Content area
Full Text
GRAND RAPIDS - When he took over the helm of the John Ball Zoological Gardens last year, Bert Vescolani walked into a situation that only a turnaround artist or public school official can truly appreciate.
The zoo had just lost a controversial millage campaign that nixed its vision of expansion and relocation. As a result of that effort, public officials, neighbors and a goodly part of the community regarded the century-old Fulton Street fixture with far more scrutiny.
"When I came in after that, there were a lot of fences to mend," Vescolani said. "Trust is critical. When we sit down and make a promise together, you need to know that's what we're going to do."
His is an unusual job, he explained: managing and marketing an eclectic group of businesses with components of educational outreach, a public school, conservation, entertainment and hospitality. The facility has over 100 employees, and with 3.5 million guests over the past decade, it is the best attended cultural attraction in West Michigan.
"Most people don't realize that this is really a business we're running here," he said. "Like nonprofits in general, we have to run a responsible business."
A native of East Lansing, Vescolani was first introduced to the industry as a science teacher in the Chicago suburbs. Through a diving club, he became involved...