The Blake Davis Interview

We chat with Blake Davis of Waveney Valley Lakes, to discuss the park industry, his role in it and what he likes to do when not working.

Hi Blake, thank you for taking part in the interview. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the park industry – what led you to where you are now?

My family bought Waveney Valley Lakes in 1998 when I was 15. Since then I have been involved in one way or another and worked here full-time for several times. I came back 5 years ago as both the sales Manager and General Manager were retiring. I am a fully qualified Arborist and fishery manager by trade. Having run my own and managed another tree surgery business in the past.

Tell me about your role at Waveney Valley Lakes.

I am the Manager here overseeing all aspects of the Fishery and Caravan park. I have a small brilliant team of 5 here that runs it all with me.

What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your role?

We are a fishery with caravans first not a caravan park with lakes. Our family used to run one of the UK largest mail-order tackle shops in the UK before buying Waveney Valley Lakes so the fish and their environment are important to me.

We have bought fish into stock in the lakes, but I would like to work on our existing stock to see them progress. I have no major plans to restock from outside sources for at least 5 years. The complex is very famous in the angling world and I feel like a custodian of this heritage. That said, it is amazing that less than half of our owners fish. However, it is just a peaceful place to be and holiday homeowners have recognised this over the past few years

Do you have any advice for those starting in the industry?

Get a broad range of skills, experience, and qualifications as no day or park is the same. You need a can-do attitude and not be afraid to get your hands dirty.

What has been your favourite professional moment?

We were very fortunate in COVID, as demand was high, we did well with sales and managed with that money to reinvest in the park; investing in new projects and new units. The park has changed so much in the last 5 years, because of that investment, to secure its future here.

Outside of work, what are some of your interests or hobbies?

My main hobbies are snowboarding, skiing, cycling and fishing.

Where do you like to holiday?

I go on snowboarding holidays and go backcountry split board touring. I have been doing this all over Europe, Canada, Norway, and even Japan.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?

If my back had not had to have surgery at an early age, then I probably would still be doing tree surgery. It was a great business that I had and I do miss it.

Or, I would be doing something with my passion for snowboarding.

Looking ahead, do you have any personal and professional goals for the next year?

I want to concentrate on learning more about marketing and promotion and brush up on my IT skills. However, this is rarely required due to the great job Bronte and Justin do at Sell My Group.

Is there an interesting fact about yourself or achievement people may not know about?

People are surprised to hear of my various previous roles. I am a qualified chef, although I never did anything with it apart from helping in some restaurants while at college. I am also a fully qualified project manager, Arborist, and Fisheries manager and I used to run my own plant hire and sales company.