Leisure Systems (LSI), the franchisor of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, has named Jon Burek as executive vice president.
Burek will initially oversee all operational aspects of Leisure Systems, including the training and education of Jellystone Park franchisees, and will eventually assume oversight of day-to-day activities. He also will work with LSI Chief Executive Rob Schutter on key strategic planning initiatives. Burek succeeds Dean Crawford, who retired last month after nearly three decades at LSI.
Jellystone Park has reported its 12th consecutive year of record system sales and announced that three new parks will open this year.
“I’m very excited to join Leisure Systems and become part of the Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts team,” said Burek. “After meeting the talented team at LSI, it’s easy to see why the Jellystone Park brand has been so successful for so long. I’m looking forward to meeting the Jellystone Park franchisees and forging relationships with them and with others throughout the outdoor hospitality industry.”
Burek, a Cincinnati resident, began his career at Executive Jet Management and progressed from Dispatcher to senior VP of charter services during his 18-year tenure. He ultimately led a team of more than 40 individuals based in multiple cities across the U.S. and had profit and loss responsibility for one of the company’s largest business units.
Immediately prior to joining LSI, Burek served as VP of operations at Mike’s Carwash, a chain with more than 25 locations in three states. He led a team of more than 500 employees across a variety of functional areas including operations, maintenance, safety, and training. He improved quality and customer service while also reducing costs.
“We’re thrilled to have Jon join Leisure Systems,” said Schutter. “His wealth of experience in a multitude of areas will bring new capabilities to LSI and allow us to service, support, and benefit our Jellystone Park franchisees better than ever before.”
