Lori Hersey
General Sales Manager
Rapids Water Park
Rivera Beach, Florida- USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," October/November 2019
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communications from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla. (Go Canes!) Prior work experience has included working as the Assistant Promotion Director for local radio station, Power 96 (96.5 FM), Miami, Fla. I was also the Association and Interline Sales Manager for Eastern Airlines; and I was the owner of Hersey Productions/Ad-Central Advertising. Currently, I am the General Sales Manager for Rapids Water Park.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
My company received an Air Award for Creativity for a Radio Broadcast Campaign produced for a Hersey Productions client.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
In high school I started in the Games Department at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey. It was the best summer job. When I graduated college with my broadcasting degree, I worked as Assistant Promotions Director for a major Miami radio station, where we partnered with what was Atlantis the Water Kingdom, Hollywood, Florida, on multiple promotions and weekly in-park concerts. When the opportunity to work in-house marketing at the waterpark became available, I took advantage of the chance to marry my passions for broadcasting and entertainment/hospitality.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The idea that “it takes a village” is so true in this industry. The entire team has to work together to ensure a seamless delivery of our services. Communication and personal interaction with everyone on almost a daily basis is energizing. In so many industries today there is little human contact and an abundance of technology, I love that I get to walk through the park and smile at a guest or speak to co-workers every day.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Bob Morgan, who I worked with 27 years ago at Atlantis at the beginning of my waterpark career and now have the pleasure of working with him again at Rapids. His passion and knowledge is so indicative of what makes this industry so great!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
South Florida weather; sometimes it rains just too much.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I try to always learn from the past and focus on the future. We cannot go back, so I look at each new day as a clean slate to get things accomplished and reach our ultimate goals. When we sign a new big client, I instill in my team to evaluate how the connection was made, what steps were taken and how to challenge ourselves to find the next opportunity.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Learn all that you can about the industry from reading and talking to others around you, do not ever be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty and look at each day as an opportunity to create incredible guest experiences. We are in the business of fun—make it your business to have fun each day.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I read magazines mostly because they are quick reads. Some of my favorites include,
World Waterpark Magazine, to keep up with industry trends and learn from peers, and
Inc. and
Forbes to read about other industries and the ideas of successful people.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Connecting to our community and creating spectacular events. This season I engaged our school district and several art teachers to create artwork in the park. The three murals, designed by local middle and high school students, enhance our picnic area. Every day is different in this industry and ideas can be inspired in some of the least likely ways.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
The only other career I ever considered was to become a pediatrician. Other than that, I have been lucky enough to be doing all that I have wanted.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I first attended the annual conference when I worked for Atlantis the Water Kingdom.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I play the flute and once got to perform the flute solo for the Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin” with my husband’s band.