Ray is one of the partners and founders of Pyek Group. He has a unique skill-set that comes from experience as a small business owner and experience consulting with Fortune 500 companies.

Ray is also the founder and CEO of VantageCFO, a consulting firm that offers fractional CFO services to a variety of small and medium-sized companies. Prior to starting VantageCFO, Ray worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Restructuring Group at Deloitte Consulting.

He has extensive experience in finance, including capital sourcing, performance management, organization restructuring, and investment due diligence. Ray has a BA in Finance from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Keith Dalton, a graduate from Texas A&M, is an accomplished commercial construction professional with 28+ years of experience. As President/Owner of KDW, he leads a skilled team that has completed diverse projects totaling 10 million sq. ft. Keith collaborates with global companies constructing single-tenant industrial facilities in Houston. Notable clients include Goya Foods, NOV ReedHycalog, TAM International, Aker Solutions, Bauer, Schlumberger, Noble, among others. With a background in projects at Disney, Universal, and Sea World, Keith brings expertise from his eight-year tenure in Orlando.

Additionally, Keith is a partner at Kingham Dalton Investments, focusing on real estate developments—offices, retail centers, multi-family complexes, and raw land investments. A native Houstonian residing in Katy for 15 years, Keith actively engages with organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership, CorNet, Katy EDC, and Waller County EDC.

Terry Hlavinka, the principal at Hlavinka Equipment Company, has a remarkable background in farming and ranching that dates back to his high school days. Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Terry joined Hlavinka Equipment, a company originally established by his grandfather, Joe Hlavinka. Through his efforts, Terry successfully ventured into new markets and established the company as the leading Case-IH dealer in the state, in terms of sales volume. Under his guidance, the business has flourished and now operates from nine different locations.

In addition to his role at Hlavinka Equipment, Terry is also a landowner with approximately 22,000 acres of land in the greater Houston area. This land is utilized for various agricultural purposes. Furthermore, Terry recently made an acquisition that further solidifies his presence in the industry. He purchased the second largest commercial rice and grain storage facility in the Texas Gulf Coast, expanding his reach and influence in the region.

Evan Barnett is a 25-year veteran of the waterpark industry. Currently, Evan serves as the President of Pyek Group, LLC Typhoon Texas & Cowabunga Vegas; Houstons, Austins & Las Vegas' premier waterpark destination. At just age 16 he started as a park services employee cleaning up trash and restrooms. Not a glamorous job, but one that highlights Evan’s servant leadership attitude and mindset.

Under his leadership, the park has received the Executive Board Award from the World Waterpark Association and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Brass Ring Award for the best employee recognition program. Barnett graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas with a Masters in Business Administration.

John Pham serves as the Vice President of Marketing at PYEK Group, where he leads all in-house marketing operations with a full-time team specializing in development, branding, and creative services. In this role, John oversees a comprehensive range of initiatives including brand management, social media, digital and traditional media, creative direction, strategic partnerships, and public relations, ensuring a fully integrated approach across all platforms for PYEK Group.

He began his career in the waterpark industry at Typhoon Texas Houston as the Operations Manager in December 2015 and has since overseen multiple departments, including water safety, risk management, admissions, partnerships, point-of-sale systems, and guest experience.

Under his leadership, Typhoon Texas has been recognized with several prestigious awards. The park was voted the #1 Best Waterpark in Houston and Austin for 2022–2023 by the Houston Chronicle and Austin Family. It received the Executive Board Award from the World Waterpark Association, the Brass Ring Award from IAAPA for Best Employee Recognition Program, and the World Waterpark Association’s Wave Review Awards across all categories within the last two years. Most recently, in 2024, Typhoon Texas earned the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best Digital Marketing Campaign, showcasing innovation and excellence under John's direction.

John currently serves on the World Waterpark Association’s Marketing & Communications Committee, where he collaborates with industry professionals and contributes to the advancement of best practices in marketing and communication. He is passionate about developing others, learning from his peers, and networking with leaders across the attractions and hospitality industries.

