Category Archives: Team Member Spotlights

Team Member Spotlight: Nick Romeo Expands Guest Services’ Reach Through Partnerships and Education

Guest Services has a long tradition of welcoming visitors to parks and public spaces across the country, ensuring they have access to memorable services and experiences. With more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, Nick Romeo brings experience from major attractions such as Legoland Activity Centers, the Big Wheel in Orlando, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life, and now applies that expertise as National Tour and Travel Sales Manager.

A New Frontier with Resellers

One of Nick’s primary responsibilities is overseeing third-party resellers and hotel partnerships. This includes well-known online travel agents such as TripAdvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, and Tripster, which allow Guest Services’ parks to reach millions of potential visitors. By activating these channels, Nick ensures that guests booking trips to Florida or beyond can seamlessly add natural experiences to their itineraries.

“Tour and travel sales are an essential part of how we grow awareness of our parks and experiences,” says Laura Sherman, Vice President of Hospitality. “Nick’s work is already making an impact, and his dedication to building strong partnerships is helping us reach new audiences every day.”

“Not everyone likes working with resellers,” Nick admits. “But I’ve always enjoyed it. They bring in business we may never have reached otherwise.” His strategy is to partner with the strongest companies in both the U.S. and Europe, particularly those that integrate with FareHarbor, making it easier for guests to purchase tickets as part of larger travel packages.

 

Personal Journey and Resilience

Earlier this year, Nick experienced a medical emergency after a fall, which led to a seizure and two major brain surgeries. Recovery required time away from work, but Nick voiced his appreciation for the overwhelming support of the Guest Services team for helping him return. “It really feels good to be back,” he reflects. “At a company of this size, I was honored to have received this level of care. The support made all the difference.”

Outside of his role at Guest Services, Nick has a unique background, holding a degree in animal science and having previously worked as a licensed funeral director in New York. He and his husband live in Orlando, where they have built a life together for the past 24 years.

Here to Support Properties

For Nick, the most important part of his role is supporting general managers and property teams. He wants them to know he is a resource, whether it’s navigating reseller relationships, leveraging online travel agents, or developing educational partnerships with schools.

“I’d love to be able to work not only with Florida but across our park systems,” Nick says. “I’m here to help, and I want our teams to know the resources they have available.”

Thank you for all you do, Nick!

Giants Ridge Shines with Statewide Wins and Team Member Recognitions

Giants Ridge has once again proven itself a premier destination in Minnesota, taking home multiple accolades in the Minnesota’s Best reader-choice awards presented by the Star Tribune. This year, Giants Ridge earned:

  • Gold – Best Golf Course
  • Gold – Best Ski Hill
  • Gold – Best Ski Resort
  • Gold – Best Weekend Getaway
  • Silver – Best Fall Fun/Events
  • Silver – Best Day Trip
  • Silver – Best Fall Destination
  • Silver – Best Winter Destination

General Manager Fred Seymour explained that these recognitions are more than just titles, saying they reflect “the hard work, dedication, and hospitality that our team brings to every guest experience.” He emphasized that every role, whether it’s grooming trails, mowing greens, or serving guests in the restaurants, contributed to the wins. Fred noted that with more than 250 employees across golf, ski, Nordic, and food & beverage operations, the property is “a unique operation that takes a dedicated team to keep running smoothly.”

Having led Giants Ridge for eight years, Fred added that its variety of offerings makes it unique, pointing out that “championship golf courses, a ski area, Nordic trails, three restaurants, and year-round operations all come together here.” He also emphasized the property’s importance to the community, noting that it is one of the region’s largest employers.

 

 

Spotlight on Rising Talent

Alongside these statewide honors, Giants Ridge is celebrating lift mechanic Neale Leete, who has been nominated for the 2025 SAM Rise Up Challenge, a contest spotlighting lift maintenance professionals.

In less than two years, Neale advanced from lift operator to mechanic while pursuing technical training to deepen his expertise. Marketing Director Josh Woolery shared that “Neale’s journey and passion make him a standout not just at Giants Ridge, but across the ski industry,” encouraging the community to watch his video submission and vote daily to help him secure an education grant.

