Alumni Spotlight: Kiefer Robinson, ‘14
Today’s Alumni Spotlight shines on Kiefer Robinson of Biddeford, UMM Class of 2014 with a degree in Outdoor Recreation Management. Robinson is currently the Assistant RV Resort Manager at Wagon Wheel RV Resort and Campground, Old Orchard Beach.
Tell us a little bit about what you are doing now:
Currently I am the Assistant Manager at Wagon Wheel RV Resort in Old Orchard Beach, ME. Wagon Wheel is owned by Sun Communities which owns Campgrounds and Mobile Home parks across the country. I am also currently the Head of Maintenance for the park. Some of my tasks are maintaining the grounds around the park and keeping up with other basic maintenance tasks. Other things that I do are taking and posting seasonal payments, making reservations for people to come in, etc. I help out with the different activities that are provided here when needed. I go to trade shows and different trainings across New England. I talk with the different seasonals that are in the park and keep a professional but fun approach to customer service. Basically I am a jack of all trades here at Wagon Wheel and I continue to learn more each and every day.
What is the most valuable thing you learned while at UMM?
There are too many differents things to really pick one! I learned a lot in the classes, but I also learned just as much from my friends and fellow classmates and coworkers. I really feel like UMM played a huge role in me becoming who I am today and what I can become. I joined the Kappa Mu Alpha fraternity in 2011 and that was one of the best decisions I made while I was at UMM. I worked my way up to President and that helped to create strong leadership qualities that are still helping me today, not to mention that I was able to meet some amazing people from different eras who are full of great and helpful advice.
I was lucky enough to also have some great professors during my time at UMM. These men and women taught me so much, through the years. Often times I would look back and think to myself “I am never going to use this crap in the real world!”. Boy was I wrong! I learned so much that I am still applying to my job today and will continue to apply in the future. These people were not just teachers, but they also became friends and I thank them for helping me along through my time at UMM.
One of the most valuable things I learned while at UMM is you can really do anything you set your mind to with hard work and dedication. I started out at UMM and almost failed, but I kept trying and pushing myself and now I am starting to see some major rewards for all of that hard work.
Do you have any advice for current students at UMM?
Live it up! Enjoy yourselves but also make sure to get the important things done first! College really is the greatest time of your life, but it is also just the beginning of something great. I met so many crazy, wonderful, eccentric, lovable people during my time at UMM. I will never be able to forget them, they made my time at UMM unforgettable. Also don’t be afraid to branch out and join a fraternity or a club, or go out and meet new people, I promise you, you will not regret it.
How did your time at UMM prepare you for what you are doing now?
It prepared me very well, and made my job hunt very easy. I got my first job here at Wagon Wheel the summer after graduation, and in 2 short years I am now the Assistant Manager! It’s all because of UMM and what I learned during my time there. I honestly had no idea how much I learned until I had to apply it in the work place. UMM helped me to where I am today.
It helped me start my career! It helped me meet some people that I will never forget! I got to help revive the “Clipper Crazies”! I broke out of my shell and became a much more outgoing person! I learned to speak my mind when needed and listen to others. I made people laugh and the same people made me laugh. I went on adventures with my friends who eventually became my family. I found a place that may change through the years, but will always be the place where I really grew up and became me! I wouldn’t change that for anything I loved my time at UMM and wish I could do it all over again.