Ken Brewster
What’s your current position?
I am the Founder of Brewster’s Safety Training. I started this company 7 years ago as a passion project. At the core of the business, we are Risk management consultants. We offer our clients solutions to operational issues that occur while running medium to large-size organizations. We do this through a number of methods. We offer our clients everything from operational audits and Leadership training to staff certification training. We leverage our 20 years of experience in the Safety, health, and hospitality arena to the benefit of clients.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?
At my core I am a water safety and CPR training advocate. I believe by empowering people with lifesaving skills we can truly make the world a better and safer place. I started my career 20 years ago as a lifeguard at Six Flags: White Water in Marietta, GA. My experience there as a 17 year old lifeguard, sometimes making 30 rescues a day and providing First-aid to patrons when they were in need has led me to my career today.
Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?
How did you end up in NEPA? I am originally from Brooklyn, NY. There I attended P.S. 152 and Ditmas Junior High School. I grew up in a West Indian family where hard work and education were a priority and my diverse community reflected those same values. When I was 12, my mother moved us down to Marietta, Ga. Needless to say it was a little bit of a culture shock. Being a “City Kid” moving to the suburbs. After a while I found my place by participating in extracurricular activities like ROTC, Football and Track and Field. While living in Ga I attended Joseph Wheeler High School and Georgia Southern University. Around that time is when I started lifeguarding at Six Flags. In the beginning it was tough. I told myself, every season would be my last. However, once spring came around and it got warmer out i would start to miss my friend and all of the excitement working the Wave pool! After College I began working Full-time at Six Flags (It truly was a dream come true!) However, I wanted more. In 2010 I was offered a position at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. It was daunting but a huge opportunity. Needless to say I took the position and moved with only my car and the clothes on my back. It was the best decision I ever made and I have been “Living the Dream” ever since.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?
My first manager in Aquatics, Chris Shillcutt. He took a chance on me when others might have overlooked my hard work and dedication for a more “Conventional candidate” Not only was he a professional guide and mentor but the way he balanced family and work life, showed me that I did not have to choose between the two.
How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna?
I learned about Leadership Lackawanna while working as an Aquatics Director at the YMCA in Dunmore. I had a phenomenal time working and networking with other like-minded professionals in the area. Since graduation, I have accepted a position on the Board for LL and I can tell you this group is the most cohesive, cause-driven cohort of business professionals I have ever worked alongside. They strive each and every day to make Lackawanna County a better place. It truly has been a life-changing experience!
