Billy Hamilton
Supervisor, Water Quality
Volcano Bay
Universal Orlando
Orlando, Florida - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," October/November 2016
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
The University of Hard Knocks! Right out of high school I was able to get a job with one of the top two residential pool builders in the country. I was initially hired on as a technician’s helper, but the busier the company got, the more swimming pool technicians were in demand and hard to come by. One of the older staff members that I had been working with who had taught me so much, suggested that they put me in my own service truck, in which I did well. From there I moved on and worked for a couple of other pool service and repair companies, where I gained commercial pool experience. This is how I ended up at Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando. Of course, being in the swimming pool industry, I remember when Wet ‘n Wild was being built. In May of 1980, opportunity presented itself; and because of my previous pool experience, I was offered and I accepted a job at Wet ‘n Wild. The rest is history!
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? I am a CPO Instructor, Advanced Scuba diver and Rescue diver.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I am currently a WWA Board member, which is a great honor. Also, I received the WWA Executive Board Award in 2014, which is also a great honor and one I will always be so grateful for.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Simply put, a job opportunity. I truly love what I do, and to this day my passion not only continues, but is still growing.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Hard to pick what I would consider the best, because I love so much about it. As a lot of our readers can attest, the waterpark industry is very unique. To so many, it’s their favorite watering hole, or their beach within reach on a hot day, with awesome rides, creating lots of memories for families. I love all the technical aspects as well. With that being said, up there at the top of my list, without being too sappy, is what I refer to as our awesome fraternity, the World Waterpark Association. I love being a part of it, and every year love seeing all the many faces that I have known for so long at our annual Symposium & Trade Show. I also love meeting the new faces as well, and helping to shorten the learning curve by sharing knowledge and experiences.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
There are many, and I would not want to list any names for fear that I may leave someone out. I have been truly blessed to have worked with so many influential pioneers in this industry, truly all-stars! Without listing names, and you all know who you are, I thank each and every one of you!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
One word, PASSION!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Do it. You won’t regret it. I have met so many people over the years who still love working in the waterpark industry.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
All of the technical aspects; I really love how much science is involved in this profession.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Probably an offshore charter boat captain in the Florida Keys.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I’ve been around long enough to remember when the WWA started up. I remember attending a few of the annual trade shows over the years. I recall attending some of the educational presentations and thinking that I would like to do that, to teach and share knowledge and to give back to the industry that has been so good to me. Several of my colleagues were always involved, which I always admired. Then opportunity presented itself, and I was actually asked if I would be interested in doing a presentation, which, of course, I accepted. I really enjoyed the positive responses from that first presentation. I realized not only did I want to get more involved, but that I needed to be more involved. So I got involved with the WWA Education Committee, and absolutely loved it. To work along some of the most awesome professionals in our industry to help put together educational sessions for the annual WWA Show is an experience that I will always cherish!