Amanda Lahn-Boyer
Director of Marketing/Owner
The Funplex
East Hanover & Mount Laurel, New Jersey & Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, June 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from Drexel Lebow College of Business in 2008 with a degree in finance and entrepreneurship. After finishing school, I came to work for my family’s business, The Funplex. For 14 years, I have held positions ranging from sales manager to marketing.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
The Funplex waterpark team has the NASCO certification program with two different instructor level professionals on our team.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I am happy to say I was part of the team that won the Brass Ring Award for “Best Family Entertainment Center in North America” in 2011. In recent years, WWA has recognized our work in email marketing and awarded us “Best Brochure” last year. Also in 2021, we were a finalist for “Best TV Commercial” at the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards for the summer commercial of the expanded waterpark at the Mount Laurel location.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I was lucky to spend my life growing up in the amusement industry. Beginning when I was six years old, my father built his first miniature golf facility and driving range. Over the years we were fortunate to take over two family entertainment centers in New Jersey that eventually became The Funplex today. Humble beginnings as go-kart and arcade locations today are world-class indoor and outdoor amusement and waterparks.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
A waterpark is a family-friendly experience and there are many ways to enjoy the day together. At The Funplex, we want to create memories for the entire family. While rides and arcades can have similar experiences, there is something unique about a family day at the waterpark. Winding down the “lazy” river, playing basketball together in the activity pools or enjoying the shade of a cabana over lunch—what could be better? The thrills of the big slides are great but watching families laugh, splash and play together on a sunny day in July can’t be beat!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR C AREER?
Watching my father, Randy Lahn expand the possibilities of our family’s business over the years continues to inspire me to this day. In May of 2021, The Funplex opened its first compact park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and in December of 2021, we expanded into the golf country club business. In spring of 2023, we are scheduled to open a new dual branded hotel, currently under construction, at our Mount Laurel, N.J. Funplex location. My dad continues to push me to dream bigger than what you think is possible and write down your visions so that they become more than dreams but plans.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
When I think the amusement and waterpark industry has thrown everything it can at me I am surprised by something new. Be it a pandemic, employee relations or just trying to find ways to keep your guests engaged—it is never over! The biggest challenge I find is how to master my skills in the waterpark industry when things are constantly changing. Today, we need to find a way to be bigger, better and more interactive through more than just a new slide but through social media and food experiences.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Overall, my team keeps me focused and motivated. I want them to feel supported, engaged and that they are working toward a bigger future for themselves and the parks. My goal is to create lifetime careers for as many people as possible.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Never limit yourself to what you think you can excel in. Try as best you can to get exposure in as many areas of the industry as possible. You may think you are only in it for the marketing and then you find out that you love the lifeguard teambuilding and the safety aspect. This industry will surprise you and create new paths you would have never expected.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I religiously read the Wall Street Journal as well as other news sources. I find that understanding the market helps you better understand your guests not only with what they will feel comfortable with this season but in projecting how they will travel, enjoy in-park opportunities or look for deals next season. I also read
World Waterpark Magazine, IAAPA’s daily e-newsletter, as well as
Funworld magazine.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Watching the unfolding of a successful summer not just in the amount of people we bring to the parks through the marketing, but how they interact with our team and come back continually throughout the season. There is nothing like getting to Labor Day and knowing that your team did everything possible to create the best summer experiences for the greatest number of people!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I honestly can’t picture myself in anything other than the amusement park industry. If I was to do anything differently, I would have enjoyed some big park career experience before working for my family but otherwise this is my passion and I would pick it all over again.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Originally, I got involved with the Wave Award Awards. Through that submission process, the WWA team introduced me to many different things the WWA offers like the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event and the wonderful webinars through the years.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have a love for Heli-skiing! •