Remembering 14 Years of FEARS (My Beginning at Ocean Park)

When I first accepted the job at Ocean Park, I never realized how much I would enjoy the challenge.  I never envisioned the long-lasting friendships that I would develop or what I would learn from the many valuable experiences there.   I always knew that I would contribute to the Park, but never expected how much I would gain in return.   

There is tremendous appreciation to the Park and the entire team for my good memories and successful career.

Sitting on a bookshelf across the desk in my den is a “trophy” that is perhaps one of the biggest reminders of my FUN and remarkable career at Ocean Park.  It was a souvenir from the events team.    The inscription on this “trophy” reads, “14 years of fear!, Ocean Park Halloween Event.”  Successful leaders know that the main reason for a company or business to prosper is directly related to its product and service quality.  

It was a difficult time at Ocean Park back then.  Finding a way out of adversity is often finding a new and fresh product, something new to the market, revolutionary, thought provoking, unusual and truly a unique selling proposition (“USP”).   Numerous business journals and case studies by acclaimed Universities have documented these unique products that have turned around past misfortunes.  Some of these products are developed in back yards and garages and some in brightly lit laboratories.  Think about the humble beginnings of Microsoft and Apple. 

“Give people what they want, and chances are they will buy.” 

This was advice from my father, which I cherished throughout my career (and still do so).   When I arrived at Ocean Park in the summer of 2000, business was spiraling downwards.   I initially blamed myself for accepting the job without really knowing all the facts about its financial health.  However, I accepted because I believed in the CEO who recruited me.  

With no hesitation,  I accepted that this was the hand dealt to me and I needed to do my utmost to help turn the business around.   When I first stepped into the park, I knew nothing about the theme park business, but very quickly realized that it was not vastly different from the hotel world that I was accustomed to in the past.   The main difference was that there were no guest rooms or an air-conditioned lobby.  Everything else was very similar: a good product, well-trained and motivated staff, and excellent service.  

We found that a new and fresh product, the USP in “Halloween”, created an event that was the key in turning the business around beginning in 2001. There are several articles already posted previously in my Blog that describe this signature event and business strategy.   I am extremely proud of everyone at Ocean Park who participated in developing and delivering Halloween chills and thrills over the years, and continue to deliver the much sought-after experience today.   Even more so, I am grateful for the 14 years I had to work with this dedicated team and achieve the results that helped to revitalize Ocean Park.