Scott Loos
General Manager
Wet'n'Wild Hawaii/Premier Parks
Kapolei, Hawaii - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, September 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Dayton. Additionally, as part of my continuing education requirement at the time, I completed a real estate and hospitality curriculum. I started my career in public accounting and quickly realized that I was drawn to the waterpark and amusement industry. While I started in an accounting role at Sea Life Park Hawaii, I soon transitioned into roles that allowed me to marry accounting and hands-on skills. I went from Accounting Supervisor to Operations Manager, then Director of Operations and then Assistant General Manager. In 2014, I moved over to Wet’n’Wild Hawaii as Assistant General Manager, working closely with Jerry Pupillo, who was the General Manager at the time. Jerry recently accepted a cabinet position with the Mayor of the city and county of Honolulu and I was appointed General Manager in January 2021.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
Upon my entry into the waterpark industry, I completed my Ellis & Associates lifeguard certification. Additionally, I have completed Bar Manager training with the city and county of Honolulu and Food Handler certification from ServSafe. Beyond this formal training, I have learned a tremendous amount of industry-specific information from Hue Eichelberger, Jody Kneupper and Jerry Pupillo.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
During my time at Sea Life Park Hawaii, I was the recipient of the Palace Entertainment Rising Star Award, Top PerCap in F&B and Top Sanitation in F&B. When I transitioned over to Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, I was the recipient of
Pacific Business News Top 40 under 40 class of 2017.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Some of my favorite memories growing up centered around waterparks and amusement parks in my hometown just outside of Cleveland. I feel very fortunate to have had these experiences. When I made the decision to relocate from Cleveland to Honolulu, I quickly realized how important creating lasting memories was for others. This passion drove my career toward this industry. I love the idea that what we do can help create impactful guest experiences.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I LOVE every part of the business. The variety of each day is something I think is enjoyable about the waterpark industry. The fun, the challenges and the ability to impact guests and employees daily is something that I look forward to every single day. I believe my accounting background also has laid a strong foundation for me to operate a waterpark. Analyzing trends and data is enjoyable and allows us to operate at a consistently high level.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Jerry Pupillo. I was lucky enough to meet him more than 10 years ago. He helped me transition out of an exclusive role of accounting and into operations. His leadership and friendship over the years has been one of the most impactful relationships of my life.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
COVID...with 13+ years of experience in the industry, I have never experienced anything like it. I am sure everyone has had challenges over the past 16 months and we were no different. In a tourist-centric market with strict government approaches to COVID, it was undoubtedly the most challenging time I have ever experienced. The unwavering support of Kieran Burke and leadership of Premier Parks during the entire pandemic has been the bright spot to a challenging year. While at times things seemed dire, my role at the park is honestly what kept me going. I used the time we were closed to really dive deep into what other parks were doing and analyze all of the information coming from the CDC and other entities. I feel fortunate to have had this time to really dive headfirst into ensuring we could open as soon as possible and in a way that would make our employees and guests feel safe. Our whole team knew what a unique position we were in to have an opportunity to allow guests a place to feel “free” again in a safe and enjoyable manner.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
My wife and two young children help me stay motivated. Their support during our busy times of year allows me the freedom to focus on the job at hand. Additionally, I believe a strong regimen of swimming, biking and running allows me to stay mentally strong and focused.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Go for it! It is the best industry in the world. Learn every job in every department. They are all connected. Find a strong mentor. Lead by example. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
WWA e-newsletters and publications, of course!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
This goes hand in hand with question 5 from above. I genuinely enjoy the variety of every day and the ability to impact guests’ experience.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
Professional golfer! But in the real world I am not sure I would choose another business or career. At one point I was a partner in a traveling circus that went to all 5 major Hawaiian Islands and Manila, Philippines and I really enjoyed that run we had.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I was first exposed to WWA in 2014 and really enjoy the community aspect of the Association. The peer networks and industry knowledge gained are priceless.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I am a 2-time Ironman finisher, 4-time Half Ironman finisher and 5-time marathon finisher. I really enjoy the mental and physical challenge of endurance athletics. My other current passion is golf and I hope to be a scratch golfer before the age of 40.