Maria Mastoris Saltzman
Marketing Director
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark
Seaside Heights, New Jersey - USA
Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," June2019
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I hold a bachelor of science degree from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. My major was exercise & sports science with a minor in business management, but my internships revolved around event management and marketing This led me to my current position as Marketing Director for Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach. Prior to that, I held positions as an Event Coordinator and an Account Executive for a radio station.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am CPR certified.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
We are honored to have been a winner of WWA Wave Awards for many years. While I have been with Casino Pier, we have won Best Radio Commercial (2014), Best Brochure (2016) and Best Website (2017 & 2018).
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
The internships during college as well as my previous jobs made me realize I truly enjoy being involved in the marketing and events field. Having grown up in Seaside Park, I was a frequent visitor of the Boardwalk and waterpark. Working for a business that holds precious memories for my entire family is very special.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Marketing. It is very challenging to use my creativity to entice potential visitors by making the park look like a place they know they must visit.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My parents. My mom has been employed with the same company for 40 years and my dad was self-employed, owning a business for almost 40 years as well. They instilled a good work ethic in me, inspiring me to work hard, show respect, all while making sure I enjoy what I do.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
I started working here at the most challenging time in the history of the company, right after Superstorm Sandy devastated the pier, Boardwalk, homes and most of the barrier island. But I knew I had to jump right in and take on the news reporters head on and alert the public that we will be back! It was a challenge to rebuild after that devastation but we did and I am so honored to have been a part of the rebuilding effort.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
The work days are often long, but the key is to stay focused and motivated! The stand-up desk in my office keeps my blood flowing, making me more productive. Being located right next to the beach and ocean enables me to take a walk during lunch to break up the day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Be prepared to get wet! Be prepared to work holidays, weekends and all of summer! But you will be outside and you will make new memories and friends!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My face lights up when I get a phone call or email from a parent thanking me for a wonderful time. We host various types of events, and the feedback is important. When someone takes the time to let us know they had an amazing time and that the event ran smoothly, it makes my day!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
That is a question I continually ask myself… “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Since nothing has taken me away from Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, I must have chosen the right career!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I started working for Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach in 2013 and gained a lot of insight from the WWA. The webinars, seminars and members are extremely helpful. It is encouraging to know that although we may be competitors, we are all in the same industry and willing to help each other.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
When I first accepted the position at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach, I lived in my parents’ bungalow (an old fisherman’s cottage) that did not have heat and only had an outdoor shower. The colder days in the early spring and late fall months were extremely tough. Luckily, I found a place to rent before winter!