Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Barnett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Evan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in the waterpark industry at age 16 in Northern California. I have been in the industry now for 22 years, my first job was in Park Services. I really enjoyed ensuing the park was clean. I enjoyed the experience because I was able to visually see the work I was completing. Over the next several years, I was fortunate enjoy to had a leader that helped develop my skill set through other department roles and responsibilities. I always tried to say yes to what other were reluctant to complete. This strategy gave me the opportunity to be exposed to unique situations allowing me to hone in on my management skill set. In due time, I finished school and moved to Dallas to work on a start-up waterpark company. We built seven waterparks throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Once I completed my MBA program I received an opportunity to continue to grow in industry in Houston. I met Typhoon Texas current ownership team and decided jump on the opportunity to help a premier waterpark the fourth largest city in the United States. Currently, I am blessed to be a part of a team that is challenging the service status and implement fun innovative ways to manage a waterpark.
Great, 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?
The Waterpark Industry is full of fun challenges. There is industry represents many different industries that provide a unique opportunity to excel in some areas and grow in others. I have learned to outsource the areas I frequent challenges by surrounding myself with individuals that are strong in my areas of weakness. I work hard in trying to keep perspective on the items I can control and don’t get bogged down on the respective areas that I do not have influence over.
I have learned the road to success is full of obstacles and challenges. To be transparent, I would not change this path. I find it oddly refreshing to overcome and win against the challenges of the day. I have learned over the years it is how you respond to adversity that keeps me focused. Lastly, being given the opportunity to help others overcome their own obstacles and is a responsibly I take to heat.
One struggle that is very consistent over the years is building a high performing team. What makes the park different from others is the unique leaders that make the park come alive. The challenge is to cast vision, execute, and perform consistently daily. As a result, I spend a lot of my time working on the business and letting our leadership work in the business while building strong connections with each team member.
At the minimum, I realize tomorrow is a new day!
Please tell us about Typhoon Texas.
Typhoon Texas is Houston’s premier waterpark destination where families enjoy high-speed raft rides and tube slides, the four-story children’s Gully Washer, Texas-sized wave pool, winding lazy river and more.
From its Lone Star flags and slow-smoked barbecue to its Texas-friendly “Howdy,” the park is Texas in every sense of the word.
Typhoon Texas features more than 35 slide paths stretching a third of a mile.
At the Monster Storms, guests enjoy the Texas Twister, a serpentine raft adventure that takes riders up a Texas-sized boomerang wall, while the Typhoon combines the fun of a winding waterslide with the exhilaration of white water rafting.
Amidst the twists and turns of the Snake Pit, Typhoon Texas offers the newest waterpark gaming experience, X-Boarding, which uses a hi-tech ride vehicle with an embedded game controller to create a futuristic video game integrated waterslide.
For the more adventurous, the Duelin’ Daltons presents three, four-story free-fall slides including one of the area’s true vertical looping waterslides where sliders are jettisoned through a translucent tube.
Other attractions include the Texas-sized Tidal Wave Bay wave pool, eight-lane Lone Star Racers mat slide and winding Lazy-T River stretching the length of five football fields.
Meanwhile, the tiniest of waterpark-goers will experience hours of fun at the Gully Washer with its 800-gallon water bucket, more than 100 spray areas, eight platforms, seven different slides, elevated walkways and rope bridges. At 48 feet tall, the children’s play structure is one of the largest in the world.
Having just completed its second season, Typhoon Texas was the only newly opened waterpark to be recently ranked among the 20 most-attended waterparks in North America for 2016, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report published by the Themed Entertainment Association and the economics practice at AECOM.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is of my family camping trips. We used to pack up the camper and head to the wilderness, beach, or some new adventure we have not explored. My brothers and I learned and developed skills that actually help today. As a dad of two daughters. I realize that getting kids outdoors and active with family, nature, and exploring takes a lot of effort. I truly cherish the camping memories!
Pricing:
- Season Pass are on sale for 59.99 down from 89.99
Contact Info:
- Address: 555 Katy Fort Bend Road
Katy, TX 77494 - Website: www.typhoontexas.com
- Phone: 8324267071
- Email: info@typhoontexas.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/typhoontexas/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
