Brian Schinski
Operations Manager
Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance & Surfside Waterpark
Anaheim, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I attended a junior college but never finished with a degree. Not to say that school isn’t for me, it just wasn’t at the time. So, without the foundation of higher education, I took the long, hard road and built my professional hospitality experience on-the-job starting in valet when I was 19. Over the past 18 years I’ve had the pleasure of working in 12 different hotels across 4 different states and have worked in nearly all departments – from valet to operations manager and everything in-between.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a PHTA Certified Pool Operator (CPO), a NRPA Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), and have a Lifeguard Level II Certification through SGE.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Recently our hotel and team earned Marriott’s Highest Honor, Hotel of the Year.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Surprisingly enough, aquatics found me. I had no intention of beginning a journey in aquatics because I really knew nothing about the industry, but I’m not someone who turns down a challenge. So, when an opportunity to manage our waterpark became available, I applied and relied on my curiosity and passion for perfection with a goal of providing the best facility and service for our guests and haven’t looked back!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The fun! In the digital world now, we are almost always behind a screen – being in aquatics allows me to continuously interact with families, team members, and of course, the kids! Waterparks have a funny way of bringing out the kid in all of us, and being able to see the joy and fun that our facilities provide for our families is unmatched by any other industry.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had many inspirational characters come and go in my life. I believe you are a product of your environment – so I choose to surround myself with the very best people in the industry. That’s who I’ve found in my current role and why I have stayed here for so many years.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Can I still say the word; COVID?! I’m pleased we were able to “reboot” our hotel and waterpark after being closed and boarded up for over 411 days. We turned a challenging time into an opportunity to improve our training and facilities.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I have a motto that “Success is never final.” Working in an environment that encourages innovation and standards always keeps me focused on opportunities to improve on all aspects of the business.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
You’re the only person stopping you from doing what you want to do in life. If you want it, plan for it, and work tirelessly towards it.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
TED Talks are eclectic, diverse, and usually on fascinating topics. I like to be able to watch and listen to inspirational perspectives and presentations and try to apply them to my own field and myself.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Everyday brings new challenges and opportunities. The all-season sunny Southern California weather doesn’t disappoint, and having the opportunity to be outside as a part of my job is an amazing perk!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Sales. In the aquatics department someone is always trying to sell you something!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
When I started in aquatics leadership, I needed to find an ally – a big ally – and luckily, we found Cathy Haggarty and the WWA. Cathy has offered invaluable support and resources to industry professionals and our waterpark wouldn’t look as amazing as it does today without her and WWA’s vast resources and support.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
My first job out of college was a highschool baseball coach in Denver, where I solidified my passion for coaching and developing a strong team. •