Jesse C. Kearns
Resort Manager
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I received my bachelor’s degree in human ecology - hospitality management from The Ohio State University. From there, I began my career with Hyatt Hotels. My first assignment was an internship with the Hyatt on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus, Ohio. I eventually became a full-time associate and got to work in a variety of roles, which sometimes meant missing classes to cover shifts. Less than a year later, I accepted a position in the Hyatt Corporate Management Trainee program and an assignment at the Hyatt Regency Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii. I stayed for eight years and held numerous leadership positions. Next, I joined the team at the Hyatt Regency Oahu on Waikiki Beach. A desire to be near family brought me back to the mainland and I joined the Marcus Corporation as Front Office Director at the Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Then, I found my home at Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark (TRL) where I now have been for five years.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
During my tenure, I have held a variety of certifications from Eco Lab food safe-certified to a certified first responder.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Hyatt named me Manager of the Quarter multiple times and I have received the same honor once while at Marcus Corporation.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I am fortunate to be able to help my guests create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. When I first started with Marcus Corporation, I read a quote that our former President Greg Marcus said, “Remember... what may be your ordinary day, can be someone’s extraordinary day.” This truly resonated with me and reminds me often about my commitment to the guest experience.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
First is the unforgettable feeling of seeing a child’s excitement when they burst through the doors at Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark for the first time or the level of pride when they conquer one of our slides. TRL has been open for 21 years and I frequently hear stories from our adult guests that came here as a child. Now they carry on the tradition of bringing their kids. Second, the staff is what brings me to work every day. In many cases, we are a student’s first job. This is impactful because we are the stewards of the modern day workforce, helping young adults learn responsibility, time management and life lessons, all while spending time with friends and earning a paycheck.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had the privilege of mentorship from a few industry legends that have provided guidance throughout my career. Mark Fenton, long time Hyatt Hotels/Marcus hotelier provided invaluable council and gave me my first opportunity to grow in the industry. I would be remiss without naming Steve Magnuson, the recently retired Managing Director of the Grand Geneva campus who has helped me tremendously through the years.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I believe many of the operators reading will agree that the COVID-19 pandemic was certainly the biggest challenge we have faced. TRL was poised to have a great year in 2020. Like so many properties, we were forced to close our doors in March. Those difficult conversations with my staff were demoralizing to say the least. Fast forward to the waterpark re-opening and, in typical Spring Break fashion, we had an immediate influx of guests. The excitement of re-opening was rivaled by major staffing shortages coupled with supply chain delays.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I have a strong management team in place that keeps me grounded during day-to-day operation. Without my team and their dedication, I would not be successful. I am continually seeking inventive ways to grow the business and make the associate’s responsibilities more efficient.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Get ready to have fun, make memories and go gray... or bald. I would encourage newcomers to the industry to get involved and make as many connections in the WWA as they can.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Am I allowed to say
World Waterpark Magazine? Honestly, the content is always relevant and keeps me informed about trends in our industry. I utilize LinkedIn quite frequently for other hospitality-related articles. I would also highly recommend
Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I have the most fun spending time with the associates and making personal connections. I try to stop by the Family Room (our employee cafeteria) a few times each day to engage with the team or attend pre-shift/in-service meetings.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I like to joke with my team that I am the Mayor of Timber Ridge. It is my job to shake hands and kiss babies, blow the budget every month, take all the credit when things go right and deflect when they do not. A career as a politician may have been in the cards.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended my first WWA convention after joining TRL and have been hooked ever since. I am currently on the Waterpark Resort Committee and enjoy collaborating with my industry peers. I encourage all to get involved with a WWA committee. You will not regret it.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I grew up in a very small town in Hillsboro, Ohio on a 210 acre farm. I am an avid hunter and angler. I prefer to hunt birds and catch bass but my favorite mount I harvested on a trip to Canada was a full-size black bear. •