Ian Kanski
Senior Manager
Cultus Lake Waterpark
Cultus Lake, British Columbia - Canada
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, May 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I went to theatre school where I received a diploma from Douglas College and then started a career at Starbucks. It was while working as a Starbucks store manager that I met the owner of Cultus Lake Waterpark. In 2010, I was hired as Guest Services Manager. Since then, I have taken on more responsibilities as group sales director and am now currently the Senior Manager.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have my Pool Operator level 1 certification.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always loved waterparks. I used to travel to Edmonton with my family in the winter and we would stop at a hotel with a waterslide. I remember the first time that I was tall enough to ride the slide by myself and how freeing that was. Almost like the first time that you get your drivers license and take the car out by yourself.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love how we are always changing and innovating. No two days are the same. One day I am organizing school groups, the next I am theming a new gift shop. The business (especially being an outdoor waterpark in Canada) changes with the seasons and this gives you an opportunity to reflect on the past summer and improve operations year after year.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
In this industry there are a plethora of people and parks to draw inspiration from, but I get in- spired by the team of people I work with, especially by the long hours, hard work and dedication they all put in.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge is finding people who are passionate about the business to help execute the vision of our park.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am lucky to work for a business that is constantly evolving and expanding. Every year we make sure there is something new and exciting. It is really easy to stay focused and motivated when there is a new challenge every day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Never say that something isn’t your job. In this industry, we all wear multiple hats and need to jump in and help whenever and wherever we can. Parks are constantly changing and adapting, so learning to deal with ambiguity is a must. Although it can be hard work, when you reflect on the end result, the juice is almost always worth the squeeze.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I read
World Waterpark Magazine to stay up to date on what is happening in the industry. It is a great place to draw inspiration from other parks and to find the latest products.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of the job is problem-solving and quick decision-making throughout a busy day. A day can fly by really quickly as my focus and attention change to different areas depending on the daypart. I also love that my job is active and outdoors.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I was starting over again and amusements were not an option, I would probably work in customer service or sales. I really love connecting with people and discovering their needs and find- ing a way to help meet those needs.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
In 2010, I was able to attend my first WWA Show in San Antonio, Texas. It was really cool connecting with so many people who were willing to share their knowledge and experiences to help us improve our operations. I came home with so many great ideas and contacts and couldn’t wait until the next convention.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
The first time that I was a visitor at a Disney park I was 22 years old and I got engaged to my wife at the castle. •