Before joining Typhoon Texas, John graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He also worked as a licensed real estate agent in Texas, focusing on commercial leasing and residential sales.

Outside of work, John enjoys practicing real estate by referral, spending time with his loving family, attending every crawfish boil he can, and relaxing by the non-waterpark pool with friends.

Brannan Holland is a solutions driven technology leader with over 20 years of experience in the parks, recreation, and hospitality industries. As Vice President of Technology at Pyek Group, he leads strategic technology planning, hardware and software architecture, and systems integration for a portfolio of premier family waterparks including Typhoon Texas and Cowabunga.

Brannan began his career in operations and maintenance, advancing through multiple leadership roles in waterparks and resorts before transitioning into technology. His operational expertise provides a strong foundation for driving digital transformation in park operations, guest services, and infrastructure.

Since 2019, he has led the modernization of technology at Typhoon Texas, later expanding to direct solutions design across all Pyek Group properties. His work includes developing internal web and mobile applications, integrating APIs for ticketing and chemical monitoring, and building systems that connect guest experiences with operational oversight.

Brannan focuses on creating scalable, secure, and user focused systems that connect cloud applications with on premise infrastructure. His solutions enable intelligent workflows, improve visibility across departments, and support data driven decision making while maintaining reliability and ease of maintenance.

He is passionate about delivering frictionless, automated, and sustainable systems that enhance both guest experiences and internal team performance, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the amusement industry.

Outside of work, Brannan enjoys sailing, scuba diving, staying active at the gym, and exploring home automation while finding new ways to blend technology with everyday life.

Cade Vereen serves as the Vice President of Operations at PYEK Group, where he oversees the strategic and day-to-day operations of multiple properties across the company’s growing portfolio. With over a decade of experience in the waterpark industry, Cade brings a deep understanding of park operations, team leadership, guest experience, and revenue optimization.

Cade’s journey in the industry began in 2010, when he took his first role as a lifeguard. His passion for guest safety, operational excellence, and team development quickly propelled him into leadership positions. Early in his career, he held key roles in various departments, gaining firsthand experience across the operational spectrum. His ability to lead cross-functional teams and streamline operations led him to become Regional Director for a well-known waterpark organization, where he successfully managed multiple properties and helped enhance operational standards and guest satisfaction.

In 2017, Cade joined Typhoon Texas as the Director of Operations. He played a pivotal role in the park's successful inaugural season, implementing robust safety protocols, enhancing guest flow, and helping set the foundation for operational efficiency. His strong leadership and results-driven mindset earned him a promotion to Director of Revenue, where he focused on optimizing point-of-sale systems, admissions strategies, and in-park spending. In 2021, Cade was named General Manager of Typhoon Texas, where he led the park through a successful post-pandemic recovery season and continued to improve operational benchmarks, employee morale, and customer satisfaction.

After the 2021 season, Cade was tapped to lead PYEK Group’s newly acquired Cowabunga Vegas Waterparks as Regional General Manager. Relocating to Nevada, he took on the challenge of overseeing two distinct parks and building a high-performing leadership team. Under his direction, the Cowabunga Vegas properties experienced significant growth in attendance, revenue, and brand visibility. Cade’s operational vision and hands-on leadership style helped elevate the guest experience while also creating a culture of excellence and accountability among team members.

In 2025, Cade was promoted to Vice President of Operations at PYEK Group Corporate, taking on a broader leadership role across the company. In this role, he focuses on scaling operational processes, developing talent pipelines, and ensuring consistency in execution across all properties. Cade is known for his calm leadership presence, ability to navigate complex operational challenges, and unwavering commitment to both guest and employee experience.

From a young age, Cade knew he wanted to work in the waterpark industry. What began as a summer job has evolved into a career marked by growth, impact, and a deep connection to the industry. Today, he has the privilege of living out his dream—helping shape the future of waterparks while making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of guests and team members each season.

