Matt Stevens
General Manager
SplashDown Beach Waterpark
Fishkill, New York - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, December 2023
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have an Associates Degree in Commercial Art at Dutchess Community College and an Associates Degree in Fine Arts at Fashion Institute of Technology. I have been with SplashDown Beach since 2006 starting in customer service. Year after year, I absorbed more responsibility overseeing landscaping, janitorial and park projects and ultimately becoming General Manager in 2022.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
Currently an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) as well as a health care provider in basic life support and supplemental oxygen support through Ellis & Associates.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I was awarded the WWA’s Chris Stuart Emerging Leaders in 2013.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Working at the waterpark was the ideal job to have for a college student so it kept me busy during the summer time. As I was nearing the end of my final college semester, I started commuting back home to work on the weekends to help prepare the park for opening. It was then that my interest grew and I wanted to go full-time as soon as I graduated. I have never looked back!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE THE BEST?
I enjoy the process of training employees who have the potential to become a park leader. Every season there is a time when we look for who could be the “future of the waterpark.” This is an exciting time and opportunity for those we select as we mentor them to be leaders, not just supervisors or managers. At one time I was given that opportunity, so I want to work with others and help them grow into successful leaders as well.
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR
C AREER?
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The inspiration award goes to Andrew Chafatelli! Andrew was the GM back when I was in my final year of college. He took a chance on me, invested his time an energy to train and expose me to all aspects of the waterpark life. He believed in my potential and always challenged me to learn more. I look up to Andrew and how successful he has been. His work ethic, his management style and passion for this business inspires me to follow in his footsteps.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Navigating through the pandemic back in 2020. The constant uncertainty, what we were able to accomplish and what was being delayed. Not knowing if the park would open on schedule or even open at all (we eventually did not open). I felt lucky to still work, to be considered an essential employee but going out every day exposing myself and being around others was a risk for my family and me.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Every year there are always improvements to make and changes in order to make the park better for both the employees and guests. I enjoy the wide variety of projects, the planning and constructing stages each year brings. There is never a dull moment in the waterpark life!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
The waterpark life is one that is unique, fun, hard working and full of emotions. It is a place where you will make long lasting friendships. The job can be both physically and mentally demanding, which I believe will help build your character and improve your work ethic. This is an industry where hard work is recognized and rewarded. If you show dedication and motivation to whatever your position is, you will be valued even more.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The monthly release of
World Waterpark Magazine from the WWA allows me to get a glimpse of what else is going on in the world of waterparks. What products to look at, what is trending, different types of attractions to consider and read what others in the industry are reading.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I am very personable and enjoy being active, so I would say working closely with my management staff, establishing a healthy positive work environment all while getting to enjoy being
outside is a huge perk to me.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I do have a passion for landscaping and design. I find it therapeutic to create property landscapes from scratch.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
In 2013 when I was the recipient of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, I was given the opportunity to travel to the WWA Show in West Palm Beach for the first time.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am an abstract painter. My painting style is one that is inspired by Jackson Pollock and Hans Hofmann. Over the past few years I have freelanced for some of my family and friends and one day strive to have my work displayed in a gallery. •