Todd Nelson
Owner and President
Kalahari Resorts
As owner and president of Kalahari Resorts, Todd Nelson has been the driving force behind the development, creation and expansion of the brand since its inception in 2000. With a myriad of accomplishments and a brand synonymous with innovation, Nelson is defined as a leader in the waterpark industry's constant evolution and growth.
A Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin native and an entrepreneur at heart, Nelson combined his intimate knowledge of the region and business savvy to launch into the waterpark and hospitality business in 1997 with the opening of an indoor waterpark at the Raintree Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Armed with the experience Nelson gained during his first waterpark venture and a remarkable drive, the Kalahari Resorts brand was born in 2000 when Nelson opened the highly visible and authentically African-themed Kalahari Resort, perched along I-90/94. Under Nelson's leadership, Kalahari Resort added a $12 million expansion in 2002 which included innovative indoor waterpark attractions such as the nation's first indoor FlowRider surfing attraction and Master Blaster water rollercoaster. Guided by Nelson's vision, Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin has continued to expand and now features a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 77,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark, 756 guest rooms and suites,10 five-bedroom "Ny-Um-Ba" suites, a 100,000-square-foot convention center, Spa Kalahari and Salon, 27-hole Trappers Turn Golf Club, shopping outlets, a variety of restaurants and more.
In 2005, with a strong belief in the growth potential of the Kalahari brand, Nelson took his "under-one-roof" waterpark resort concept to Sandusky, Ohio where he opened the second Kalahari Resort. In late 2007, Kalahari Resort in Ohio unveiled a show-stopping expansion that made the resort home to the largest indoor waterpark in the nation at a whopping 173,000 square feet. In addition, the resort added 288 guestrooms, making Kalahari Resort home to the largest hotel in Ohio at 884 rooms. Kalahari Resort - Sandusky also features a 77,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark, 215,000-square-foot state-of-the-art convention center, Outdoor Safari Adventure Park, Spa Kalahari and a unique array of dining and shopping options.
Today, Nelson continues to serve as the brand's visionary overseeing the expansion and innovation of Kalahari Resorts.
Beyond waterparks, Nelson is also dedicated to philanthropic giving and corporate responsibility. Under Nelson's leadership, Kalahari has worked closely with non-profit organizations that serve local Kalahari communities. Kalahari serves as the host of annual fund-raising events, such as the United Way Duck Derby, a toy duck race to benefit United Way, Golf for a Song, an annual charity golf tournament at Kalahari's Trappers Turn Golf Club to raise funds for Wisconsin Dells High School's marching band and music programs, and the annual Andy North Classic at Trappers Turn Golf Club to raise funds for the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition, Kalahari Field, a new synthetic sports field at Huron High School in Ohio, opened thanks to contributions of $500,000 in cash, in-kind donations and fund-raising events donated by Kalahari. Kalahari also supports organizations including, Make A Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society and Multiple Sclerosis Society, through a myriad of ongoing philanthropic activities.
In recent years, Nelson and Kalahari have continued to broaden their long-standing commitment to ecofriendly initiatives at Kalahari Resorts. As a responsible industry leader, Nelson is dedicated to introducing state-of-the-art "green" operations that protect the environment. Notably, Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells is home to the state's largest solar hot water system and an Entergize Energy Control System that conserves energy. As part of the 2007 Kalahari Resort - Sandusky expansion, the property introduced a Texlon transparent roof system which works as a natural heating source for the indoor waterpark. Most recently, Kalahari Resorts introduced the AquaRecycle system, a laundry water recycling and filtration system which allows the reuse of 70 percent of laundry water at both properties.
As a leader in the waterpark industry, Nelson has been honored with numerous industry awards and profiled in many respected media outlets including, Business Week, USA Today, NBC's "The Today Show," ABC's "Good Morning America" and CNBC's "Mike on the Money".
Nelson operates the family waterpark business with his wife and five children.
Travis Nelson
Kalahari Resorts
Travis Nelson, son of Kalahari Resorts president and founder Todd Nelson, began working for Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells long before the first scream was ever had on a water slide. As a member of the original team, Nelson has held nearly every position and worked every job at both Kalahari locations during his 11 years with the company.
Nelson, a graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, first began working with his father in the family's famous "Pizza Pub" restaurant in the Wisconsin Dells at just 12 years of age, a position that he held until the opening of Kalahari in 2000. Shortly after, Nelson joined the team at the company's second resort in Sandusky, Ohio where he spent two years developing the property ahead of its official opening before remaining on for another year as general manager of the property.
Now, back in the Dells, Nelson continues to work as a core member of the operations team.
Daylene Stroebe
General Manager
Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells
Daylene Stroebe serves as the General Manager for Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Under her management, the Dells property and business has grown significantly. Today it combines the convenience of an "under-one-roof" vacation with Wisconsin's largest indoor waterpark with the luxury of all the amenities travelers expect from an upscale resort.
The authentically African-themed Kalahari Resort features a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 77,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark, 752 guest rooms and suites, a 100,000-square-foot convention center, a salon and spa, 27-hole Trappers Turn Golf Club, Crystal Grand Music Theatre, shopping outlets, a variety of restaurants and more.
In 2001, Stroebe joined the Kalahari team and has held a variety of positions, including Staff Development Director, Rooms Division Director, Special Projects Director, and Corporate Waterpark Compliance Director. In her current role, she has helped lead Kalahari's environmental efforts in both the energy and water spaces. Notably, in 2006, Kalahari Resorts – Wisconsin Dells won the Partners for Clean Air Recognition Award for their innovative environmental initiatives.
As a young girl growing up in Nevada, Stroebe witnessed the inner workings of the food and beverage industry, in which her family worked. Her background made the transition to the hospitality industry a natural and clear choice. Before Stroebe's tenure at Kalahari, she acquired 25 years of management experience in the areas of food and beverage, spa/salon, hotel, sales, training and consulting, marketing, project management, ski and golf recreation.
Brian Shanle
General Manager
Kalahari Resorts - Sandusky
A 30 year veteran of the hotel and resort industry, Brian Shanle uses his expertise to consistently improve guest experiences at Kalahari Resorts - Sandusky.
In 1999, Shanle opened an 800-suite Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort which would later become the first-ever Nickelodeon Family Suites Resort. Under his leadership, Shanle developed and managed a team of 850 associates earning a Quality Excellence Award which would ultimately culminate in the hotel earning the ‘Best Holiday Inn North America' recognition for six consecutive years.
From 2006 to 2008, Shanle managed numerous Forbes Hamilton Management Company properties, including Embassy Suites – Downtown Minneapolis, Crowne Plaza – Omaha, Lexington Hotel – Montgomery and Holiday Inn – Kansas City.
Then in 2008, Shanle joined the Kalahari team as General Manager of the Sandusky property. At Sandusky, Shanle oversees a dedicated team of associates ensuring the smooth operation of America's Largest Indoor Waterpark. Shanle spearheaded the recent opening of Sandusky's Safari Outdoor Adventure Park and one of the largest convention center meeting spaces on a resort property. The American Hotel Lodging Association has awarded Shanle with Certified Hotel Administrator and Certified Room Division Executive titles which have contributed significantly to Kalahari Resorts ongoing success.