By: Denzel Flowers – Tourism & Hospitality Management student

On October 17, 2016 Christopher Thorpe, General Manager of Darien Lake Theme Park, visited Mr. Dudkowski’s Professional Sales class at Genesee Community College. Chris spoke about his passion for the amusement park industry and how it has shaped who he is today.

While presenting to the class, Chris touched upon many of the topics and tactics that we learn about in sales class and told us how they have been and always will be used in the real world.

Chris talked about some of the missed opportunities that many of us are faced with in our day-to-day lives. He says that when we are faced with a troublesome situation, try to put the best of you into the situation and create the best outcome possible.

He also went on to say that the type of attitude that an individual has in the world is a make-or-break factor. He says that he looks for Highly Energetic, Attentive, Responsible (HEAR) people. The golden rule should be used when it comes to dealing with a situation, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Chris also talked about giving back to the community. By giving back to Genesee County and appreciating the community that you are in is how everyone lives a bit better and you know you are making a difference.

*Mr. Denzel Flowers is a current student majoring in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Genesee Community College and is an aquatic supervisor at Darien Lake. Denzel also is active with GCC’s athletic department and a member of the travel club. Along with swimming and diving for the college, Denzel is also selling raffle tickets for a trip to Las Vegas with the Genesee Community College Travel Club. For more information on how to support the travel club’s fund raising please contact Denzel at dflower1@my.genesee.edu