David Thompson serves as the Vice President of Revenue for Pyek Group, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the overarching strategy for Group Sales, Admissions, Food and Beverage, Retail, and Rentals. With a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, David focuses on optimizing revenue streams and driving profitability while consistently elevating the guest experience. His leadership philosophy is grounded in a customer-centric mindset and a passion for service excellence.

David began his journey in the attractions industry in 2009 as a cashier at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. His eagerness to learn and adaptability allowed him to quickly develop a broad skill set and gain the foundational experience that would propel his career forward. Over the years, he has taken on progressively senior roles, each one expanding his expertise across multiple departments and park operations.

In 2017, David joined Typhoon Texas as the Food and Beverage Manager, where he was instrumental in enhancing the guest dining experience and streamlining F&B operations. His leadership trajectory continued as he took on the role of General Manager at Cowabunga Bay, which was recognized by USA Today as the #3 waterpark in 2024. Most recently, he served as the Regional Director of Revenue for Cowabunga Vegas, where he oversaw revenue management strategies across multiple properties.

What drives David the most is his dedication to developing future leaders. He is deeply committed to mentoring and coaching team members, helping them grow both professionally and personally. He believes that investing in people is the most rewarding and impactful aspect of leadership.

David holds an MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Kentucky Wesleyan College. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors—he’s an avid indoor soccer and slow-pitch softball player and loves going camping whenever he can.

Suter serves as the General Counsel and Director of Risk Management at Pyek Group, where she leads the company’s legal strategy and risk management efforts across its portfolio of hospitality and entertainment venues. In this role, Sarah provides counsel on regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, litigation, insurance, and operational safety. Her guidance ensures that each property operates within a strong legal framework while promoting a culture of Sarah safety and accountability.

Sarah’s work with Pyek began in 2017 when she was first assigned a case for Cowabunga Bay. Her success as outside counsel and her ability to handle complex legal matters earned the trust of the leadership team. In 2020, she was appointed General Counsel for Cowabunga Bay, and when the Cowabunga Vegas merger was completed in 2022, the board voted to keep her in that role. In early 2025, Sarah transitioned into a full-time position with Pyek Group, formally stepping into her current leadership role.

A licensed Nevada attorney since 2007, Sarah brings more than 18 years of legal experience to Pyek. Her background includes a wide range of practice areas, including civil litigation, insurance defense, contracts, construction law, and premises liability. Prior to joining Pyek, Sarah owned and operated Suter Law and Advocacy LLC, where she provided personalized legal services to clients throughout Nevada. She previously spent nearly a decade with the respected firm Ryan Mercaldo and White LLP, where she built her reputation as a skilled and reliable litigator.

Sarah is known for her steady leadership, practical legal insight, and strong commitment to collaboration. She has presented at several industry conferences including the World Waterpark Association Summit and the Pyek Leadership Summit, where she shares her knowledge on legal trends, operational safety, and risk management tailored to the entertainment industry.

At Pyek Group, Sarah plays a vital role in supporting the company’s mission to deliver safe and exceptional guest experiences. She is a trusted advisor to leadership, a mentor to operational teams, and a key voice in shaping the company’s long-term strategy for legal and risk operations.

Mark Immler's extensive experience and proven expertise in the information technology and services industry significantly contribute to the company's success. His technical proficiency encompasses a wide range of skills including mastery of Windows, Microsoft 365, and a keen understanding of Infrastructure Management and Technical Support. Mark commenced his tenure at Typhoon Texas in Houston in the capacity of Director of Technology, assuming the role since March 2021.

Educationally, Mark is grounded in a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This educational foundation enhances his abilities in communication and digital media strategies, crucial for his role at PYEK Group.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mark is deeply committed to his family. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children. This dedication to both his professional and personal spheres exemplifies Mark as not just a skilled technology director but also as a devoted family man, making him a valued member of the PYEK Group team.

