Megan Hartman
Director of Operations
Splish Splash/Palace Entertainment
Calverton, New York - USA
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2020
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I worked eight seasons at Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio before joining the Great Wolf pack in 2011. I worked for Great Wolf Lodge at their properties in Mason, Ohio and Concord/Charlotte, North Carolina for eight years. I joined the Splish Splash team this March.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am an Ellis & Associates Instructor Trainer and have my CPO certification.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
The awards I am most proud of are for the achievements of my team. Across three different properties, my team has earned the Ellis & Associates Platinum Award fourteen times.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
The ability to make a difference in the lives of my team and the impact that we make by keeping people safe.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I am grateful that this industry constantly challenges us to learn and grow.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Nick Licastro. I had the good fortune to begin working with Nick in 2007. Nick quickly earned my respect with his strong passion for safety and proven dedication to the team. His example, council and mentorship have strongly influenced who I am as a leader and has helped me be a better person.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
The unfortunate circumstances of the global pandemic have presented many new and unique challenges for our industry. I am confident that if we continue to support and learn from each other during this time that we will be able to overcome those challenges.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I believe in taking care of those in my charge. That purpose drives all that I do.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
I would give the same advice that I give to anyone when they are considering careers or future areas of study. Find something that you are passionate about and find a way to use that passion to help others.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I am inspired by the works of Simon Sinek, Brené Brown and Adam Grant.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptional people and I am grateful for the relationships that I have been able to build over the years.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I can’t really imagine doing anything else. Starting over, I think I’d still find my way back to this industry though something with holidays and weekends off sounds nice.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I’ve always enjoyed learning about other operators/operations from the articles in
World Waterpark Magazine. I have not yet had the opportunity to attend a WWA Symposium & Trade Show but look forward to doing so in the future.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I love to watch/listen to TED Talks. I am inspired by the ideas and experiences of the speakers and I hope to one day contribute to their great library of content.