Brian Szydloski
Waterpark General Manager
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2024
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
Over the last 17 years, I have held various positions with Great Wolf Resorts, American Resort Management, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark where I serve as the Waterpark General Manager.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
My certifications and licenses over the years include - Ellis & Associates Instructor, American Red Cross Instructor, Certified Pool Operator, and a Hospitality & Tourism Management Certification from Florida Atlantic University.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of many great teams during my tenure that have received awards from entities such as – WWA, Ellis & Associates, American Red Cross, USA TODAY, D Magazine, and many more.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Like many, when I turned 16 years of age, I needed gas money and car insurance. In 2007, the Great Wolf Lodge located in Grapevine, TX was preparing to open its doors and they needed lifeguards, the rest is history! Since my “chlorine baptism,” I have only ever worked in the waterpark/hospitality industry.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I enjoy the “orchestrated chaos” that this industry presents. There is something magical about the things we operators accomplish every day while giving families a safe and unforgettable experience. We are in the business of creating memories!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had many great mentors over the years, but the following individuals have had the greatest influence on my career path. From a professional standpoint, Kevin Eldridge & Keenan Weiss, who I met during my time with Great Wolf Resorts taught me everything I know about the industry in my formative years and lord knows they extended more patience than I probably deserved. From a personal standpoint, my mother and father, Charyl and Scott Szydloski are my inspiration. Raising five children, my parents worked very hard to ensure we always had more than we needed. Watching them provide for us is where my work ethic comes from.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
This is a tough question to answer as we have all faced many challenges in this industry. If I had to choose one, I would say adapting to the shifting mindset and work ethic of the constantly changing generations. Waterparks are no longer just competing with other waterparks for associates. A lot of the time we compete with the highest bidder.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
What motivates me is easy, my wife (Andi) and son (Scott) are the reason I do everything. What keeps me focused is watching those around me excel and succeed. I have had the pleasure of watching many young professionals I have worked with grow to accomplish great things.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t be afraid to take chances and put yourself in uncomfortable situations to learn the areas of the industry you know nothing about. Lastly, never use the phrase, “But, this is the way we have always done it”. Trust me.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLIC ATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
There are too many to name, but two I like best are
Good to Great by Jim Collins and
Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of the job is creating moments in time that guests and employees will remember for the rest of their lives. When your guests and employees are enjoying the environment you have fostered, the energy is palpable.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I have been asked this question many times and I truly do not have a solid answer. I guess it would probably be in sales of some kind. I have been told I could “sell water to a fish.”
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended my first show many years ago while working with Great Wolf Lodge. For the last four years, I have had the pleasure of serving with a group of experts in the “Ready, Set, Go!” workshop. My invitation to speak with this group was extended by Judith Leblein Josephs. I have truly enjoyed her mentorship over the last four years and look forward to speaking with her for years to come!
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
That I have a twin brother, Collier. We went to a very large high school, and we even had classmates that did not know we were brothers. In their defense, we are fraternal twins. •