I also love seeing guests enjoying their day at our parks. Any time I need a reminder of why I do this, I just need to take a lap in the park.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My dad has been my biggest inspiration. Growing up I saw him work relentlessly to provide for his family. Ever since I started working, I have always tried to have the same work ethic he has instilled in me. He taught me to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Always be fair; don’t quit until the job is done; and never be lazy.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
My current position has been the greatest challenge. We merged with two parks and doubled the size of our company. We had two and a half months to open Cowabunga Bay and then a week before opening that park, we closed the deal for Cowabunga Canyon and had 2 months to open that park. In that two months, we had to complete CapEx projects, go through a general park open- ing list, navigate horrible supply chain issues and bring together three teams who didn’t know each other, two of which had been competing against each other for the last 9 years. And, we learned a new POS system too!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am self-motivated. I have a desire to always do the best I can. I try to make my father proud and live up to his legacy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Be patient. Be flexible and willing to try new things. Step outside your comfort zone. Be a servant leader. Smile. This job is hard work. Be committed. Once you’ve made it, help the next one in line.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Anything recommended by Evan Barnett. Evan always recommends a great book. My favorite author has to be Patrick Lencioni. He teaches lessons through a story which makes it easier to follow and more enjoyable.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love the analyzing decisions we make and the impact it has on top and bottom-line revenue. I can tell when our kitchens were behind or we didn’t have enough cashiers, if retail wasn’t fully stocked or if our dynamic ticket was too cheap or too steep. Focusing in on these areas of improvements to ensure we hit our goals is what excites me. I love crunching the numbers to see what we can improve on and what we are doing well.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would consider being a lawyer.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Ken Handler asked me to speak at a session on increasing per-caps back in 2018. That was my first year attending the WWA Show.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOU T YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I love to go camping every fall. Not glamping but like in a tent. Off the grid. No electricity, no internet, cell phone, email, etc. •