Blake Ford Email and Phone Number

Responsible for management of overall Water Park operation and profitability, not limited to revenue generation or expense management. Responsible for leading the departments management team in their areas of focus as needed while building a culture of customer service and personal development. A member of Radisson Hotel by Mall of America's Steering Committee tasked with increasing the overall value of the property through increasing profit and maintaining the asset. Manage all risks associated with operating a large indoor waterpark in the mid-west. Encourage advancement of Team Members qualified and interested in career development.

Manage staff, achieve operational objectives; prepare budget, and control expenses using Microsoft Office Products. Track financials of Aquatics Department by creating and maintaining P&L, GL’s. Create and present investment opportunities for the waterpark expansion and improvements using Pro Forma and ROI models. Maintain safe, secure and healthy environment for guests and staff. Plan and direct the Aquatics Department to meet the daily needs of waterpark operations. Work closely with other executive committee staff to effectively coordinate resort activities. Create and implement management development programs. Serve on the resorts Executive Committee to represent the interests of the waterpark and Safety Programs. With management restructuring, effectively combined duties of Assistant Director and Director of Aquatics into my position. Oversee all training of Lifeguard Staff, including licensure and continuing education through inservice.After further restructuring, was tasked with managing the resorts Workers Compensation program. I have experience in managing workers’ compensation claims, reducing lost time and getting associates back to regular duties. I have a profound knowledge of medical terminology. A proven ability to handle confidential information. Tracked all workers compensation injuries through use of the OSHA 900 Log and a spreadsheet created internally that helped to identify trends, in turn, helping to reduce exposure.

Responsible for assisting the Aquatics Director in overall management of the department. Responsible for coordinating safety programs within the department and within the resort. Plan, administer, and monitor the resorts safety program that complies with federal, local, state regulations and other third party requirements. Interface with departments to communicate safety training, issues requiring corrective action. Develop and maintain inspection programs. Coordinate and maintain reports from third party inspections. Lead the safety committee at the resort in monthly meetings. Communicate with Resort General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance companies and proactively approach every incident. Oversee all training of Lifeguard Staff of 65, including licensure and continuing education through inservice

Assist the Aquatics Director in the operation of the Aquatics Department. Oversee all allocation of payroll on a day to day basis and adjust staffing accordingly. Maintain all aspects of pool chemistry not limited to water clarity and sanitation.

Prepare to and open newly built 4 acre outdoor waterpark. (Largest Municipal Waterpark in Texas) Oversee all aspects of the aquatic facility (150 employees). Oversee all sub departments including concessions, guest services/ticketing, building maintenance, Managers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguards and Aquatics Maintenance. Create and oversee the training and accountability of all polices and procedures. Responsible for an annual payroll of approximately 160 employees. Meet with Sales Representatives to discuss partnerships with Local Companies. (Papa Johns, Sysco, Dominos, Chic-Fil-A, Sqwincher, Coca-Cola).

Assist the Aquatics Training Manager in the licensing process of incoming lifeguards. Track required training hours, and audit program of approximately 140 lifeguards through documentation. Assist in conducting weekly training sessions of anywhere between 10-40 lifeguards at a time.Act as a liaison between Lifeguards and Supervisors on a shift to shift basis. Also as the first line in contact with guests to offer face to face guest service. Provide unmatched customer service to all guests within the resort. Perform daily pre-shift revivals and post-shift meetings. Perform lifeguard audits every shift to ensure lifeguard accountability.