Meet Melanie Brubaker, our newest guest relations team member

Meet Melanie Brubaker, our newest guest relations team member

Melanie grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Her family has been vacationing on Amelia Island for years and she has always felt the island calling. In 2013 her father passed away and she decided it was time for a change. Melanie followed her heart, sold everything, and moved to Amelia Island.

“I just love this part of the job. It’s so much fun learning about our guests and getting them excited about their tour.”

Melanie first experienced Amelia River Cruises as a guest 5 years ago. From that moment she loved the staff, atmosphere, and overall experience Amelia River Cruises offered. Being the people person that she is, her next goal was to work in the ticket booth and oversee guest relations. When she saw the job opening this past spring, she jumped on the opportunity and has been absolutely loving her new job. To help get to know Melanie a bit better we  had fun asking her a few random questions and we thought you, our most valued team members, would enjoy hearing the answers as well!

What is a typical day like for you?

Well, after waking up I get ready for my day. If I have time, I always try to go for a walk on the beach. From there I bike into work. Here I start by taking a moment to enjoy the view. I mean it’s hard to beat… Next, I review the messages, return phone calls and begin booking tours. Throughout the day I help visitors plan their Amelia River Cruises adventure. I just love this part of the job. It’s so much fun learning about our guests and getting them excited about their tour. At the end of the day I close up the ticket booth and commonly bike to meet friends downtown. The live music on the island is just wonderful. Honestly, I feel like I live in a Hallmark movie.

What would be your personal motto?

Never give up. These past few years have not been easy. I had to go through three major surgeries and almost died each time. I fell into a deep depression and thought that this was just the way life was going to be. Hard. Then I made a conscious change to remember who I was. A positive, fun, energetic, people person. It was tough, but I got myself back on track and now I can’t believe how truly blessed I am. Life is good.

What are some causes you care about?

Oh. This is hard. There are many I care about. I guess my top three would be sea turtle preservation/rescue, litter reduction, and putting an end to smoking. I want our oceans to be clean so that the animals can thrive and everyone to be healthier, so they can enjoy this beautiful life we have all be given.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about our newest team member! She certainly makes our day a little brighter. Next time you board our boat for the Family Friendly Sunset Tour make sure to stop by and say hi to Melanie.

Categorised in: Our Staff