Fred added that Neale’s story reflects a broader philosophy at Giants Ridge: “It’s important to believe in your team, give them the tools to succeed, and trust them to make decisions. That’s what allows us to create a culture of excellence in everything we do.”

 

 

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

From wide recognition in Minnesota’s Best to attention for rising talent, Giants Ridge continues to demonstrate the passion, teamwork, and dedication that define the Guest Services experience. Building on these accomplishments, the team looks forward to welcoming even more guests and strengthening its reputation as one of Minnesota’s premier four-season destinations.

Creating Community Through Campground and RV Excellence With Shelly and Roy Moore

Rotating image of the Willow Beach Campground Views

For Shelly and Roy Moore, Willow Beach has always been more than just a campground, it is their happy place. Before living and working here, they called it their hideout, a quiet stretch along the Colorado River where they could escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Eight years ago, a two-week getaway turned into something life-changing.

“When we arrived at Willow Beach, we encountered the camp host at the time, Mike,” Shelly recalls. “My husband jokingly asked, ‘How do you get a job like this?’ And somehow, within the two weeks we were offered the position, we did all the paperwork, and were back to Reno to pack up our house, put in my two-week notice at work, and told our family we were moving to Willow Beach for a year to try out this thing called camp hosting.” What was supposed to be a one-year trial has become their life’s calling. Today, they continue to welcome travelers and adventurers from around the world, all drawn to the emerald waters and serenity just down the road from Las Vegas.

“Entire facility was the cleanest and best maintained we have ever seen. The host Roy and Shelly were extremely hospitable and shared their knowledge of the area and places to see. They made our stay absolutely wonderful. They are the best campground hosts you will ever find.”

– Campground Guest, August 2025

Roles with Heart

Shelly serves as camp host, caring for the campground by making sure that every site is cleaned and ready for the next camper and that the restrooms, showers, and laundry are sparkling clean. “My husband, Roy, is the maintenance supervisor; he is responsible for all maintenance on the property, not only in the campground, but for all of Willow Beach. He handles everything from the smallest thing, like changing out light bulbs, to the big projects of landscaping and trimming grass and trees. All the extras that make Willow shine above the rest,” she explains.

Together, they go beyond the basics, often spending their own time sharing advice on the best fishing spots, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas. “Even on our days off or after hours, we are always out helping campers, talking to them, hearing their stories and sharing ours, offering advice on the best fishing spots or where the best hiking trails are. Just interacting with the campers we come in contact with and giving them more insight into Willow Beach.” Their dedication shines through in the reviews that praise Roy’s willingness to go the extra mile and the couple’s passion for making sure every camper has the best experience possible.

Creating Lasting Connections

In their eight years at Willow Beach, Shelly and Roy have met people from all walks of life. “A lot of them are telling us that the reason they do return is because of us. That really makes your heart smile,” Shelly says. They especially look forward to the busy season from October through April when snowbirds stay for months at a time. “We call them our Willow Beach family. We get together and BBQ and tell stories and spend time together. Not because it is our job, but because we enjoy the people and we love what we do. Christmas and Thanksgiving potlucks are my favorite; everyone is welcome.”

“Campgrounds were the cleanest and best maintained we have ever seen. Campground hosts were absolutely awesome. Very professional, friendly, hospitable and knowledgeable. They were very helpful and answered dozens of our questions about the area. It was our first time there and they took very good care of us, enhancing our outdoor experience. We will definitely be coming back!”

– Campground Guest, June 2025

Advice for Future Camp Hosts

Shelly often hears from people who dream of camp hosting. “A lot of them say it is something that they really have always wanted to do. And I just say if you love working with people, you love being outdoors, camp hosting can be so fulfilling, just do it.” Eight years after taking a chance on their hideout, Shelly and Roy continue to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging to everyone who passes through Willow Beach. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, what begins as a temporary getaway can become the adventure of a lifetime.

Thank you, Shelly and Roy, for your hard work and commitment to excellence!