Get to know “Bucky” our Director of Safety, Security & Risk Management

Name: Gerald “Bucky” G.
Title: Director Safety, Security & Risk Management

So, what does your title mean you do at Wilderness at the Smokies?
As Director of Safety, Security & Risk Management, I oversee the comprehensive well-being of our guests, our employees, and our facilities. My role involves constantly looking at both the big picture and the fine details to mitigate risks before they happen. This includes auditing our operations for health and safety compliance, drafting and updating property-wide

safety procedures, and managing our security teams. Ultimately, my job is to protect the resort’s people and assets so that families can simply focus on enjoying their vacation.

What is the best part of your job?
Without a doubt, it is being part of a company culture that places such a strong emphasis on taking care of families. The best part of my day is knowing that my work directly supports an exceptional family vacation experience. It is a privilege to help cultivate an environment where guests feel so valued and well cared for that we develop lasting relationships with them, turning first-time visitors into lifelong, returning guests.

How long have you worked at the Wilderness at the Smokies and in what roles?

Prior to relocating to Tennessee, I dedicated 25 years of my career to the Law Enforcement industry in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. During that time, our police force developed a strong partnership on various safety initiatives with the Wilderness Resort (also owned by Wilderness Resorts & Waterparks) in Wisconsin Dells – the Waterpark Capital of the World. This extensive background in public safety coupled with valuable experience serving in both the Fire Service and EMS, laid a perfect foundation for a seamless transition into the Wilderness Resort leadership team.

In November 2017, I relocated by family to Tennessee and joined Wilderness at the Smokies bringing decades of public safety expertise to the team. In the fall of 2018 I was named a Resort Manager on Duty.

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to guest and employee well-being, I was promoted to Director of Safety and Risk Management in the spring of 2019. By the spring of 2020, this role expanded into my current position of Director of Safety, Security & Risk Management.

Favorite wet attraction at the Wilderness at the Smokies?
While I love the fast-paced energy and huge variety of games in the family entertainment center for dry activities, my favorite wet attraction is the exact opposite. I just want to hit the hot tub, sit back, and relax.”Favorite dry attraction at the Wilderness at the Smokies?
Even though my focus is usually on resort operations and safety protocols, my absolute favorite dry attraction is the family entertainment center. The arcade features such a massive number of different games to play that it easily provides hours of entertainment.

Favorite food venue at Wilderness at the Smokies?
I would have to say Firefly and the Deli. While I originally started going there because they are so conveniently close to my office, they have become my favorites because of the people. The staff members there are always incredibly welcoming and go out of their way to accommodate both our guests and our team members. Plus, the food is always fantastic!

Favorite thing to eat at Wilderness at the Smokies?
“The bacon mushroom Swiss burger is definitely a standout option for me. When the weather gets colder, I also really look forward to the soups from the Deli, particularly their chili. To be fair, though, everything they serve is fantastic—I haven’t found a bad thing on the menu yet!

Piece of advice for first-time guests?
Don’t feel like you have to do absolutely everything in one single day! We have so much too offer, and it is easy to get caught up in rushing from one attraction to the next. My advice is to pace yourselves, be present in the moment with your family, and really enjoy the experience. You can always come back and see us again to do the things you missed!”

Now for some fun stuff:

Where were you born?  
I’m a Wisconsinite at heart – I was born in Prairie du Chien, which is a small, close-knit farming community nestled right along the Mississippi River.

Are you a dog or cat person?
Outside of work, our family stays busy raising and caring for our animals. We currently have two dogs, three cats, a horse, and usually a couple of steers. I will confess, though, I am definitely more of a dog person than a cat person!

Favorite toy when you were a kid?
I never really had a typical favorite toy. I started out riding pedal bikes and eventually graduated to dirt bikes. For my friends and me, those bikes weren’t just toys—they were our everyday mode of transportation to get around and spend time together.

All-time favorite movie?
You really cannot go wrong with anything John Wayne related! I enjoy all of his work, but The Longest Day has always stuck out to me as my all-time favorite.

All-time favorite TV series? 
I don’t really follow any TV series. I am a huge sports fan, so you will almost always find me watching hockey instead—specifically, rooting for the San Jose Sharks or the Colorado Avalanche.

Favorite ice cream flavor or Miss Molly’s Shake Shoppe shake?
It is a toss-up between cookies and cream and cookie dough. Those will always be my top two picks.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Basically, I want my pizza loaded. Put on all the meat, cheese, peppers, onions, and both green and black olives. But definitely, under no circumstances, does pineapple belong on my pizza.