Making a Masterpiece: Simon Sutton

Simon Sutton

Shift Lead, Shelby Farms Park

Simon Sutton has worked for three years as a shift lead at Shelby Farms Park’s Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. He compares his position to working as a flight attendant, preparing people for safety and adventure high above the ground. “I want to encourage guests to get up there and see what it's about,” Simon said. “Most of the time, they have a wonderful time. It's a blast.” 

Tell us about your position at Shelby Farms Park? 

I spend a lot of my time on the course as an instructor. A lot of guests show up and they think that they're just doing zip lines, but our course is more than that. It involves obstacles at height in the trees that you've got to maneuver through, and so you want to make sure folks understand what they're getting into, and we want to make them feel comfortable. 

What are the typical groups that you see? 

It varies a lot. We get plenty of locals. We get a lot of people that are walking through the park, find the course that way, and decide that that's what they want to do. This park gets a lot of foot traffic. It's one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Memphis. 

We have lots of birthday parties as well. Kids love our Treetop Journey course, and there's a pavilion right next door that folks can rent out for a party. And we see lots of people visiting Memphis, too. 

What’s a specific instance where you've been able to help somebody through their first time here? 

When people are generally a little more afraid, of course we encourage them to give it a shot anyway, and I want to be there to encourage them the whole time. The very first zip line that you do on our Treetop Adventure course is also our longest, fastest, and tallest. So it can be tough when folks get through the course and get to that first zip line. They look and see that they're going out across the lake. It can be very intimidating and folks need some encouragement. I have had to make my way up there and talk a guest through it. And it is so rewarding to be up there with them and to tell them, hey, this is the hard part. You're just going to take that one step. 

What work experience have you had before this position? 

I did a lot of food service working as a waiter, primarily. I enjoyed my time serving people, but I did not enjoy being indoors all day. So I looked into this, and I love it. I am on my feet a lot and I'm still doing a lot of manual labor, but being outside all day has been a positive lifestyle change for me. 

What advice would you give to somebody who is new to the hospitality industry? 

Be authentic. The best part of the hospitality industry in Memphis is the people. We have some incredibly nice, wonderful people all over the city. Guests will always be able to tell when you are authentic, and they appreciate it. 

Where do you recommend guests visit when they come through Memphis? 

Definitely the pyramid. The newly-renovated Tom Lee Park. And Shelby Farms Park, of course. 

Thank you, Simon, for offering guests a safe and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors in Memphis!