Park People
parkworld-online.com
“
Park mascot Captain Gaga The bug
has got me. I have had
opportunities to go elsewhere but I don't want to. I love the industry, I love the
Herschends and I love this company Joel Manby
Manby singles out Firechaser Express at Dollywood, above, as one of HFE’s attractions to watch for 2014
a street performer at Celebration City. We loved her so much we created a job for her and the rest is history. She creates as many memories worth repeating at Dollywood as any other employee in the company.
How has HFE improved the Darien Lake and Elitch Gardens experience since taking over as operator in 2011?
Both properties had significant deferred maintenance and some guest concerns that needed to be addressed. We worked very hard to shore up the operations by making sure everything that was supposed to work was working. I know that sounds very basic but it took significant effort by our teams. At
”
Joel Manby with June Ward, master candy maker at Silver Dollar City and one of the park’s longest serving employees
30
Darien [HFE’s management contract at Elitch Gardens has since come to and end], we have been very successful improving the accommodations side of the business which has improved our ability to penetrate the Canadian market.
Can we expect any new operations contracts or park acquisitions in the years to come, either at home or overseas? We are always looking at acquisition opportunities and will consider operations contracts if the numbers make sense. I would be very hesitant to invest in a park overseas. We may manage one someday, but I have enough scars on my back from my international experience at Saab that I would be very cautious investing overseas.
Your book Love Works highlights “seven timeless principles for effective leaders.” How many of these did you pick up in the parks and attractions industry? I learned most of what I wrote about in Love Works from this industry, and I learned it from the incredible owners and leaders of HFE. Jack and Pete Herschend had created an incredible culture; what I did was put
Silver Dollar City’s Outlaw Run was one of HFE’s big attractions of 2013
words to their way of leading so it could be taught as we grew. I put a vernacular to it but they started it and nurtured it. They are my business heroes. In my automotive experience, I frankly learned more what not to do than what to do when it comes to effective leadership that leads to engaged employees who love on their guests in order to create an outstanding guest experience. We have a long way to go at HFE to be where we want to be, but at least the cultural vision is in place.
Other than the automotive, sports and
entertainment/attractions industries, could you envisage working in any other sector, or
has the “bug” got you? Yes, the bug has me. I have had opportunities to go elsewhere but I don't want to. I love the entertainment/ attractions industry, I love the Herschends and I love this company. I hope and pray that I am not going anywhere. However, that is up to the board and not me! Having said that, I am very sure that I have the support of the board and family.
Single out one new ride or attraction opening at one of your properties in 2014 and tell us why you are excited about it Firechaser Express at Dollywood. It is the first “forward and backward” family launch coaster in the industry. I am so proud of our operations and creative teams. For two years straight we have had the best new ride in the industry with Wild Eagle at Dollywood and then Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City. We may have another winner with Firechaser Express. It is certainly more family oriented than the other two, but it is creative and the theme is all about supporting and honouring the firefighters we all admire and respect.
hfecorp.com joelmanby.com
JANUARY 2014
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