Mike Gioia
Assistant General Manager
Wild Rivers Waterpark
Irvine, California - U.S.A.
Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, May 2026
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
BS in Kinesiology from San Diego State – graduated in 2000. Held my 1st waterpark job at the age of 14 at the original Wild Rivers. After college, I spent 21 years at Universal Studios Hollywood – before returning to help re-launch the new Wild Rivers Waterpark.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
Certified Pool Operator, Certified Food Manager
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Voted Best Husband by my wife of 25 years, and Best Dad by my 2 kids: 19 yr old and 21 yr old boys. My dogs think I’m special too – especially when I’m feeding them.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I think it chose me. I’ve always enjoyed being around water and the outdoors – so that was the original draw at 14 years old. Moving into my professional time in the industry, being able to make a positive impact on a daily basis; either with team members, guests or to the shareholders is what drives me to stay.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Each year is a new campaign. You can take key learnings from prior year(s) and incorporate them into the new season. Much like a sports team that can re-tool each year and specifically address areas of opportunity and build off of prior year success, the seasonality of waterparks allows for specific rally cries each year.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have worked with many inspiring people over my 30 years. My dad has been my inspiration professionally. Speaking specifically for the entertainment and hospitality inspiration, I have two that come top of mind. Both were key leaders with Universal Studios; Michael Taylor and David Danon - their focus on Guest Experience, operational excellence and Team Member engagement have stuck with me for decades.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Getting into the Food and Beverage world was my biggest personal challenge in this industry. I had very little F&B experience before coming to Wild Rivers and we had to start a complete program from scratch. I had a lot of help from past professional colleagues. Also, WWA’s very own Kenny Handler was very helpful during the opening year - he was instrumental to our opening.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
That’s easy – the roughly 800 Team Members who rely on us for a safe & enjoyable work experience and the 1000’s of guests who visit us daily. Not letting either of these two groups down is what provides my daily drive.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Start now and spend a summer (or months) at each of the key front-line positions. Park Services, Admissions, Operations (Lifeguard), and Food Service. Don’t always focus on obtaining the highest title right away, focus on being well rounded and becoming a subject matter expert. Waterpark leadership is not a job – it’s more of a privilege. Being a leader in the park means that you can jump in to any position for a quick minute to help support the mission.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Executing a great period of operations is always fun. Achieving business results that outpace the plan and bring a smile to the shareholders is always rewarding. My favorite part though, especially in the waterpark industry where we employ a lot of 1st time employees, is watching the beginning of the season when all the team members are shy and nervous, then watching them towards the end of the season as confident contributors who are ready to tackle the world.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would develop a youth Sports Academy program or professional bass fishing.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
Coming back to Wild Rivers in 2021 as this park was being built, the various department leaders all became involved with their specific areas of responsibility to build relationships and to gain knowledge. I truly enjoy participating in WWA’s monthly Zoom sessions to hear all about the industry – and how the various parks are tackling the same challenges that we all face.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I wish I had that kind of mystery about me. But maybe the world just isn’t fully aware of my love for great custard stands of the Midwest. •