Nearly a Decade in Aquatics, 19 Years with Massanutten Resort
With nine years at Massanutten WaterPark and nearly two decades at the resort itself, my career in aquatics has been a journey of growth and learning. Transitioning into this role was a new challenge, but it quickly became a fulfilling experience in a field I’ve come to enjoy.
From Marine to Aquatics Manager: A Unique Background
Before aquatics, I served as a Marine in the K-9 field for nine years, followed by 20 years in customer service. I came into the aquatics industry with minimal technical knowledge, but with an eagerness to learn. Fortunately, I had a fantastic team, including Dana Staniunas and Bill Frazier, who helped me develop the skills needed to succeed in the field. Their guidance has been instrumental in my journey, and I continue to build on what they taught me every day.
A Humble Path, Recognized Through Dedication
Though I haven’t received any formal awards within the industry, I take pride in the work I do every day. My focus has always been on learning and contributing to my team rather than on recognition. Watching my team’s progress and seeing our guests have positive experiences is the most meaningful reward.
Embracing Aquatics: Motivation and Growth
My journey to aquatics came after several roles around the resort, all customer service-based. I was motivated to take on the challenge of managing a new field, and the chance to work with and mentor a younger team was a big draw for me. After joining as Building Manager, I maintained an open mind and a willingness to learn, leading to my promotion to Operations Manager seven years ago. This role has allowed me to grow alongside my team, learning new skills each day.
Lessons from My Grandfather: Inspiration Through Hard Work
The most significant influence in my life has been my grandfather. His dedication and work ethic left a lasting impact on me, especially his belief that “if you don’t learn something every day, you’ve wasted that day.” His wisdom has motivated me to continuously improve and to instill that same drive in my team.
A Memorable Moment: Pride in My Team
One story I always share happened during my first emergency response on the floor. A guest had fainted, and I watched in awe as our young lifeguards sprang into action, each knowing their role and working seamlessly alongside our OEC. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming pride in my team’s skill and professionalism, proving that even the youngest lifeguards can perform like seasoned pros when it matters most.
Life Outside of Work: Lawn Care and Golf
When I’m not at the waterpark, you’ll likely find me on the golf course or caring for my lawn, which has become a bit of an obsession. I take pride in keeping it in top shape, and it’s a relaxing escape from my day-to-day responsibilities.
Advice for Aquatics Newcomers
My advice to anyone entering the aquatics field is to bring an open mind and a readiness to learn. Mistakes are part of the journey—trust the process, learn from any setbacks, and don’t be afraid to dive in. You’ll find that everything can be fixed, and each experience will only make you better in the field.
Connect with George Salcedo at Massanutten Resort
