We are on the cusp of summer and looking ahead to recreation in the sun and surf. Robert Knowlton, District Manager for Aramark, and Jerod Viers, General Manager for Water Operation Services are here to talk to us about the fun times to be had at the Lake, with some special attention paid to an attraction that you might not know about but won’t be able to get out of your mind – houseboat rentals.
Access the episode transcript here.
Robert Knowlton | District Manager, Water Operations, Southwest Region
Robert Knowlton has been with Aramark since 2010 starting at Boat Rentals, growing his career through management taking on Boat Tours, Wilderness River Adventures, Executive Marinas, Lake Mead Cruises, Arizona State Parks and most recently becoming the District Manager of the Southwest Region.
Robert is a member of the Association of Marina Industries. Holding the International Marina Management Certification, he showcases his expertise in managing and optimizing marina operations, ensuring top-tier services and customer satisfaction. Safety has always been a paramount concern for Robert, evident from his Hazwoper certification. This certification highlights his exceptional proficiency in handling hazardous materials and ensuring safety protocols, underlining his commitment to maintaining a secure environment for both personnel and the marine ecosystem.
Robert also holds a membership in the National Safe Boating Council. By actively participating in this council, he plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible boating practices, enhancing public awareness, and preventing boating-related accidents.
Robert is involved with the Marina Recreation Association. By contributing to this association, it helps create an environment that fosters both recreation and responsible management, ensuring a coexistence between marine enthusiasts and the environment.
Furthermore, his membership in the Passenger Vessel Association underscores his versatility and expertise across various maritime domains. His collaboration within this association signifies his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in passenger safety, vessel operations, and customer satisfaction.
Jerod Viers, General Manager for Boat Rental
Jerod Viers’s Aramark journey began in 2018 in February where he worked as a Lead River Guide for its rafting operation in Glen Canyon. At the time, he was a fulltime 5th grade teacher and worked for Aramark in the summer. He decided to leave teaching in 2019 and pursue opportunities within Aramark and shortly after was hired to work as the Boat Rentals Manager at Lake Powell.
Since the transition, he continued to work in water operations, currently in the role of General Manager of Water Operation services. He holds the Certified Marina Operator designation from the association of Marine Industries and was recognized as one of Aramark’s 40 under 40 in 2022.
Outside of work, he loves to run, mountain bike, and spend time on the water with his family as well as serve as a board member for the Glen Canyon Conservancy, a local non-profit.
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About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 18 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Aramark has been recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Supplier Diversity,” Newsweek’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram.
