Member Spotlight

Reed Gonzalez

Project Manager 
Water Technology, Inc. (WTI)
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin - U.S.A.
Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, December 2020

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I grew up working at my family’s amusement park and waterpark, Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon. It didn’t take long for me to catch the waterpark “bug!” I spent my college years working at Beech Bend and pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, I started working at WTI. I’ve now been with WTI for 6 years, and it couldn’t be a more perfect fit! 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am a licensed professional engineer (PE). I received this certification in 2019 after working under other PE’s at WTI. In my prior operations experience, I was an Ellis & Associates ILTP Instructor and held a CPO certificate. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Waterparks are truly in my blood; it’s all I’ve ever known. I started working for the family business at age 9 and grew to love the industry. I’ve often thought about my life in another field, but nothing seems to fit! 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
One of the best aspects of our industry is the tight- knit community. In fact, attending trade shows from organizations like WWA and IAAPA helped ignite my passion for the industry. Cultivating new relationships and connecting with old friends is one of the best parts of trade shows in this industry. And when it comes to the work we do...I get to design waterparks! What’s much better than that? 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
My mother, Charlotte. She alone has been the person who has fueled my passion for this industry. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
There is always a challenge on a project, though the challenges vary by project and by client. Every project and every client has a budget no matter how big or small and we are al- ways working to stay within those parameters and to deliver the best bang for the buck. One very challenging thing when working to be innovative is balancing “what’s new” with what has been tested or the tried and true best hits. We have a rigorous process to ensure that new waterpark amenities and technologies are safe and ready for users—providing clean air and water, minimizing risk and still creating thrills can be a challenge. Everyone wants to be second in line for the latest and greatest innovation, but there are inherent risks in being the guinea pig for any given amenity or upgrade. It is our job as designers to balance this. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
By working with my coworkers and colleagues on complex projects. Working on projects that constantly require new solutions keeps me on my game. My job revolves around learning something new every day, and that is what keeps it exciting! 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
The best thing you can do is to get plugged into the industry in any way you can. Want to be an engineer? Great! Go to school for engineering. But also seek out waterparks for part-time jobs and build your resume with experience pertinent to the field. The more hands on experience you have working at a waterpark, the better. It also doesn’t hurt to attend a WWA Show! 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
My go to publication growing up was always Amusement Today. I still seek it out when there is a new issue. I also love World Waterpark Magazine because it has so much unique content. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Without a doubt, the best part of my job is seeing the finished product. Getting to see a new waterpark complete and ready to open is extremely satisfying because it validates all the hard work and effort I put into the project during design and engineering. The life cycles of most large projects are 3 to 4 years! Getting to see a project at the finish line, especially after so much time is spent in the planning process, is very rewarding.

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I’ve been asked this question before and never had a good answer! The reason is because I wouldn’t change the industry I’m in. I have a dream one day to own and operate my own small waterpark. So whether it is the engineering side of things or operations, I feel right at home in this industry. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I first got involved by attending a WWA Show to receive a CPO certification. The best thing about WWA Shows is the amount of educational sessions and presentations, outside of the trade show floor. That is where the real idea-sharing and knowledge exchange takes place! 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
My favorite hobbies are playing with my 2 poodles, getting in a match of tennis and smoking meats. Yes, you heard me right—smoking meats. The best Christmas present I ever received (or worst, if you ask my wife) was a smoker. Take a guy who is already a big meat eater and loves to cook and give him a smoker— now that’s quite a combination!