John Pham
Director of Brand Management
Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Houston & Austin, Texas - USA
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2020
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I am currently an MBA student at Houston Baptist University with a focus in management and marketing. My professional experience with- in the industry includes business management, marketing and operations.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I was a previous Ellis & Associates Instructor and I currently hold a Deep-Water Special Facilities license.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
This year we are very excited to have been chosen Best of the Best Water Park in Houston, Austin’s Waterpark Family Choice Award; previously we’ve received the 2018 Houston Best Large Company to work for and the 2019 Austin Best Medium Size Company to work for. Our marketing team received several Wave Review Awards from WWA in 2019.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Being able to market and publicize an extraordinary brand that invites families to our park from all around the Greater Houston area; knowing that at the end of the day they made memories that are worth repeating is rewarding.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
From operations to admissions and now with my current role as the Director of Brand Management, I find it rewarding to showcase my talent and experience among the industry. I enjoy grow- ing future leaders and encouraging them to pursue a career that is constantly going to keep them on their toes and driven for success.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There are tons of people that have inspired me along the way. Evan Barnett, the President of Typhoon Texas, has always put the guest experience first. He leads by example, loves to push the boundaries of how waterparks operate and in- spires people to grow as leaders.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I think the greatest challenge in my waterpark career comes down to the one we are currently facing. COVID-19 has hit the tourism and water- park industry hard and navigating this hard time has been rough. Thanks to my state officials and our team, we have been able to open this summer and convey to guests that we understand it is a very scary time and that the waterpark isn’t for everyone but we are open and welcoming guests that do want to visit and enjoy their summer away from the stress and fear of this pandemic.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Growing up I’ve learned that teaching and mentoring others has made me self-motivated and focused to become better every day. I am a pretty self-motivated person to begin with, but something that always motivates me to do better is by being the person that people come to when they need assistance or guidance. My personal growth can be defined by the amount of people I have helped.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
To be successful in the industry you have to have a passion for what you do. I think it’s hard to measure success in an industry that is constantly evolving so being passionate about it is the only way to have any long term success or happiness.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The Ride of a Lifetime, by Robert Iger, and
The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy, are some of the best books I have read with tips on developing skills in leadership and making the most of your career and business.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love being on the corporate team and being able to travel to various locations to work with our different teams. I also love that I am able to convey the brand of the company and see our message come to fruition and seeing our guests really enjoy the ‘good, clean fun’ our waterpark has to offer.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
While I love what I do, if I had to start all over, I would get back into real estate full time.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My involvement with WWA started in 2016 when our waterpark first opened, and we participated in the 2016 WWA Show. Thanks to WWA, I have been granted the opportunity to speak at the 2019 Show at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. to share my knowledge and experience with others in this industry.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
When I’m not working, I enjoy practicing real estate and showing homes and mid- to high-rise apartments in the Greater Houston area.