Aaron Gonzalez

Water Park Supervisor, Coco Key Hotel & Water Resort

Distinguished Leader in Operations – Front of House

Aaron Gonzalez, Water Park Supervisor, of Coco Key Hotel & Water Resort is the Honoree for the
Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards in the Operations – Front of House category.
Aaron has demonstrated a calm demeanor, attention to detail, and possessed strong communication
skills, including treating everyone with empathy and respect. He continues to impress others with his
ability to manage complex operations, motivating his team, and responding effectively under
pressure.

He has also received numerous positive reviews highlighting his approachable personality, reliability,
and dedication to safety. Additionally, Aaron supports a team-oriented culture through clear and
constructive feedback, which has motivated the entire team to stay focused on achieving the desired
results. His contributions have significantly enhanced the team’s effectiveness and trust in less than
two years. In a testament to his rapid growth, adaptability, and exceptional performance, Aaron has
been promoted several times since being originally hired on the team as a slide attendant in 2022.
Now he is the water park supervisor and his willingness to go above and beyond and invest in his
teammates, from onboarding new hires to mentorship does not go unnoticed.

In addition to participating in several leadership seminars, including CFHLA’s Leadership
Development Series, Aaron completed the Ellis and Associates Regional Instructor Course and
became an Ellis and Associates ILTP Lifeguard instructor. With this certification, Aaron can now
provide certified training in water rescue, as well as health care provider-level CPR, First Aid, AED,
and Oxygen administration.

Whether it is mentoring new staff, handling emergencies calmly, or ensuring every guest leaves with
a smile, Aaron truly exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond and was recognized as the
Employee of the Year in 2024.