Ashlie Sharp
Sales Manager
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort
Erie, Pennsylvania - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," October/Novemeber 2018
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mercyhurst University. My career started in the financial sales industry before I moved into a sales role in the waterpark industry in 2014.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I received the 2016 Sales Manager of the Year Award.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Flexibility. The balance between work and life is something that is so important to me, and this career offers me the flexibility to have the balance I need.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The guests are my favorite part of this industry. It is so rewarding to walk around the park and interact with the families that are enjoying the facility. There is nothing that compares to seeing the experience and memories that are created every day in our park.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have been fortunate to have some great leaders in my career. The first would be Carrie Wakinekona. She gave me my start in the waterpark industry and gave me the knowledge I needed to succeed. The second is Donny Wensinger. He taught me that an exceptional lead- er will always stand in his team’s corner. He also taught me the value of always challenging yourself to take one extra step to be successful.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
Making slushies. It has become a joke in our park, that on a busy day you can find me helping out in the food court. Seriously, I do find it challenging to keep myself out of operations during our busy season when I know our staff can use the extra support.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
The easiest way for me to stay focused and motivated is through maintaining a healthy work/ life balance. I have found, when I give myself enough time to enjoy my personal life, it makes it so easy to work hard and achieve all of my goals in the office.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Take advantage of all the resources around you. This industry is full of amazing people with a wealth of knowledge that they are willing to share.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I am a big fan of
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I also appreciate any magazine publication from the attractions industry.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is the ability to try new things. It is always rewarding to see when I implement something new and it becomes a success for the park and the guest.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I love to cook, and have always thought it would be fun to be a chef.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended my first WWA Show in New Orleans in 2016. It was such a great experience that it led to volunteering at the 2017 show. I am now a member of the WWA’s Waterpark Resort Committee.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I taught myself to crochet so I could make baby blankets to donate to our hospital’s NICU.