Mike Loya
Director of Sales and Guest Relations
Wild Water Adventure Park
Clovis, California - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, January 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business management and I am currently working on my doctorate in business management with an emphasis in organizational leadership. I started my career in Recreation Administration back in the late ‘80s and naturally progressed into the amusement and waterpark industry by working at Cedar Fair as an Executive of Special Accounts in Group Sales, and then moving to Palace Entertainment, where I was the Director of Marketing and Sales at Raging Waters. I am now at Wild Waters Adventure Park as the Director of Sales and Guest Relations.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have my Project Management certification and was a lifeguard.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I graduated valedictorian for my master’s degree in 2017.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I started in the recreation field as a lifeguard in 1980. The smell of chlorine and sunscreen has always brought me back to the beginning. I worked for many camps and became an Executive Director of our local recreation department, so fun and community has always been a part of my life. Moving into my current field was a natural transition.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I enjoy the guests and the feeling of providing memories that last a lifetime. I am an amusement, theme and waterpark junkie. In my off time, I can be found at a park. The waterpark industry brings so many people together, and at my current park, we allow outside food to be brought in, so the smells of the outdoor BBQs and the sounds of everyone on the attractions brings back memories from when I was a youth.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing leaders in the field. When I moved into the industry, I had the pleasure of working under Raul Rehnborg, who is the VP & GM of Cedar Fair Park, who was my GM at California’s Great America. To hear his story of how he began in park services at the age of 17 and progressed to where he is today is inspiring. I also have the pleasure of currently working with Steve Miklosi who is the GM of Wild Water Adventure Park. Steve’s contribution to the waterpark industry is legendary and if I can progress to be half the man that he is, then I will also leave a positive mark on the organization.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
It is the physical aspects of working in the parks that I have considered a challenge in my career. Being outside in the 100 degree plus weather can take a toll of me. However, the concept of working in an office is foreign to me. Also, as the Director of Sales and Guest Relations, I find that developing corporate group events is more challenging at a waterpark then an amusement park as some company employees do not want to be seen in their swimsuits in front of their peers.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
My motivation comes from three strong influences. My peers are amazing and as a team, we work hard to inspire each other. When I need to find my path, I just look toward the team and I can draw motivation and encouragement. Plus, the owners of the park, who are also founders in the industry, bring a wealth of experience and support to everyone on the team. All I need to do is sit down with them and then I’m back up and running. The last influence is the park itself. When I find myself frustrated or at a barrier, I take a walk around the park, just to remember why I’m here. Our waterpark is in a majestic 46-acre park setting.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Always look at what makes you and your park unique. Enjoy the fact that you will be part of creating memories and experiences for your guests, staff, as well as yourself.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I draw my literary inspiration from the journals of business, as well as the writings of my peers who are looking at excelling in business and their respective industries.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Interacting with the guests and my employees. I supervise a large number of team members and every day I learn something from them and I look forward to seeing them. I also enjoy when I am out in the community and I tell people where I work and they share their stories about the park since our park is close to its 50th year of operation, I love hearing the generational stories of how guests worked here in their early days and now their grandchildren are working there.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I would definitely stay in the people business. If I were to start over, I would consider something in the social field or working with adoptive families and children.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I went to my first conference about 5 years ago and love attending WWA events and taking part in WWA webinars. The resources that I have found have been rewarding and interacting with my peers has made me a stronger park director.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am a huge Disney fanatic as I have been going for the last 55 years and have only missed attending the park during COVID times. I call it my mouse therapy, especially when I go with my family and my son.