MEET OUR TEAM

We have a small team of 19, who work year-round at Whirlpool, making all the magic happen. During Jet Boat Season, we bring on another 100-150 employees between our US and Canadian locations. If you’re looking for the best summer job ever, check out our job listings here.

Management Team

JOHN KINNEY
President/Operating Partner
How does a kid from Pittsburgh, end up running a jet boat company in Niagara Falls? John’s 43 years of whitewater experience has afforded him the opportunity to travel the globe enjoying whitewater in rafts, kayaks, and jet boats. After growing up on the many challenging whitewater rivers of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, & Maryland, John’s travels to experience Canadian whitewater occurred during the summer of 1981. Although John was only 17, he immediately was attracted to the “big” whitewater of Canada
On the drive from his native Pennsylvania to the rivers of Northern Ontario, John and his kayaking buddies stopped to check out Niagara Falls, but were really more interested in the giant waves of the Niagara Gorge just downstream of the Falls. Upon seeing the towering waves in the gorge, John will admit, “I had no idea at that moment I would end up spending the majority of my life figuring out how to make the spectacular whitewater of Niagara accessible to the visitors of Niagara, but I knew it had to be done.” 39 years, 9 boats and 3 locations later… and the rest is history.
PLACES TRAVELLED?
China, India, Korea, Switzerland, England, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Costa Rica, Maui, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, most Caribbean Islands, almost all the Canadian Provinces and US States
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
White Water rafting and Kayaking, skiing, spending time with family and friends
JORDAN KRUPA
River Operations Manager/ Captain
Jordan’s journey with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours started back in 2009 as a seasonal dock hand, and he’s worked his way up through the ranks ever since. From Dock Supervisor to Captain in 2012, then Assistant Operations Manager in 2018, Jordan took on his most exciting role yet in 2022 as River Operations Manager. With a serious need for speed and a passion for driving the boats, Jordan leads the River team with energy and enthusiasm, making sure every guest has an unforgettable adventure, nonstop fun, and memories they’ll never forget.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"The people and daily adventure of the white water. No day is the same working on the river"
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
cycling, golf, craft breweries and food, Toronto Raptors/NBA , travelling, anything outdoors.
PLACES TRAVELLED?
30 states, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Scotland, Panama, Italy, Portugal
CONTACT JORDAN
MARIAN JACKSON
Business Manager
Marian has been the backbone of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours since she joined the team in 1994 as part of the accounting department. It didn’t take long for her to prove how invaluable she was, and by 1995, she stepped into the role of Business Manager - a position she’s held ever since. But Marian isn’t just our Business Manager; she’s the voice of reason, the glue that holds us all together, and the go-to person for just about everything. Her dedication, knowledge, and steady hand have been vital to our success, and we truly couldn’t do it without her! Marian is the heart of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, and we’re beyond lucky to have her.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"Fun Atmosphere and Diversity of Fellow Staff and Guests"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Wales, Portugal, Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Italy, Maui, Bahamas, Aruba, Various Places in Canada
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Family & Boating
JESSICA DICARLANTONIO
Director of Sales & Marketing
Jessica joined the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours team in 2014 as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator, but it didn’t take long for her to make waves. Within a year, she was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing, where she’s been driving growth and creativity ever since! Jessica is passionate about all things branding (don't you dare use the wrong logo..) and loves telling the story of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours in bold and exciting ways. Jessica’s passion for tourism, marketing savvy, and go-getter attitude make her an unstoppable force on our team!
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"I fell in love with the boats, the river and the energetic atmosphere right away and never looked back!"
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Travelling, arts & crafts, coffee, plant shopping, road trips, astrology, pilates & yoga, and anything outside
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Cuba, Panama, United Kingdom, China, India, Italy, Portugal, most US States and Canadian Provinces
CONTACT JESSICA
JOHN WARK
General Manager/Captain
John’s jet boat adventure began back in 2000 when he joined the team as a night security officer. It didn’t take long for him to set his sights on something bigger - becoming a captain. By 2003, he made that dream a reality and officially took the helm as one of our captains. As the company grew, it became clear that we needed an operations manager, and John was the obvious choice for the role. In 2022, John took on his most significant role yet, becoming General Manager. Now overseeing the entire operation, John brings his passion for adventure, love for the boats, and commitment to the team to every aspect of his work.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"The Camaraderie of Staff and Guests Alike!"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Bahamas, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Golf, Road Trips to Nashville and Florida
CONTACT JOHN
TINA CAMILLERI
Guest Services Manager
Tina became part of the Jet Boat family in May 2016 as our Sales and Marketing Coordinator, but she didn’t stop there. She quickly took on a dual role, jumping in to assist with Guest Services. Eventually, she made the full-time move to Guest Services, where she’s been making magic happen ever since. With years of experience in tourism and customer service under her belt, Tina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Whether she’s solving problems or making sure every guest has an unforgettable experience, Tina’s got it covered!
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"From Day 1 until now, the staff here has become like family to me. There is a true sense of community and love here that I’ve never found anywhere else"
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
CrossFit, Running, Music, Concerts, Blue Jays Games
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Quebec, NYC, Orlando, Scotland, Malta, Peru
CONTACT TINA
JESSICA KELLER
Lewiston Operations/Retail Manager
Jessica joined the team back in 2011 as a seasonal photo and video agent, and she’s been crushing it ever since! In 2017, she was promoted to Lewiston Operations Manager, where she runs the show at our American location, keeping everything running smoothly day to day. And because one title wasn’t enough, she’s also taken on the role of Retail Manager in recent years. When she’s not juggling all things jet boating, you might spot her pouring drinks or hanging out at her family’s bar, The Lewiston Stone House, right on Center Street.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"I truly love getting to know all the new staff and working together to grow the business. As well as meeting people from all over the world"
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Hiking, spending time with family and friends, walking my dog around historical Lewiston, and pretty much anything that involves the outdoors.
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Costa Rica, Bahamas, US Virgin Island, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos
CONTACT JESSICA
ADAM WARD
Maintenance Shop Manager/Captain
Adam has been part of the team for over 24 years, and to say he’s done it all would be an understatement. He started as a dock hand in Lewiston, and it didn’t take long for everyone to see he was a jet boat lifer in the making. Over the years, Adam worked his way up to Captain, learning the ins and outs of our operations and becoming the go-to guy for just about everything. Now, as our Shop Manager, Adam’s in charge of keeping the shop running like a well-oiled machine and making sure the boats are in tip-top shape for Jet Boat season.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"The awesome people we work with make every day fun, and the constant variety of work keeps things exciting!"
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Welding and firefighting, plus spending time at the cottage with friends and family
PLACES TRAVELLED?
California, Texas, Florida, Mexico
CONTACT ADAM

