Day in the Life of CPA Matt Eckert, President & CEO of Holiday World

Summary

Matt Eckert, the President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, shares his journey from a child visiting the park to leading its operations. With a background in accounting and a CPA designation, he oversees a team that manages the park's rides, including innovative attractions like the Thunderbird, the nation's first launched winged coaster. Matt emphasizes the importance of innovation, from launching free unlimited soft drinks to setting industry records with water coasters. His passion for the park, the people, and the business is evident as he highlights the unique opportunities his career has provided.

Takeaways

• 😀 Matt Eckert is the president and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, located in Santa Claus, Indiana.
• 🎢 The park is known for its Thunderbird, the nation's first launched wing coaster, and offers three world-class wooden coasters.
• 💧 Holiday World & Splashin' Safari was recently named the number one outdoor waterpark in the U.S. by USA Today.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Matt grew up in Southern Indiana and visited Holiday World every year as a child before joining the company in 2000.
• 🧑‍💼 Matt's role as CEO involves overseeing the operations of the park, including a large seasonal workforce of up to 2,300 employees.
• 📊 Matt is a CPA, and his accounting background plays a crucial role in the financial and operational success of the park.
• 💡 The park embraces innovation, as seen in initiatives like offering free unlimited soft drinks, which was initially controversial but became widely adopted in the industry.
• 🚀 The Thunderbird coaster was a groundbreaking attraction, setting a new standard in the amusement industry with its unique launched wing design.
• 💼 Matt believes that accounting is the 'language of business' and that mastering it opens doors to various career paths beyond traditional desk jobs.
• 🏙️ Managing Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is akin to running a small city, with many moving parts and a high level of employee interaction and customer service.
• 🎢 One of Matt's favorite attractions at the park is the Wildebeest, the world's longest water coaster, which offers an exciting experience for guests.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Thunderbird at Holiday World & Splashin Safari?

The Thunderbird is Holiday World & Splashin Safari's first major steel coaster and the nation's first launched wing coaster, which makes it a landmark attraction for the park.

How many employees does Holiday World & Splashin Safari typically have?

The park has around 100 full-time employees. However, during peak season, this number increases to about 2,300 seasonal employees.

What was Matt Eckert's connection to Holiday World before becoming CEO?

Matt Eckert grew up in southern Indiana and visited Holiday World every year as a child. His connection to the park began early, and he later joined after being encouraged by a friend who worked there.

What role does Matt Eckert play as the president and CEO?

As president and CEO, Matt Eckert oversees the operations of the park, working with the staff and directors to ensure smooth operations. He is involved in daily tasks such as monitoring financials, meeting with sales teams, and engaging with both guests and employees.

Why is having a CPA designation important to Matt Eckert?

For Matt Eckert, earning the CPA designation is a symbol of commitment to excellence. It ensures he remains committed to professional development through continuing education, helping him maintain high standards in his work.

How does Matt Eckert feel about innovation in the park?

Matt emphasizes the importance of innovation at Holiday World. He highlights both technological and operational innovations, such as the introduction of free unlimited soft drinks, which set the park apart from others and brought praise from industry peers.

What is the significance of Holiday World & Splashin Safari's waterpark?

Holiday World & Splashin Safari’s waterpark, Splashin Safari, was recently named the number one outdoor waterpark in the United States by USA Today, marking a significant achievement for the park.

What is the personal connection Matt Eckert has with the CPA profession?

Matt Eckert decided to pursue accounting early in his college career, finding that accounting is the 'language of business.' His background in accounting has been vital to his current leadership role, helping him navigate various aspects of the business.

What makes Thunderbird a special coaster at Holiday World & Splashin Safari?

The Thunderbird stands out as a launched wing coaster, which is the first of its kind in the nation. This makes it not just a major attraction at Holiday World but also a significant milestone in the amusement park industry.

What is Matt Eckert's favorite attraction at Holiday World & Splashin Safari?

Matt Eckert’s favorite attraction is the Thunderbird, although he also enjoys the Wildebeest, a water coaster that holds the record for the longest coaster in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.