OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The World Equestrian Center (WEC) appears to be a classic case of, “If you build it, they will come.”
“The property started with the horse first and the horse competitor and really grew from there,” said Justin Garner, Senior Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy for WEC.
Garner was the featured speaker on Wednesday at the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership‘s monthly breakfast of business leaders which is now meeting in its new home at the Reilly Arts Center.
In the past three years of operation, Garner told the audience WEC has brought in $1.5 million in tourist and development taxes, paid out $64 million in wages and generated $8.5 million in state and local tax.
But wait, there is more!
Garner updated the business community on the progress of the expansion on the 378-acre campus including the new four-story luxury hotel. The new 390-suite pet-friendly hotel called The Riding Academy Hotel is expected to open in April and is already accepting reservations online for select dates.
Also still to come this year, WEC is adding a sixth indoor arena, seven additional outdoor arenas and a University of Florida Health Family Medicine Center.
“Our three pillars are quality, class and distinction,” said Garner. “You will see those throughout the facility, and I think we really focused on doing things the right way as we were building out restaurants and building facilities in our first hotel and now our second hotel and events center that will open in 2025.”
WEC released a video on YouTube this month that gives a sneak peek of the latest series of property development projects.
Garner talked to 352today about how WEC is emerging on the world stage.
“We really started building our reputation in doing the right thing and building a quality product. The word has gotten out certainly in the horse world. We received a lot of great press in the last year in it being a travel destination for people to come. It’s almost a horse-themed resort for people to come and enjoy. It’s unique. It’s different.”
Garner says scheduled international events this year and next will continue to build on momentum for the equestrian mecca.
“We will host the Longines League of Nations event which will be a global competition. Ten teams coming from around the world to come and compete here in Ocala and try to qualify for their big final in Barcelona, Spain,” said Garner. “That will really be a big coming out party for us across the world and drive more demand here to Ocala for the next few years.”
Garner says as they expand, they will need a skilled workforce to keep up with that growth. He is among WEC’s first employees, and they now have more than 700 people on the payroll. Garner says with the second hotel, new arena and facilities, they plan to hire an additional 100 people. He says that is on top of the current job openings.
Garner says there are a lot of career-growth opportunities at WEC.
“Hospitality is really one of those careers where you can start at the bottom and work your way all the way to a six-figure management salary just through hard work, effort and really keeping your eyes open and learning,” said Garner.
WEC has hiring events scheduled for this month and next. To explore job opportunities at WEC and learn more, visit the careers page on their website.
