JEM: Tell us how you got started in aquatics.
Marcos: Aquatics has been a part of my life for quite a while, to be honest. My dad, who has spent 40 years in the industry, had my brother and me at water parks every summer.
I always thought the lifeguards were super cool and fun to interact with as a kid. When I finally turned 16, I applied to be a lifeguard at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for my first job. I truly enjoyed working there and advanced through the ranks of Lifeguard, Lead, and Supervisor. The friends I made over those three summers made it very memorable and enjoyable — not to mention the free tickets were a great perk!
Once the water park closed for the season, I transferred into Guest Relations for the park, where we handled complex guest issues and sold everything from VIP tours to daily tickets.
After graduating high school and attending MSU Denver for Finance, I continued to work in Aquatics in my hometown of Thornton, CO. There, I taught swim lessons, lifeguarded, and was eventually promoted to Head Lifeguard. During this time, I also worked at Elitch Gardens Theme Park as a Rides Area Supervisor.
After completing my degree, I took a complete turn and left Aquatics and Theme Parks for three years to work in the financial sector at Charles Schwab, specifically in Estate Planning. In that field, I became very dedicated to helping people, especially during a difficult time in their lives. However, after three years, I knew I wanted to return to Aquatics as a full-time career.
In 2023, I applied to be an Assistant Manager in Colorado. As people usually say, “The rest is history.” I’ve been with JEM for nearly two years now and truly enjoy the people and my staff who make this role fun and motivate me to be the best leader I can be.
JEM: What is one of your favorite accomplishments?
Marcos: My favorite accomplishment in aquatics comes from my time at Six Flags. At the end of my final season as a Supervisor at Fiesta Texas, I had faced a number of challenges…from staffing issues to learning how to effectively run our operations. It was also tough to prove myself as a leader, being the only supervisor in operations who was not yet 18 years old.
The most difficult part of that season was experiencing my first major emergency in the water park, which happened in my area. Despite the struggles and intensity of that summer, I was honored to receive the Service Superstar Award. At Six Flags, this award recognizes outstanding team commitment and guest satisfaction. It came with a gold name badge and a letter signed by the Park President, Director of Operations, and Aquatics Manager.
Included in the letter were comments from lifeguards on my team and guests, highlighting specific moments where I had helped them or motivated the team to give their best. I’ll never forget the day I was recognized in front of my entire team. Without a doubt, this remains my favorite memory in Aquatics
JEM: Who are your mentors, and why?
Marcos: When I think about where I’m at now, it’s hard to name just one or even two people who have been mentors to me. So, I hope this answer speaks to everyone in some way. I’ve always been someone who observes and surrounds myself with like-minded people.
My mentors are the individuals I’ve worked alongside, from my first co-supervisors at Six Flags, to those at Elitch Gardens, JEM, and even leaders in the financial industry. What has always influenced me most are the behaviors, leadership styles, attitudes, and personalities of the people around me. With every group or team I’ve been part of, I’ve taken something valuable from those experiences. Whether it was a short five-minute conversation with an executive, a tough situation during operations, or hearing someone’s personal journey all of these moments have motivated me to do good work, avoid error, and stay committed to what I do. These interactions have also helped me build relationships that I still maintain today.
I truly believe there’s no stronger bond than the one shared among people who work in this industry. We all come from different backgrounds, hardships, and even countries. That’s why my mentors are the people I’ve had the privilege of working with. You can learn both good and bad habits — it all comes down to choosing who you want to be as a leader and as a person.
In summary, my mentors are those whose behaviors and leadership styles I’ve observed and adopted to become the leader I am today.
JEM: What do you like to do for fun?
Marcos: This is something I’ve been asked so many times, and honestly, I feel like everyone gives a different answer every time. But if you really want to know what I enjoy outside of work… it’s RUNNING!
I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the summer of 2021. Since then, running has become my therapy and biggest motivator to take care of both my health and my mind. I know people often say it’s hard (and it is) but trust me, no one cares how fast you run.
This year, I’ve participated in several races. My favorite so far was the Colfax Urban 10-Miler, which I completed in 1 hour and 35 minutes!
Outside of running, I’m a huge baseball fan and still play on the weekends. I also love going to Rockies games. (I’ve even gone to seven opening days in a row!) In the winter, I like painting and playing video games like Rocket League and MLB The Show. I’m also a big Survivor fan and definitely want to apply to be on someday!
Most recently, I’ve gotten into pickleball (and I lose a lot, probably because I play with a bunch of tennis players, including my girlfriend). *laughs*
I also enjoy spending time with friends and family on a nice patio, watching the sunset over the mountains during Colorado summers with my Golden Retriever, Stella.