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In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Ed Golebiowski, owner of Zero Gravity Adventure Park. Ed discusses the dynamics of running a family business where his sons are also his employees and explains why he left a high-level corporate career for the fulfillment of the entertainment industry. He shares practical advice on leading by example in business and why the best managers are those who leave the counter and engage with customers on the floor.
The Danger of Unshared Expectations
One of the most significant hurdles in leadership is the assumption that your team already knows what you want.
- Premeditated Resentments: Failing to share your expectations is essentially a setup for disappointment and resentment.
- Setting the Standard: Leadership requires explicitly setting the standard and ensuring employees share in your vision.
- Boss Mode vs. Home Mode: When working with family, it is critical to communicate that expectations at work may actually be higher than for other employees to ensure fairness.
High-Touch Leadership: Beyond the Counter
Ed advocates for a customer-first approach that requires management to be visible and active.
- First Impressions: Ed treats the front entrance and windows as high-priority areas, setting the standard that a clean, inviting entryway is essential for a guest’s first impression.
- Engaging the Floor: Managers should not just stay behind a desk; they should be out checking in with staff and guests to ensure a positive environment.
- Checking in with Parents: Ed prioritizes personally checking in with parties to offer help and show that management cares.
Coaching the Next Generation
A large portion of the entertainment workforce consists of first-time employees who require patient, dignified coaching.
- Dignified Training: When teaching basic skills like vacuuming or cleaning, Ed recommends asking if they have used commercial equipment to give them a dignified “out” if they don’t know how to do it.
- Commercial Standards: Frame training as learning the “commercial standards” to prevent employees from feeling insulted.
The Courage to Bet on Yourself
Ed’s decision to leave a successful corporate career was driven by a need for fulfillment over a Monday-through-Friday schedule.
- Corporate vs. Fulfillment: Despite high pay and travel perks, Ed found corporate life repetitive and unfulfilling compared to the creative drive of entrepreneurship.
- Choosing the Hard Road: Ed intentionally entered a saturated adventure park market rather than staying in his comfort zone because the challenge offered more satisfaction.
- The Viral Pizza Portal: During a global crisis, Ed’s team created a way for the community to buy pizzas for essential workers, an initiative that eventually spanned nine countries.
Bringing Others Along
Ed’s journey started with someone giving him a shot, and he believes modern leaders should do the same and look for the potential in employees.
- Give Them a Shot: If an employee shows interest in the business as a long-term career, owners should be willing to give that person a chance to grow.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: Ed encourages managers be intentional about your future and ask for opportunities for growth.
Ed’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than just managing operations; it’s about the courage to bet on yourself and the commitment to bring others along with you.
