Employee Spotlight on Lake County Hospitality Careers

Nothing can stop them, they're all the way up...

In this segment, Visit Lake County profiles exceptional leaders in the local hospitality industry. VLC takes a deep dive with a Q&A showcasing those that flourished in the land of lakes. These individuals' rise in the ranks is inspiring to those looking to break into the business. These individuals' rise in the ranks are inspiring to those looking to break into the business.  

Six Flags Great America Park President John Krajnak

What better person to start off this article series than Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago's (SFGAm) Park President, John Krajnak. The gentleman at the Gurnee amusement park helm has worked for the Lake County attraction since 1994. Krajnak is also the treasurer of the Visit Lake County board.

VLC: Where did you go to college and what was your degree in?

John Krajnak (JK): I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (many years ago!) with a degree in Marketing and Economics When did you get your start at SFGAm and what was your starting position? I started at Great America in 1994 (many years ago!) in Group Sales as a Corporate Account Executive in Wisconsin.

VLC: Do you have a timeline for your promotions? If not, if you could just mention every position you had at SFGAm.

• Account Executive: 1994 – 1999
• Regional Sales Manager: 1999 – 2005
• General Sales Manager: 2005 – 2010
• Director of Marketing & Sales: 2010 – 2022
• Park President: 2022 to present

VLC: Who were some of your mentors and impact at SFGAm, and what kind of advice did you receive from them as you moved up through the rank and file?

The late Hank Salemi and Krajnak in the center

JK: Hank Salemi was absolutely my biggest mentor in the business. He taught me to stay focused on the things that will really impact the business: What motivates people to consider visiting our park? What are the barriers to them making that visit and how can we remove or limit them? Is what I’m working on going to sell more tickets to our park? If not, it’s just busy work.

VLC: Do you have any past time or hobbies?

JK: Most of the time when I’m not at the park, I’m with my family. I’m guessing there will be time for hobbies when my three kids are away at college, but we’ll see!

VLC: When you were in college, what would you say your dream job was going to be?

JK: If I can recall that far back, I would have anticipated something more focused on media or marketing research. I made it there eventually, but was routed through sales first as most marketing majors do!

VLC: What is your favorite aspect of working at SFGAm?

JK: Two things: first, the job variety is unmatched. The seasonal nature of the business changes aspects of the job over the months and each year, and just about each day holds something different that you didn’t anticipate walking in the door that morning! And second, the people I work with are like extended family. There is a unique sense of pride and dedication working in this business, and that is shared among the team. When you have that shared spirit among a group working together so many hours each week, all year, for so many years, that transcends “teamwork” and becomes “family”!

Krajnak at VLC's 2015 Annual Meeting

VLC: What is your proudest moment at SFGAm?

JK: My favorite days at the park are when we get to introduce new rides to the media and general public. And one of the best of those days was when we opened our water park, Hurricane Harbor, in 2005. It was such an impressive addition to the park, and the media and public response to it was tremendous. To make it even more special for me personally, my three kids that were all little toddlers at the time, were part of our commercial and b-roll shoot. So they were some of the first kids to enjoy our amazing new water park, and I was so proud watching them play and have fun at Dad’s “office”!

VLC: How would you describe the company culture?

JK: Mostly above in the “favorite aspect” question.

VLC: What would your advice be to someone trying to break into the leisure and hospitality sector?

JK: Get in a position that will allow you to learn the business. Start with something hands-on, working with guests so you can see and understand the impact of your product on your guests. Then work hard and enjoy what you are doing. Don’t focus on getting to the next level so much. Business changes very frequently so what you are seeing internally today, may not exist the same way tomorrow. Hard work and positivity will take you to the next level.

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