In this heartfelt episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Glenn Haggerty, Chief Development Officer and managing partner of Gulf Islands Water Park. Glenn shares how his sports-focused upbringing in New Orleans, with three older brothers and a competitive drive shaped on the baseball field at LSU, laid the foundation for his leadership style. From managing a Kinkos store to navigating the unique world of water parks, he offers an honest look at the highs, lows and splashes of building and running a successful seasonal attraction.

Listeners will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories about overcoming challenges, embracing technology, fostering strong teams, and creating lasting family memories. Glenn also shares practical visitor tips, like the best days to attend for fewer crowds and better value, along with how to purchase tickets and stay connected with Gulf Islands and Blue Bayou Water Park.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Transferable Leadership Skills

Glenn Haggerty explains how his competitive upbringing and college baseball experience at LSU taught him essential skills in teamwork, discipline, and motivation. These lessons have directly shaped his management approach, from his early days at Kinkos to leading a dynamic water park team.

2. Evolving Water Park Business Model

Running a water park requires sharp business strategy. Glenn discusses how Gulf Islands has embraced modern tools like dynamic pricing, robust e-commerce, and active social media management. These innovations help maximize value for guests, streamline operations, and keep the park ahead in a weather-dependent, seasonal industry.

3. Community and Guest Experience Focus

At its heart, the park is about people. Glenn and his team are deeply committed to serving their local community by providing first jobs for young people and creating a safe, joyful space where families can unplug, connect, and build cherished summer memories together.

Show Overview

00:00 Growing up with older brothers and friends

05:52 Balancing academics and athletics

09:11 Transitioning into corporate store management

10:12 Leadership and team dynamics

13:13 Challenges of management

16:24 Setting healthy workplace boundaries

20:13 The life-changing call that led to water parks

25:21 Building Gulf Islands Water Park

26:15 When a lease signing fell through

29:29 Traveling between Chicago and New Orleans

34:31 Implementing technology to enhance the guest experience

38:40 Creating unforgettable water park moments

41:52 Promoting Blue Bayou's first year

43:19 Marketing ideas and business insights

On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Peek, Market Equipment Manager at Allen Beverages. Mike shares his journey growing up across several Southern states, where he learned the value of hard work early on. From tending plants in nurseries to mastering skills in machine shops and hospital maintenance, he built a strong technical foundation that eventually led him to Allen Beverages.

He opens up about the importance of quality service, the everyday challenges of keeping equipment running smoothly, and the real rewards that come from leading a team. Mike also highlights the family-oriented, team-driven culture at Allen Beverages and why doing things right the first time matters so much, both for his crew and their customers. This conversation gives a genuine look at the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the beverages flowing and customers coming back happy.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Diverse and Evolving Career Path

Mike Peek walked a varied road to get where he is today, starting in plant nurseries, then working as a machinist, moving into industrial maintenance, and later handling hospital refrigeration and maintenance before stepping into his current role as market equipment manager. His willingness to keep learning and adapting has been the key to his success, with each chapter building skills for the next.

2. Focus on Team Development and Customer Service

As a leader, Mike stresses the importance of building a confident, capable team and delivering outstanding customer service. He invests heavily in training, sets high standards for installs and maintenance, and works hard to reduce repeat service calls while boosting customer satisfaction.

3. The Role of Leadership and Workplace Culture

Both Andrew and Mike highlight the power of a supportive, family-like environment at Allen Beverages. Mike focuses on open communication, building trust, and empowering his team to take initiative while learning to delegate. That kind of culture leads to better motivation, stronger retention, and a shared commitment to exceptional service.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen interviews Will Sams, owner and head chef at Pearl restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. Will Sams shares his journey from working his first deli job in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, to cooking in New Orleans and Orange Beach. He explains how he developed Pearl's seafood-focused menu, sources fresh ingredients from local and regional suppliers, and maintains a family atmosphere at his small but popular restaurant. He also talks about the challenges of building a business, keeping quality high, and retaining employees. The episode wraps up with recommendations for first-time Pearl diners and where to find the restaurant online.

3 Key Listener Takeaways


1. Diverse Culinary Journey and Education

Will Sams shared his path from his beginnings at Bulldog Deli in Starkville after Hurricane Katrina, through finishing his business degree at Southern Miss while working nights in restaurants, to attending and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. His hands-on experience, including working both front and back of house during school, built the foundation for his later success.

2. The Importance of Adaptability and Understanding Local Markets

Throughout his career, Will Sams highlighted the significance of adapting to customer needs and local demographics. While building menus for restaurants like Playa, he learned to balance creative themes with customer expectations, such as including well-loved staples like burgers even in themed spaces, and always considering what will actually sell.

3. Community and Relationships Drive Business Success

Will Sams emphasized the role of strong relationships, both with local ingredient purveyors and with staff, in the ongoing success of his restaurant, Pearl. He described leveraging existing relationships with suppliers for quality ingredients and running a hands-on, supportive, and family-like work environment to retain employees and provide great customer experiences.