This offseason, Coaster101 wants to take you behind the scenes of the theme park industry and talk to some key personnel at various parks around the country, not only to find out a little more about their respective parks, but about them as well.
Our second interview in this series is Matt Eckert, President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Eckert was named President and CEO in January of 2013, after five years of serving as the park’s general manager. He has worked at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in various roles since 2000.
Matt (right) and Holiday World VP of Marketing Eric Snow “Visiting” The Thunderbird Trains for the First Time. (All images courtesy of Holiday World)
C101: Tell us how you got your start in the theme park industry.
Matt Eckert: I grew up visiting Santa Claus Land and then Holiday World. After college, I got my CPA license and worked for Arthur Andersen, which was at that time one of the Big 6 Accounting Firms. As my then-fiancée and I approached marriage, we knew that we wanted to live closer to home when we started our family. Coincidentally, a good friend of mine from college was the Director of Rides at Holiday World. He told me about an opening for the Controller position. Park owner and president Will Koch gave me a call and asked if I would come down for an interview. I did, and the rest is history!
C101: How do you transition from a certified public accountant to working at a place like Holiday World?
ME: Accounting truly is the “language of business.” As an auditor, my role was to partner with my clients and learn their operations for the ground up, looking for ways to make them more effective and efficient. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is like its own little city, with so many different types of business operating under one umbrella. My background as a CPA has helped me in the sense that I have literally had to learn so many different facets of our business and find ways that they can work together to deliver a superior experience to our Guests.
C101: You’ve worked at Holiday World for over 15 years in several different roles before becoming President of the Park in 2013. How did you work your way to the top?
ME: In both positions (Controller and then General Manager) prior to becoming President, I worked very closely with our owner and President, Will Koch. I learned so much from him, not only professionally, but personally, that prepared me for advancement. (Sadly, Will passed away unexpectedly in 2010.)
Matt Eckert and Will Koch
C101: What’s an average day like for you in-season vs. out of season?
ME: What is an average day? I do not know that I have had an average day, which is what makes this job so fun and challenging at the same time.
C101: There are several things – free parking, soft drinks, and sunscreen among them – that set Holiday World apart from the “typical” amusement park. Why do you think this has been so successful for Holiday World?
ME: We are unique in that we do not want our Guests to feel like they are breaking the bank after they are welcomed through our gates. We provide a great value for families. That’s what makes Holiday World different – our unflagging dedication to VALUE and FAMILY. We want families to come to our park to make memories and know the value of their experience.
Voyage and Thunderbird in the Snow this past November
C101: What do you feel is the most rewarding part of your job?
ME: I tell everyone all the time – take a look around you and what do you see? That chair, that pen, that carpet … all of that is manufactured somewhere. What do we manufacture? Memories. What could be better than that? It is our job to make sure that we create lasting memories for our Guests to carry with them forever. We have the potential to change a life. That is very rewarding.
C101: What is the most challenging part of your job?
ME: The most challenging part of my job is constantly thinking of ways – big and small – in which we can provide something for each and every one of our Guests, no matter their age. We want the entire family to have a great day!
Matt (In his Orange Hard Hat) Being Interviewed by Local Media about Thunderbird. Orange is his favorite color!
C101: Holiday World is known for many great wooden roller coasters. How was the decision made to bring not just a steel coaster to the park, but a “first of its kind” launched wing coaster in Thunderbird, to Holiday World?
ME: We take a lot of pride in being the “-st” of everything. The FIRST theme park, the LONGEST water coaster, the CLEANEST park, etc. We have seriously considered bringing a steel coaster to Holiday World for more than eight years, but were waiting for the right technology to become available at the right time. With the popularity and fantastic experience a Wing Coaster provides, we knew that’s what we wanted. Of course, Holiday World had to have its “st.” We asked about becoming the FIRST launched wing coaster in the nation. Our dream and our wish came true!
C101: As Holiday World moves into 2015 and beyond, what is your personal vision for the park?
ME: Watch and see!
C101: What is your favorite roller coaster, at any park in the world?
ME: As of this writing, I would have to say the Voyage … but watch out Voyage, Thunderbird is closing in …
The Voyage at Holiday World
C101: Do you have any advice for our readers on working in the amusement industry, especially if they want to become a top executive?
ME: Learn everything you can about our industry. Visit as many parks as you can and observe best practices. Read every industry periodical that you can find. If you are working in the industry, talk to your peers and learn about their jobs, walk in their shoes to understand how every single position with an organization has a huge impact on the Park’s success. Dream big.
C101: What is your favorite part about the Santa Claus, Indiana area?
ME: Having grown up in a small town, I appreciate the quaintness of the area and the history that is behind the town of Santa Claus.
Matt as a child, visiting Santa Claus Land.
C101: Is there anything else you would want our readers to know?
ME: Life is short and we should seize every moment we have doing what we love to do. I am thankful that your readers love theme parks and cannot wait to see you all during the 2015 Season!
Coaster101 would like to thank Paula Werne for helping us facilitate this interview as well as Mr. Eckert for his time.
Holiday World opens for the 2015 season on April 28, and begins daily operation May 20. Be sure to follow Holiday World on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit their website: www.HolidayWorld.com for more updates on the park as Thunderbird nears opening!
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