Austin Johnson
Operations Manager
SomerSplash Waterpark
Somerset, Kentucky - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management. Prior to working at SomerSplash, I worked for Kentucky State Parks as a recreation/campground attendant seasonally for two summers. I have been with SomerSplash Waterpark since April 2018, where I started out as an intern for the 2018 and 2019 season before being promoted to Operations Manager in January of 2020.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a certified Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) and a certified Servsafe Food Manager.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I was awarded the Chris Stuart Emerging Leader Scholarship to attend the WWA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
From a young age, I always found the waterpark and theme park industry interesting. While obtaining my undergrad degree, I became more interested in the parks, recreation, and tourism industry. When the time came to complete an internship, I wanted to get experience working in the industry that I always enjoyed and had an interest in. I was blessed to be hired at SomerSplash in 2018 and I am glad to say that I am still here and looking forward to the future in this growing industry.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
There is always something new and changing. It’s a growing industry with endless opportunities.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There has been more than one person over the years that inspired me, but the award for most inspiring would be Dr. Stephen Sims. He has and continues to lead me everyday in the right direction.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
My greatest challenge has been overcoming self-doubt about being a young leader and getting staff, and people in general, to take you seriously. I realized that leadership is something you learn and earn over time. And that there is always going to be a new challenge to learn from.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I stay focused and motivated by knowing there is something new on the horizon and something to work on while something new is approaching. There is always work to be done!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
My advice would be: you will never know until you try it and see if it works for you. Network and get to know who you are working with. Not just your colleagues, but your community and the industry. If you have the opportunity to attend a WWA Show, I highly recommend it. The volunteer program is a great opportunity to take advantage of as well.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The Bible has always been my go-to book. It truly has the answer for everything in life. I also enjoy reading articles such as member spotlights about other people working everyday to make it happen and their success in this industry.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of the job is the fact that no day is ever the same. From welcoming guests to closing the park every day, to the off season preparing for the next, its always different and I am always learning something new.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I was starting all over again, I would still want to work in this industry. But I would consider working in education or engineering as well.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I had never heard of the WWA until I started working at SomerSplash. The General Manager, Dr. Stephen Sims told me about and encouraged me to apply for the Chris Stuart Emerging Leader Scholarship. I was the scholarship recipient for the award in 2018 and attended my first WWA Show in Las Vegas that same year.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
Something interesting about me that few know or would guess is I am a musician. Primarily for my church worship band, I am a drum- mer and keyboard player. In my free time, I am constantly learning the newest trends and beats to become a better musician. •