Xachary Aguilar
Corporate Sales & Marketing
Splash Kingdom Waterparks & P2:3 Consulting
Canton, Texas - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, January 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have attended both the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!) as well as Texas A&M University-Commerce studying Business Marketing. Professionally, my career “launched” at the age of 16, joining the Splash Kingdom team as a Guest Service team member. I have been honored to hold positions in every facet of operation including Guest Service Manager & Park Manager. Additionally, I have the privilege of being a part of the P2:3 Consulting team, as the Marketing & Sales Specialist.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I currently hold an Ellis Lifeguard Instructor License (LGI), a Jeff Ellis Swim Program Coordinator License, a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) License and a ServSafe Food Manager Certification.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have had the honor to participate in several local boards and organizations, serve in offices such as the President of our local Young Professionals and more. Additionally, our 5 Splash Kingdom parks have won numerous marketing Wave Review awards from the World Waterpark Association.
WHAT MADE YOU GO IN TO THIS FIELD?
I started in the waterpark industry, taking my very first job as a Guest Service team member and have since never looked back! I enjoy every aspect of waterparks because to me it embodies all the great parts of every other industry. It’s an all-in-one! And what adds the icing to the cake? The fact that each and every day is full of making fun happen.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Growing up, I always enjoyed going to amusement and waterparks but what fascinated me most was the curiosity of how it all worked behind the scenes. As a kid, the closest park to me was over an hour away and was always a treat to go. When a park opened in my own hometown, I immediately put my application in and from there, the rest is history.
WHO HAS MOS T INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Aside from my family who inspires me each and every day to be great, I would have to say Juan Sanchez, who has been a manager and mentor for me since my first day. He constantly leads with care and motivation and always encourages me to be the best leader I can be.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I think for most of us, the greatest challenge was the year 2020. The year where everything was unknown. From not knowing if we were going to be able to open our gates to not knowing if we were going to have the staff to operate. But, here we are, back and better than ever!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
By setting goals, both professional and personal, I believe that by giving yourself expectations for the end result—whether it’s a project, advancement in your career or anything else—you already set yourself up for success. Plus, it gives you something concrete to always be pushing for.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Practice patience and grace, both for yourself and those around you. Continue to learn new things. You will meet people who have been in the industry for 40 days, some 40 years and everywhere in between. In each of those, you can find something to learn and how to apply it in your job.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The Bible. Every decision I make, every challenge I face and each and everything in between, this is the book I look to for answers, motivation and so much more.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Seeing people smile. The most rewarding part of what we get to do as waterpark professionals is help make memories for families. Whether it is the season pass holder who comes every day you are open or the family who saved up for their trip, getting to watch them live out the stories
they’ll look back on makes what we do worth it.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
While I am not the most talented athlete, I think I would be interested in pursuing an education in Sports Management or Sports Marketing.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Well, I skipped the entire “dip your toes in the water” phase (no pun intended) and cannonballed straight in. My very first WWA show was year of 2020 where everything was done via video, but who counts that year, right? Year two, the first in-person show I attended, was hosted in my home state of Texas in San Antonio. Not only was it my first to attend but I also was registered as a first- time speaker! Shortly following the show, I had the privilege to join and still continue to serve on the Marketing & Communications Committee.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I own a side business that specializes in portrait photography, videography and digital media.
. •