Member Spotlight

Jacob Herzog

Guest Services Manager 
Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark
Nacagdoches, Texas - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," December 2016

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I am currently a student enrolled at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in supply chain management. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Since I am a college student, it was the perfect opportunity for a summer job. I also wanted some experience in learning the ins and outs of a company. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
My favorite part is getting to work so closely with teens on a regular basis. It’s awesome to see them grow into young men and women of character during the season. Not many other industries hire teens the way the waterpark industry does. Also, I love that waterparks are a place for families to come and have fun, while escaping the worries of the world. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? 
That would be the CEO of Splash Kingdom, Johnny Blevins. Mr. Blevins is amazingly driven, intelligent and caring. His staff is a part of his family, and he takes great care of all of us. He is a rare breed of businessman who is an inspiration for many. He drop-slided head first into an industry he didn’t know much about and is now excellent at his craft. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER SO FAR? 
The greatest challenge so far has been maintaining a work/family/friends/relaxation balance. When the season comes and the hours ramp up, it can be a challenge to invest in all those areas. It helps to have a strong support system of family, friends and mentors to keep you on track. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I like to listen to podcasts about the meaning of work and what it means to be a Christian in the workforce. My relationship with God is the biggest factor in driving me to give every task my best effort, and to view others higher than myself. Not because I must, but because God has given me the power to do so. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A FELLOW YOUNG LEADER WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
If serving others is beneath you, then leading others is above you. If you aren’t willing to serve others on your team, then you aren’t going to be able to lead them. Leaders don’t call the shots and sit back; they forge the path for others to follow. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
The bible is the book I read every day for motivation. My favorite verse to meditate on for work is 1 Peter 5:2-4 which states: “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples of the flock.” It inspires me to care for others, and set an example for them to follow while not being driven by selfish motives. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
I love that I get to play a part in creating an environment that people can come and just have fun for a couple of hours. We live in a world where it can be difficult to relax when it seems like there is so much going on around us. Being a part of an industry where people can just focus on having a great time is awesome. 

WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN A FEW YEARS? 
The one goal I have is to be better than the me I was yesterday. Not because I’m unhappy with who I am, but because I know that I can always be improving. In a few years, I hope to be in a position where I can look at those around me and see how much they have grown in whatever they desire to do. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
My first involvement with the WWA was over this summer and becoming a part of the emerging leaders program and applying for the Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders Scholarship program. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I love to cook. Cooking is relaxing and allows me to make my own creations that I get to eat. I also enjoy eating quite a lot, so it’s getting to do two of my favorite things at once.