George Salcedo
Massanutten WaterPark Operations Manager
Massanutten WaterPark
Massanutten, Virginia - U.S.A.
Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, June 2026
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
After I graduated from high school, I joined the US Marines. I was in the US Marine Corps for 9 years as a Military Police Explosive K9 handler. I achieved the rank of Sergeant and had a few deployments. I then traveled to several countries with HMX1, the President’s helicopter squadron, as part of a bomb-sniffing team. I have 30 years of experience in customer service, of which 20 years are with Massanutten Resort and 10 years with the WaterPark
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have an AFO Certificate along with many other certifications from various leadership classes I have been to.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I am most proud of being a husband, dad, and US Marine. These “titles” are the biggest honor, award, or special recognition that I could ask for.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I worked for the Massanutten Resort for 10 years. An opening for the building manager job came open at the WaterPark, and I applied for it. I thought working with young people would be empowering, and learning something new would be a new challenge for me. It took a few times applying, but they eventually hired me. A few years later, they made me the Operations Manager of the WaterPark.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I best like working with young people, seeing them grow and seeing them go on to bigger and better things. It feels great knowing that I/we had a small part in that happening.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My Grandfather. He inspires me in everything I do, from being a dad and husband to having a strong work ethic. If I need inspiration, I think, “What would grandpa do?”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I don’t know if it has been a challenge, but thinking you know everything and finding out daily you don’t. LOL! It amazes me to think how much there is to learn on a daily basis.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Again, going back to my grandfather and his work ethic. I used to watch him leave every day; he would walk to work at the railroad yard. He never wavered and never complained. And he came home every day after a long, hard shift and took care of his family. I always wanted to be just like him.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Be ready to learn. As much as you think you know, you don’t, LOL! Also, believe in the process and believe in your junior staff.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
Of course, the World Waterpark Magazine for happenings and knowledge. I use the internet to see what everyone else is doing. I follow a couple of podcasts, and really enjoy Simon Sinek.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
The guests. I like learning about them and what brought them to my park. I want to find out how I can make that trip just a little better for them.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
You know, 20 years ago, if you had told me that I would be running a Waterpark, I would not have believed you, but here I am. So, picking another career to start all over again is a tough one. I really enjoy what I do, but being a 3rd string QB on an NFL team would not be bad.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I came to my first conference in 2019 and fell head over heels. I really enjoy the conference and especially the camaraderie that you feel. I have made it a point to get my staff to the WWA Show to learn more and enjoy that camaraderie. I started volunteering after the pandemic. I found it was a great way to be involved and to meet even more people. I make sure all my staff volunteer for that reason.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I really love working on my lawn and yard, and I am constantly tinkering with my golf swing. I also won a gold medal in Team Handball at the JR Olympics in 1984 in Los Angeles. •