Robbie Bellew
Director of Food & Beverage Attractions
Serengeti Springs/Hattiesburg Zoo
Hattiesburg, Mississippi - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, October/November 2024
Time has been a big challenge. There never seems to be enough time to get things done, but we somehow end up pull- ing it off every day. Because it is our first season being open, everything seems like a huge challenge. Next season it will be like riding a bike! IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from the Walt Disney Culinary Apprenticeship in 1995. I then worked in the casino industry for about 20 years before returning to the attractions industry.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
ServSafe Manager ServSafe Alcohol CPR/Life Saving Crowd Manager
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECI AL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Hattiesburg Convention Commission Employee of the year 2022.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
When I was around 12 years old, I really started experiencing different types of food and thru this desire I started learning to cook. I would often cook dinner for my family. It was around high school when I got my first job in food and beverage. From then on, I was exposed to more and more options. I then applied for the Disney Culinary Apprenticeship and got accepted. The experience at Disney gave me the background of several types of food service from hot dog carts to fine dining.
WHAT ASPEC T OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love the daily challenge of the waterpark. It changes every day and feels good when we solve issues and make it better for the guest.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Honestly it has been the staff I had the pleasure of leading. Over the years I have worked with some amazingly talented people and they all have given me inspiration and helped me in some sort of way. Their energy and attitude has gotten me through some very tough days.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK
CAREER?
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CARRER?
Time has been a big challenge. There never seems to be enough time to get things done, but we somehow end up pulling it off every day. Because it is our first season being open, everything seems like a huge challenge. Next season it will be like riding a bike!
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I have a great team. We have frustrating days but we all keep each other smiling and happy. We share our story and listen to each other. This process helps keep everyone on task and energized.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
For our area in South Mississippi, I would say get yourself in shape and tempered to the heat. Hydrate often! If you think you need one ice machine, you should purchase two!
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOS T FOR INSPIR ATION OR MO TI VATION?
Our executive director Rick Taylor gave us a great book,
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. This book has been instrumental in providing us with positive motivation to give our guests the best experience possible. It really shows you how to go above and beyond with guest service.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Providing a good time for our guests. We nourish them during their stay with us and that is very satisfying.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
My dream job if I ever had the chance, would be to work for the lawn maintenance crew at Wimbledon. I am a huge tennis fan and I would love to learn how they cut that grass!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
While working for our zoo, we decided to add a waterpark and began construction. We joined the WWA and I am so glad we did. I have made so many connections that have assisted us with our opening.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I love to grow orchids. It has been a passion of mine since I was in elementary school. My mom taught me how to care for them and I have been doing it ever since. •