09
November
2018
|
16:50 PM
America/New_York

Up Close: Profile of the Guest Experience Supervisor

Linda Dietz, Guest Experience Supervisor
"We strive to work together as a team to ensure all guests have a positive Hersheypark experience as we Own, Anticipate, Delight and Inspire."
Linda Dietz, Guest Experience Supervisor

Ensuring our guests have the sweetest experience possible is always a priority. This is why Linda Dietz, our Guest Experience Supervisor is highly valued. She joined the Hersheypark team is 1997 and has been making guests smile and aiding in customer resolutions ever since. Interestingly enough, Linda didn’t choose to work for us until after she retired from her full-time job. Read on to find out how she’s enjoying her retired years at Hersheypark and why she said, “Over the years I have made many friends young and old who feel like family.”

Q) Tell us about your career. Where did you go to school? What was your career path prior to joining Hershey?
A) I was born and raised in Schuylkill County and graduated from Blue Mountain High School. After high school I worked as a secretary at Travelers Insurance in Reading, PA until my marriage when we moved to Harrisburg. I became a licensed insurance agent and continued to work until the birth of my first daughter. We had two more daughters and I became a stay at home mom until they started school. Then, I then worked as the secretary at an elementary school.

Q) Walk us through your career so far at Hershey.
A) In the spring of 1997, I began my Hersheypark career as a seasonal employee in the Season Pass Office. In 1999, I became a full-time employee as the Season Pass Office Supervisor. I left the position in 2002 to work for a computer company and continued to work part-time at the Park. When I retired from the computer company I started working more hours as a Front Gate Supervisor and then advanced to my current position as Guest Experience Supervisor.

Q) Why did you choose to work for Hershey after retiring?
A) We were Season Pass Holders and I've always loved coming to the Park with my family. Hersheypark is close to my home, offers many different positions and learning experiences, free park admission and a friendly atmosphere.

Q) What's your biggest accomplishment since joining the Hershey team?
A) My biggest accomplishment was my promotion to a Guest Experience Supervisor. Working in this position I have the opportunity to speak with guests and resolve problems they may have had during their visit, as well as building relationships with all of our team members.

Q) What's your favorite ride at Hersheypark?
A) My favorite coaster to ride is the Great Bear. It is a smooth ride and as I walk through the Park I love hearing the sound of the Great Bear.

Q) What's the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A) It's rewarding to train and supervise our Guest Experience employees as they grow and succeed in their positions. We strive to work together as a team to ensure all guests have a positive Hersheypark experience as we Own, Anticipate, Delight and Inspire.

Q) What advice would you give someone interested in going back to work after retirement?
A) Hersheypark is the Sweetest Place On Earth! Friendly, fun loving employees, great perks including the reciprocal program - where we get in to other parks and attractions for free, and ticket discounts are my favorite benefits of this part-time job.

Q) What's the best perk of your job?
A) The best perk from working at Hersheypark is the free admission and the complimentary tickets provided. It's nice to be able to bring friends and family to enjoy the Park together. I personally value the friendships I've made here and would be lost without my Hersheypark family.

Q) What does a typical day consist of?
A) I start my morning in the office making sure all the Guest Experience areas are staffed and have the supplies needed for the day. When the front gates open I am available to scan tickets and respond to calls from our Guest Services locations. Daily rounds are made to all Guest Services locations to resolve problems and support team members. When the Park is closed I assist in the Season Pass Office answering phones or assisting guests purchasing passes as well as help with special projects.

Q) Tell us something folks might not know about you.
A) I enjoy traveling and I am a Disney Season Pass holder.