AttractionPros Podcast AttractionPros

This minisode discusses the concept of The Hospitality Mentality within organizations through a real-life scenario at a grocery store. Matt recounts a positive interaction with a cashier, who engaged in conversation with him and offered a better deal on blueberries. However, the interaction turned sour when Renee's manager interrupted to discuss watering plants, disrupting the positive atmosphere.
 
Matt and Josh dissect the incident, emphasizing the importance of coaching team members while keeping them accountable without compromising guest experiences. They stress that The Hospitality Mentality should extend to all employees, regardless of their position within the organization. Their discussion concludes with reflections on the significance of tasks typically out of guests' view and the importance of managers prioritizing guest interactions over administrative tasks.
 
We want to hear from you!  How can leaders ensure they don’t disrupt a guest experience in action?  Let us know by chiming in on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.
 
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Mike Lusky is the Group General Manager of Adventureland Resort, Altoona, IA. With over three decades in the attractions industry, his journey began at Geauga Lake in Ohio, where he started as a taffy puller at the age of 15. Over the years, Mike has worked with industry giants like Six Flags and Great Wolf Lodge, honing his leadership skills and shaping his management style. In this interview, Mike talks about embracing history, shifting culture, and the importance of mentors.
 
Embracing history
"One of the things I've seen most effective through any of the organizations that I've worked in is when you're able to connect the employee and their benefits to the ultimate goal."
Mike emphasizes the importance of connecting the past with the present to foster a sense of continuity and pride among employees. By acknowledging and celebrating the history of Adventureland Resort, Mike believes it creates a deeper connection with both employees and guests, enhancing the overall experience.
 
Shifting culture
"Keeping [employees] in a positive mindset, giving them the right accolades when necessary, that's a big part of the strategy here is just that acknowledgment and kind of immediate reward."
Mike emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive work culture by recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions. He believes that by prioritizing employee satisfaction and well-being, it translates into better guest experiences and ultimately drives business success.
 
The importance of mentors
"There's no way you would have been able to come up with your leadership style on your own."
Mike underscored the pivotal role of mentors in shaping leadership styles and navigating challenges in the attractions industry. He highlighted the value of seeking guidance from experienced professionals who can offer insights, support, and feedback. Through mentorship, leaders can refine their skills, make informed decisions, and cultivate successful careers.
 
Contact Information:
Adventureland Resort - AdventurelandResort.com
Email: Mike.Lusky@palaceentertainment.com
 
This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:
Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan
 
To connect with AttractionPros:
AttractionPros.com
AttractionPros@gmail.com
AttractionPros on Facebook
AttractionPros on LinkedIn
AttractionPros on Instagram
AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Melissa Oviedo is the Chief Business Officer of BMorrow Productions.  Melissa brings a rich background in the attractions industry, having previously worked with Nassal, where she honed her expertise in project management and strategic development. Now, as the Chief Business Officer of BMorrow Productions, Melissa spearheads initiatives aimed at driving innovation and fostering growth within the company's diverse portfolio of projects. In this interview, Melissa talks about sustainable growth, building perspectives, and asking the right questions.
 
Sustainable Growth
"Sustainable growth isn't just about numbers; it's about creating a lasting impact that benefits not only the business but also the environment and the community it serves."
Melissa emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth in her role with BMorrow Productions and discusses strategies for maintaining steady progress while ensuring long-term viability. Melissa advocates for a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors. She highlights the significance of fostering relationships with local communities and minimizing ecological impact. Furthermore, Melissa delves into the role of innovation in driving sustainable growth, stressing the need for continuous adaptation and improvement.
 
Building Perspectives
"Diversity in perspectives isn't just a buzzword; it's the key to unlocking innovation and driving meaningful change within our industry."
Melissa underscores the value of diverse viewpoints in enhancing creativity and problem-solving. Melissa emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. She shares insights on leveraging differences in perspectives to drive innovation and enhance guest experiences. Melissa also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with building perspectives within a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
 
Asking the Right Questions
"The ability to ask the right questions isn't just about seeking answers; it's about challenging assumptions, exploring new possibilities, and ultimately, driving strategic decision-making."
Melissa discusses the significance of asking the right questions to drive strategic decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and critical thinking in identifying opportunities and mitigating risks. Melissa shares practical tips for refining questioning skills and encourages professionals to challenge assumptions and explore alternative perspectives. She emphasizes the role of asking the right questions in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
 
Contact Information:
Melissa Oviedo
Email: melissa.oviedo@bmorrowproductions.com
 
BMorrow Productions
Website: www.bmorrowproductions.com
 
This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:
Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan
 
To connect with AttractionPros:
AttractionPros.com
AttractionPros@gmail.com
AttractionPros on Facebook
AttractionPros on LinkedIn
AttractionPros on Instagram
AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Denise Beckson is the Vice President of Human Resources and Government Relations at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ. With a wealth of experience spanning various roles within the attractions industry, including waterpark operations and lifeguarding, Denise brings a unique perspective to her current position. In this interview, Denise talks about first jobs, recruiting as sales, and government relations.
 
