Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordyn Kledas.
Hi Jordyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have been in the waterpark industry for 10 years and started working at Hurricane Harbor in 2013. It helped me get through school. Now through my college experience, I was getting my Dance Degree with an Education minor and really was falling more and more in love with the waterpark world. I didn’t realize it yet… but I was hooked.
Through the years I have worn many different hats, and I am so incredibly astounded by where this has taken me. I have worked every position and department I could From Lifeguarding to marketing, sales, food and beverage, HR, and Safety and Risk Management. I met incredible people and learned so much. As I was doing this my goals and dreams were changing around me, and I was aspiring to be the General Manager. The waterpark was the only thing that kept me going and was the only reason I was waking up on some days. I was making memories for families and trying to escape the reality I was trapped in. Through the adventure and after freeing myself, I was able to dive deeper. I am not the Assistant General Manager for Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. I speak on varies topics for our industry. I train, coach, and work to promote the next generation of workers in Amusement and Hospitality. I am a graduate of Purdue University with my Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management, a coffee fanatic, obsessed with the gym, and so lucky to be where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were never a ton of females in the industry with high titles and seeing Woman as GM and AGMs was rare. As I was pushing through the industry, I watched as the room lost more and more females, and the need for more female leadership really stuck out. At several companies there have never been a female General Manager, and only a few with female Assistant General Managers. For one location, I was there for 4 years as the only female director and female operating manager. Another heavy challenge is that I am in hospitality, heavily tattooed pierced, and don’t fit the standard look. I am lucky to be with a company that accepts this as part of my identity and see the work ethic behind the ink.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I the Assistant General Manager for Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark. It’s a 365-operation indoor waterpark, but we don’t have a hotel attached. I am most proud of my growth in the company starting as a Supervisor in Aquatics to where I am today, as well as being able to speak on behalf of my organization and the industry. I have been able to speak at World Waterpark Association’s Conference two years in a row as well as to multiple places in my city and state. I am set apart in my gender as well as my stance that personal body modifications do not define my job performance or serviceability.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Several people deserve shoutouts, such as Megan Fulbright, who pushed me as a baby lifeguard and knew I would go far in this industry long before I ever did.
Also, my parents, Katrina and William who never questioned me when I told them I wanted to run a Waterpark but instead asked how they could support me.
Another significant shout-out goes to those that stood with me through my darkest times and made sure I knew I was loved even when I was made to feel unloveable.
Success doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have someone to share it with… I’m very lucky that I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jkledas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordyn.kledas?mibextid=9R9pXO
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordyn-kledas-bb510a191
Image Credits
Israel Blanco
