continued article from Jim Rogers Executive in Residence

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Jim Rogers Executive in Residence

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Rogers guest-lectured in several RPTA classes to share course-relevant details drawn from his many years in hospitality, tourism and entertainment businesses. Students who heard Rogers speak said that they really enjoyed listening to his advice. As a longtime recreation professional, Rogers gave students great advice on how to run a business and succeed in the field.

Rogers also led RPTA students on a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the KOA campground in Santa Margarita, Calif. The owners introduced students to what KOA offers and led them on an exclusive tour of the location. Guides showed students the various types of cabins and accommodations available at KOA, such as the special deluxe cabins with separate bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and WiFi. Students who took the tour learned that standards of camping have changed among many American families, and most would-be campers want the same luxurious amenities they might have in a hotel

room, when they go camping. According to KOA, it doesn’t matter if a guest is sleeping in a tent or a luxurious cabin, all that is needed to camp is a campfire.

During his visit, Rogers presented “Undercover Boss Tells All,” publicly describing his experience on the television show “Undercover Boss.” On the episode that he was featured on, Rogers dressed as a nerdy accountant who was trying to secure a position at a KOA. To make the show, Rogers spent about two weeks on the road, waking up early for hair and makeup, and then spending the day trying to keep up his ruse among employees at three different KOA locations. In the end, Rogers rewarded those he had duped with financial gifts to use toward attaining a life goal. While making the show, Rogers said endured physical pain when his fake hairpiece was removed, and a lot of emotional and psychological stress while trying to keep the charade from his co-workers and employees for months while filming and up until the episode was broadcasted. Rogers’ presentation was preceded by a reception in the Performing Arts Center lobby, and RPTA students were invited to chat with Rogers and his wife, industry professionals, and RPTA faculty members. At the end of his presentation, Rogers gifted audience members with a specially-printed Cal Poly marshmallow roasting stick called the Roll-a-Roaster.

Rogers ended his visit and National Tourism Week by speaking at a tourism workshop at the Atascadero City Hall and a joining a tourism celebration at the SeaVenture Beachfront Resort in Pismo Beach, Calif. At the celebration, Rogers reflected on his visit at Cal Poly by saying, “I have been a guest at Harvard, Ohio State, Arizona State, and Texas A&M, all world class universities. Cal Poly RPTA has extraordinary students. You have a world class tourism program and a world class faculty. If you don’t take advantage of it, shame on you.”

Several RPTA students also helped plan the visit. Anna Bach (RPTA, ‘16), Hayley Bauarschi (RPTA, ‘15), Sara Torres (RPTA, ‘15), and Jennifer Benvenuto (RPTA, ‘15) worked with Professor Bill Hendricks during winter quarter to make sure Rogers visit was a success and that every detail was attended to.

RPTA students were truly lucky to get to interact with and learn from Rogers. The RPTA department would like to thank him for devoting a week of his time to our department, and all of the students and faculty who made the week possible.