First jobs
"Today's youth, a lot of them want to work somewhere that there is a social give back."
Denise Beckson is deeply passionate about youth employment and its benefits. She emphasizes the importance of instilling a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in young individuals. By showcasing well-known figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, who started working as teens, Denise aims to highlight the value of early work experiences. At Morey's Piers, she orchestrates campaigns that not only attract attention but also promote the idea that jobs can be enjoyable and meaningful. From bumper car advertisements featuring prominent individuals to campaigns tied to local charitable causes, Denise ensures that recruiting efforts resonate with the target audience while aligning with the company's core values of fun and community engagement.
 
Recruiting as sales
"It's important in the recruiting field to make sure you're setting it apart, but you're being true to what it is that you do."
Denise's approach to recruiting transcends conventional methods by treating it as a sales endeavor. She believes in creating memorable experiences and fostering brand recognition to attract potential employees. Morey's Piers employs creative strategies such as utilizing edgy imagery, leveraging social media trends, and collaborating with local charitable organizations to make their recruitment campaigns stand out. By integrating elements like visual billboards and engaging social media content, they not only draw attention but also convey the message that working at Morey's Piers is both fun and socially impactful.
 
Government relations
"It's important that you understand what you're advocating for in the operational side of it."
In her role overseeing government relations, Denise is a fervent advocate for the attractions industry within legislative processes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how regulations and policies affect employees, guests, and businesses. Denise encourages individuals to get involved in government relations by staying informed about local, state, and federal legislation. Whether through attending council meetings, joining advocacy committees in industry associations, or participating in political affairs conferences, she believes that collective action and informed engagement can influence policymakers and shape favorable outcomes for businesses and communities alike.
 
To learn more about Denise Beckson and Morey's Piers, visit the company's website at www.moreyspiers.com. To connect with Denise personally, she can be reached via email at denise.beckson@moreyspiers.com.
 
This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:
Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan
 
To connect with AttractionPros:
AttractionPros.com
AttractionPros@gmail.com
AttractionPros on Facebook
AttractionPros on LinkedIn
AttractionPros on Instagram
AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

The AttractionPros Podcast has reached another milestone!  After nearly seven years, we are thrilled to reach episode 350.  To recognize how far we’ve come since 2017, we put a call out to our audience to share what they have learned from the podcast that has helped them in their business, network, or career.  With the hundreds of guests who have been on the show from every corner of the attractions industry, the takeaways are wide and diverse.  Matt and Josh also share several things that they have learned as well from producing this podcast every week for 350 weeks.  In this episode, the AttractionPros community shares what they have learned from the show.
 
This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:
 
Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan
 
To connect with AttractionPros:
AttractionPros.com
AttractionPros@gmail.com
AttractionPros on Facebook
AttractionPros on LinkedIn
AttractionPros on Instagram
AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

James Jensen is the founder and CEO of JUMP, the world’s first wingsuit base jumping simulator. If you have ever dreamed of flying like Superman, but don’t have the time, ability or finances to do it for real, this hyper-realistic simulation might be for you. Early in his life, James began oil painting like his father. Later when he discovered computers, he was happy to locate the undo button and that is what spring boarded his career as a designer. From there he opened his own design agency where he worked with actors on specific sets and green screens, and it wasn’t long after that that he founded the VOID, another immersive attraction. That then led to the founding of JUMP in 2022.  In this thought-provoking episode, James talks about going into the future, transformational experiences, and that fear is an illusion.
 
Going into the future
“In late 2016, I imagined going to JUMP, and what that would be like as a customer.”
James didn’t realize that he and Nicola Tesla had something in common… they would both image their projects or products as they would be in the future (before creation). In James’ case, he mapped out the customer journey and the experience based on the vision of what he saw in the future. 
He also wrote a customer review of that imagined experience, which ultimately turned into a guide for his team about what they were trying to create. It directly impacted marketing, the design of the attraction, and how they were trying to make the customer feel throughout the process. 
 
Transformational experiences
“We want you to know one truth. You’re standing in an airplane and you’re about to jump out 15,000 feet to the ground.”
Base jumping in a wingsuit would likely be a transformational experience. As a human, you would have done what very few others have the time, budget, or desire to do, but it would be something you would never forget and you would likely look at life from a different perspective.
The hyper-realistic experience of JUMP, while a simulation of that base jump, aims to be just as transformational because you believe you did something unbelievable. Pulling back the curtain on how JUMP does it, James says a huge part of the experience is to remove all evidence of other input you might notice. Nothing can break the illusion of your new “truth,” that you are about to fly!
 
Fear is an illusion
“It’s your moment to jump past that [fear] and see success.”
James tells us how when someone is getting ready to jump at JUMP, they are standing at the edge of the airplane, the wind is hitting their face, and they feel the real fear of being unsafe, or that something is about to happen and they need to protect themselves. The “fear state” is created not by what is really happening, but what we project might happen and we feel that fear in the moment. 
James hopes that by allowing people to experience fear, and then jump past it in a safe place, people will take not only the experience, but the learning with them. This can help people be more productive and effective as they reevaluate situations in their own lives where fear might be holding them back. 
 
To learn about JUMP, visit https://www.limitlessflight.com/ or follow their social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter (X).
 
This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:
Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas
Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan
 
To connect with AttractionPros:
AttractionPros.com
AttractionPros@gmail.com
AttractionPros on Facebook
AttractionPros on LinkedIn
AttractionPros on Instagram
AttractionPros on Twitter (X)