Member Spotlight

Ed Hodgdon

Marketing Manager 
Funtown Splashtown USA
Saco, Maine - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," May 2017

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Southern Maine. I have attended many classes and seminars at various industry events including with WWA, IAAPA and NEAAPA. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
None now, but I’m working on it. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS, OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I have received the President’s Award and the Paragon Award from NEAAPA. The President’s Award was for spearheading a new website where members could access and change information. The Paragon Award was for the park’s marketing during the 2015 season. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
I began working for Funtown Splashtown USA as a teen in the summer of 1998. I loved it so much that I never left. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I like the fact that the industry is continually changing and evolving. 

WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
My biggest inspirations, hands down, would be Ken and Violet Cormier, the founders of Funtown Splashtown USA. They worked tirelessly to build the business that I have the privilege to work for today. Mr. C passed away in early 2013, but Mrs. C is still very involved, so I get to continue to work closely with her. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
My biggest challenge is the case of mistaken identity during the 2015 season. It has been a challenge to get people, especially on social media, to understand there is more than one Splashtown in the world. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
The guests keep me focused and motivated. My job is to help create a place where people can escape from the day-to-day, and spend quality time with their family and friends. It’s a privilege to serve them all. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
While there may be long days in the hottest months of the year, there are plenty of rewards. Knowing that you are making families happy is the biggest reward. You need to keep tabs on the industry, and what is going on. You can never sit back and let whatever you do go into autopilot; that will never serve you well. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
I read “Amusement Today,” “World Waterpark Magazine,” “Funworld Magazine,” “Park World,: and many more. I also follow Blooloop, the Legal Roller Coaster and LeaderTips online. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB? 
The dynamic nature of the industry. Each day is different and so it never gets boring. 

WHAT CAREER OF BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
Probably something in the technology sector or public relations. These are two very different tracks, but were two areas that I seriously considered in school. In my current position, I have a hand in both realms. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I was introduced to the WWA when I started working year-round in 2001. I have spoken at two Symposiums: in Las Vegas in 2012 and in New Orleans in 2016. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
When traveling, I must find one of three channels that I can put on TV for when I fall asleep. If you want to know which channels/shows, you’ll have to get to know me better.