By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
With an extensive background in leadership, education and hospitality, Julie Goins brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Lakeside’s Gate Operations Manager.
After a virtual interview with Human Resources this spring, Goins made the short trip across the bay to visit Lakeside for the first time. As with many others, her first impression of the community left her wanting more.
“I never realized the gates were open in the off-season,” Goins said. “As I drove through, right away, I thought, ‘I need to be here.’”
A mother of three, ranging in age from 16-28, Goins developed her leadership skills early. While attending high school and college, she worked as a manager at McDonald’s, gaining valuable experience leading teams and serving customers.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education with concentrations in mathematics and social studies from Baldwin Wallace University, Goins spent 25 years teaching. She began her career at St. Mary’s in Elyria before moving to Sandusky Central Catholic, where she taught a variety of subjects, including computer science and STEM courses.
During her final years in education, Goins took a summer position at Cedar Point’s French Quarter Confections, known for its ice cream, funnel cakes and beignets. Within days, supervisors recognized her leadership abilities and encouraged her to take on a supervisory role. Although she initially declined, she accepted a management position by the end of the season.
“At first, I just wanted to pick up a paycheck and go,” Goins said. “I’ve always had those leadership skills, and it just grew from there.”
Eventually, Goins left teaching to pursue a full-time career in hospitality as a Food & Beverage Supervisor at Cedar Point. She later joined Sawmill Creek Resort as Banquet Manager, where she coordinated conferences, weddings and special events while overseeing teams ranging from a few servers to 30 people at an event.
“I just love the hospitality side,” Goins said. “I want to make sure my guests are happy.”
As she starts her first summer at Lakeside, Goins is learning more about the community and has enjoyed connecting with the Gate Ambassadors and Lakesiders.
“I’m learning more every day,” Goins said. “I’m so overwhelmed by how welcoming everybody has been. It feels like family and a home here.”
The sense of community she felt during that first drive through Lakeside continues to inspire her. As the season gets underway, Goins is excited to meet Lakesiders, support the Gate Ambassadors and help make every guest feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
