Jimmy Dilks
Revenue & Sales Manager
Aqua Adventure Waterpark/City of Fremont
Fremont, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, June 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I received my B.A. in psychology and planned on being a high school counselor and sports coach. Due to budget cuts and young teachers being pink slipped every year, I decided to change career paths. I wanted to get into professional sports and ended up doing sales and marketing for two different boutique sports teams. During this time, I met my current boss who left to open a local municipal waterpark with his sales and marketing skills.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I hold AFO certification. I also have my ServSafe Food Handler certificate, and I have my Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED trainer certification.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
In 2019, I won the Illuminating Excellence Award from Premier Inc.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
The sports team I was working for relocated to Washington State and it was a little too far from home for me. I spent one season up there where the team I was working for won the championship in front of a sold-out crowd. It was an amazing night that I will never forget. Shortly after, my old boss reached out and introduced me to a summer of chaos. I fell in love and the rest is history.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love introducing the young adults into the workforce that come to work for the first time. It is so rewarding to see them create a work ethic and grow up and dive into their careers and know they learned something from that first summer.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My boss Lance! He is a great mentor, marketing guru and an even better friend!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Working for a municipal waterpark is the biggest challenge. There is a lot of red tape to go around in most, if not all, of the decisions and processes.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I enjoy the time I get with my 3 kids and wife especially in the summertime. It allows me to reset mentally and keeps me driven and wanting more.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t forget about work life balance as the summers are pure madness! It is easy to get caught up in the long days/weeks with such a short season.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I honestly wish I had more free time to read.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Besides hiring the young adults who work for me, it has to be providing a safe and fun environment for families and members of the community I serve. It is a trip to look back at the end of the summer and reflect on all the families and groups that had fun and celebrated in our facility.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would open up a gastropub for the community I belong to so that everyone could eat, drink and be merry!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I attended my first WWA Show in 2012 in Las Vegas. I have since been a part of two session presentations.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have 4 different grills, smokers and BBQ’s in my backyard. I enjoy doing all of the cooking for my family usually out in the backyard.