Bob Martin
General Manager
Wild Water Adventure Park
Clovis, California - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," June 2016
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I spent four years in college, majoring in basketball & football. I worked 14 years as a head football coach and spent several stints as a General Manager of professional hockey team & Arena football team. Currently, I am starting my 13th season at Wild Water Adventure Park.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have a real estate license and Professional Football Scouting Certification.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I was inducted into the American Football Association Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. I was honored as National Coach of the Year three times and Executive of the Year once by The American Football Association.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
It was by chance. I was going to coach Arena football in another city and a good friend of mine asked if I wanted to stay in the area. My wife encouraged me to see if I could take on a new challenge. She wanted to stay close to our grandchildren.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The seasonality of it is very much like my career in sports. It is intense for 6 months and flexible the other 6 months. I get to see thousands of smiles every day; how many other professions can say that? I also like the camaraderie of our staff and the helpfulness of the industry. I came from a world of competitiveness.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Probably my high school coaches. I also like to read about great leaders like John Wooden, Woody Hayes, George Patton & John F. Kennedy. They all overcame great obstacles and inspired people.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Taking a facility that was in disrepair and underachieving, and creatively bringing it back to life. We were able to overcome the great cash flow obstacle that always seems to keep businesses from achieving its goals.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I motivate me. I have always had my foot on the gas throughout my career. I have never worried about being fired. I have never worried about my next paycheck. I only worry about achieving goals.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
This can be a fun way to make a living. Try it for a summer or two. There is great opportunity for advancement if you are willing to move.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
“They Call Me Coach” by John Wooden, “You Win With People” by Woody Hayes and “Profiles In Courage” by John F. Kennedy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Driving revenue! I have always thought that we cannot achieve the improvements to the park for our guests if we don’t make enough money to do so. I look at every inch of the park to see where we can make more money. As an example, I believe that we have the most cabanas of any waterpark in the nation with 94. I believe that we will go over 100 for the 2016 season.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Probably coaching or scouting.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I have been attending the conventions every year since 2004. Each year I brought back something that I implemented that made the park more money and/or improved the guest experience. In 2013 & 2015, I was asked to be a speaker. I am pleased that I could help other managers with their parks.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I was the grand prize winner on the TV show, “Wheel Of Fortune,” where I modeled a full length fur coat with Vanna White. I play in World Series
Of Poker tournaments. I love music and trivia.