Adam Hood serves as the Web and Email Developer at Pyek Group, where he oversees the development, design, and maintenance of websites and marketing email campaigns for Cowabunga Vegas, Typhoon Texas, and Pyek Group. In this role, Adam is responsible for ensuring that all digital platforms are visually engaging, technically sound, and strategically aligned with the company’s marketing goals. He plays a key role in creating seamless online experiences for guests while driving brand visibility and engagement across multiple properties.

Adam graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. His professional career began in sales with the Houston Dynamo, where he honed his communication and client service skills. He later transitioned into teaching and coaching middle school students, spending eight years educating and mentoring young people both in the classroom and on the athletic field.

In the summer of 2022, Adam decided to explore a new challenge and began learning coding while attempting to build his own video game. That project sparked a deep passion for development, leading him to fully commit to a career in web and email development.

Since joining Pyek Group, Adam has made a significant impact by redesigning and rebuilding the company’s corporate website, leading major upgrades to the Typhoon Texas and Cowabunga Vegas websites, and implementing industry best practices for email development. His work has contributed to multiple award-winning email campaigns and strengthened the company’s digital presence in the highly competitive waterpark industry.

Adam is passionate about creating user-friendly, high-performing digital experiences that not only reflect the brand but also enhance guest engagement. His blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and commitment to excellence continues to help Pyek Group push boundaries in both marketing and technology.

Brittany Estes serves as the Corporate Director of Sales at PYEK Group, where she leads the strategic vision and execution for Group Sales, Birthday, and Cabana programs across all properties. With a focus on revenue growth, service excellence, and team development, Brittany plays a pivotal role in driving top-line performance while delivering unforgettable experiences to guests through curated group offerings and personalized event solutions.

In her role, Brittany oversees a diverse and high-performing sales team, ensuring consistent delivery of tailored experiences that meet the evolving needs of families, schools, corporate clients, and special event organizers. She is known for her ability to translate business objectives into actionable sales strategies that generate results while also enhancing the overall guest journey. Her approach combines thoughtful relationship-building, innovative package design, and a deep understanding of what makes group entertainment meaningful and memorable.

Brittany’s career in hospitality spans more than 12 years, beginning in the resort and hotel sector where she quickly rose through the ranks. She held multiple leadership roles across four hotel properties, managing a sales team of 10 and driving sustained revenue growth that consistently exceeded annual targets. Her early success in hospitality established a strong foundation in team leadership, revenue management, and guest-centered service—principles she continues to apply and refine in her current role.

In 2015, Brittany transitioned into the waterpark industry, beginning as a Sales Manager in Pflugerville, TX, where her enthusiasm, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership style set her apart. Over the past eight years with PYEK Group, she has played a critical role in scaling the Group Sales division, introducing new sales initiatives, improving operational efficiency, and expanding the reach and impact of key programs such as birthday parties and cabana rentals. Her leadership has helped define PYEK’s reputation for high-quality, personalized group experiences across all of its venues.

Brittany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Texas State University and remains deeply committed to the development of her team and the long-term success of the PYEK Group’s guest engagement strategy. She is passionate about building strong internal cultures where sales professionals thrive, as well as fostering long-term partnerships that bring repeat business and meaningful community connections.

Outside of her professional life, Brittany is all about family and fun. She enjoys spending time outdoors and attending sporting events with her husband and their four children. Whether it's a day at the ballpark or a weekend getaway, she embraces every opportunity for adventure and connection, living out the same values of joy and togetherness that she brings to her work every day.

Joey Baumer serves as the General Manager of Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Katy, Texas, where he leads all aspects of daily operations including safety, staffing, guest experience, financial performance, capital planning, and long term strategy. With a hands on leadership style and a deep understanding of aquatics and guest experience, Joey is committed to building high performing teams and creating memorable experiences for hundreds of thousands of guests each season.

Joey’s career in aquatics began in 2005 as a Boy Scouts of America lifeguard, and his passion for the waterpark industry grew in 2007 at Coney Island’s Sunlite Pool in Cincinnati, Ohio. Through industry connections, his journey led him to Gulf Islands Waterpark in Mississippi where he served as Aquatics Manager. In 2016 Joey returned to Coney Island as the Operations Manager. Prior to joining Typhoon Texas, Joey was the Director of Aquatics for Great Escapes RV Resorts, overseeing aquatic operations across 16 properties nationwide. In that role, he implemented safety standards, developed strong internal training systems, and mentored future aquatic leaders throughout the country.

