Seth Lawrence
Director of Food & Beverage
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Santa Claus, Indiana - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, March 2024
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I began my purchasing career in 2016 at an industrial service company. In 2021, I joined the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari team as a food purchasing and warehouse manager. Coming from a background in industrial purchasing and management, it was a significant change. I was promoted in 2023 to director of food & beverage.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I hold a ServSafe Manager certification along with CPR/First aid and Stop the Bleed.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I’ve always had a fascination with theme parks and waterparks. I have been a season passholder of many parks growing up and always wanted to find a career within the industry. When I saw the full-time job posting for Holiday World that was in my field, I jumped on the opportunity.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I thoroughly enjoy the fast-pace and constantly evolving environment. This is especially true for the F&B segment.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My current boss Lexi Hartman is my idol. She is always giving me great guidance and has really inspired me and skilled me to do amazing things and continue to push myself.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I have challenged myself to delegate more to the team. I understand and value the ability to encourage others to take ownership in their area of responsibility.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I love keeping up with what other parks are doing by reading publications by WWA and IAAPA. Both have amazing publications and resources no matter where you are in your career. Along with those publications, I do tons of research on F&B trends to try and keep up with new and upcoming menu items. A great resource for that is the suppliers, who are always sending out great information.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I thrive on the chaos of operation. That is what keeps me motivated. I keep focus by ensuring that I make a plan and execute on a daily basis.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GI VE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
The days can be long during operation but the reward is so great. I get to interact with so many people on a daily basis both guest and employee. It is so rewarding.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Getting to see guests and families make wonderful memories. Hearing kids as they leave the gates wishing they could stay longer because it was so fun.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I am so fulfilled where I am, it would be hard to consider a different career. The theme park/waterpark business is so unique I don’t see a better choice for myself.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I was introduced to the WWA by my boss, Lexi. She held my position prior to my promotion and said that it is a wonderful organization filled with great leaders in our industry.
I started attending the monthly Food & Beverage Member Meet-Ups so I could get connected to the WWA F&B members. I was selected in November 2023 to be on the new WWA Food & Beverage Committee and recently accepted the Secretary position on the committee. The WWA member meet-ups are a great way to get connected with like-minded industry professionals. Attend one and see for yourself.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am very much an introverted person by nature. Being in this field has helped me break free from that some but I am always pushing myself to not appear introverted. So, if you met me several years ago you knew this, but you definitely would not guess it now. •