Joey remains actively engaged in the attractions industry through his service on the IAAPA Waterpark Committee and multiple World Waterpark Association Committees, including the WWA Safety Committee and the WWA Resort Committee. His collaborative mindset and dedication to improving the guest and team experience continue to make a positive impact across the industry.

Guided by mentors such as Mike and Krista Howard, Rob Morrison, and Mark Moore, Joey has shaped a leadership philosophy that emphasizes growth through experience, mentorship, and accountability. He believes that learning from failures can be one of the most valuable teachers in leadership and continues to lead with humility and purpose.

Joey is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and is currently pursuing his MBA at Western Governors University.

In his free time, Joey enjoys scuba diving, hiking, swimming, and playing pickleball. His love for the outdoors reflects his professional drive to create safe and active environments where families can thrive.

Tyler Ward serves as the General Manager for Pyek Group’s Austin location, where he leads all facets of Typhoon Texas Waterpark.  He has been instrumental to optimizing operations, enhancing guest experiences, and fostering a culture of growth and development. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have contributed significantly to the park’s success, ensuring high standards of service and efficiency.

Tyler’s waterpark journey began as a lifeguard, where he quickly discovered a deep passion for the industry. Over the years, he served in a variety of roles across multiple departments, gaining invaluable experience across multiple disciplines. This diverse background built a foundation of knowledge and leadership that continues to shape his management style today.

In 2022, Tyler joined Typhoon Texas as Director of Operations, where he spearheaded key initiatives that streamlined workflows, elevated safety standards, and enhanced guest satisfaction. His leadership and results-driven approach earned him a promotion to General Manager in 2023, where he fosters a culture of safety, teamwork, and service excellence.

A dedicated community leader, Tyler serves on the Board of Directors for the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce, connecting local businesses with residents. In the aquatics industry, he holds the prestigious title of Associate with Jeff Ellis & Associates, mentoring and certifying instructors and aquatic managers nationwide to advance safety standards and operational excellence across the field.

Outside of work, Tyler is an avid outdoorsman who finds balance in nature. Whether he’s hiking scenic trails, relaxing at the beach, or traveling abroad, he embraces every opportunity to explore, recharge, and create lasting memories with friends and family.

Jessi O’Daniel serves as the Regional General Manager of Cowabunga Vegas Waterparks, overseeing both Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this role, she leads all aspects of park operations, including guest experience, team development, revenue performance, and strategic planning. Jessi is known for her energetic leadership style, attention to detail, and commitment to building strong teams that consistently deliver safe, fun, and memorable experiences for guests.

Jessi brings over a decade of hands-on leadership experience in the attractions industry. She began her career at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, where she advanced through multiple departments and became the youngest Vice President in the park’s history, overseeing Guest Experience. She later served as General Manager at Typhoon Texas Austin, where she helped elevate operational performance and guest satisfaction while developing a robust leadership pipeline.

Now at Cowabunga Vegas, Jessi applies that wide-ranging expertise to a regional scale, fostering a culture of excellence across both properties. Her operational focus is matched by a deep belief in the power of mentorship and team empowerment. She is passionate about building leadership at every level, and she takes pride in creating environments where people grow and thrive.

Beyond her park responsibilities, Jessi is a respected voice in the industry through her involvement with IAAPA. She has held leadership roles including Chair of the Global Young Professionals Committee, Member of the North American Regional Advisory Committee, and Current Member of the Waterpark Committee. Her work supports the growth of emerging talent and the future of the industry as a whole.

Jessi’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when teams are aligned, supported, and inspired, exceptional guest experiences follow. Her drive, authenticity, and people-first mindset continue to shape the success of the Cowabunga Vegas parks and those who work within them.