Mechanical Team

OGNYAN YOSIFOV
Marine Engineer
MURRAY WHITE
Naval Architect
DON SUNDAY
Small Engine Mechanic
IAN WELDON
Welder

Administrative & Support Team

FILOMENA BROOKS
Administrative Assistant
SAMANTHA CHARBONNEAU
Lewiston Operations Assistant
AMANDA COURT
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
JASON DYCK
Vessel Maintenance/Captain
SOPHIE VERSTRAETE
Guest Services Head Supervisor
KATELYN OUREDNIK
Vessel Maintenance/Captain Trainee

Mechanical Team

OGNYAN YOSIFOV
Engineer
How does a kid from Pittsburgh, end up running a jet boat company in Niagara Falls? John’s 43 years of whitewater experience has afforded him the opportunity to travel the globe enjoying whitewater in rafts, kayaks, and jet boats. After growing up on the many challenging whitewater rivers of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, & Maryland, John’s travels to experience Canadian whitewater occurred during the summer of 1981. Although John was only 17, he immediately was attracted to the “big” whitewater of Canada
On the drive from his native Pennsylvania to the rivers of Northern Ontario, John and his kayaking buddies stopped to check out Niagara Falls, but were really more interested in the giant waves of the Niagara Gorge just downstream of the Falls. Upon seeing the towering waves in the gorge, John will admit, “I had no idea at that moment I would end up spending the majority of my life figuring out how to make the spectacular whitewater of Niagara accessible to the visitors of Niagara, but I knew it had to be done.” 39 years, 9 boats and 3 locations later… and the rest is history.
PLACES TRAVELLED?
China, India, Korea, Switzerland, England, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Costa Rica, Maui, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, most Caribbean Islands, almost all the Canadian Provinces and US States
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
White Water rafting and Kayaking, skiing, spending time with family and friends
CONTACT ALEX
ALEX EDDIE
Digital Media Manager/Captain
A graduate from the Digital Photography and Imaging program at Georgian College, Alex joined our team as a seasonal photographer in 2011. After a few seasons bouncing between Whirlpool and Whistler, B.C., Alex was asked to manage our Digital Media department in 2013. He now works in our creative marketing department, leads our Digital Media team and works on the river as one of our Jet Boat captains
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"Best job I’ve ever had. The family of staff we have here"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Costa Rica, Mexico, Nepal, Portugal, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, England, Honduras, Hawaii
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Photography, Snowboarding, SUP, Surfing, Coffee Roasting, Pretending to be cool
DON SUNDAY
Small Engine Mechanic
Marian joined the Whirlpool team in 1994 as part of the accounting department. Marian quickly became an integral part of our operation, and was promoted into the position of Business Manager. A position she has held since 1995.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"Fun Atmosphere and Diversity of Fellow Staff and Guests"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Wales, Portugal, Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Italy, Maui, Bahamas, Aruba, Various Places in Canada
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Family & Boating
IAN WELDON
Welder
A graduate from the Digital Photography and Imaging program at Georgian College, Alex joined our team as a seasonal photographer in 2011. After a few seasons bouncing between Whirlpool and Whistler, B.C., Alex was asked to manage our Digital Media department in 2013. He now works in our creative marketing department, leads our Digital Media team and works on the river as one of our Jet Boat captains
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"Best job I’ve ever had. The family of staff we have here"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Costa Rica, Mexico, Nepal, Portugal, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, England, Honduras, Hawaii
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Photography, Snowboarding, SUP, Surfing, Coffee Roasting, Pretending to be cool
Hudson Clarke
Junior Marine Mechanic
Jordan started with us a seasonal dock hand in 2009. Since then, Jordan has steadily moved his way up at Whirlpool Jet. First becoming a Dock Supervisor, then a Captain in 2012, and most recently being promoted to the Assistant Operations Manager position in 2018. Jordan also plays a key role working on our boats at our performance centre during the winter months.
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"The people and daily adventure of the white water. No day is the same working on the river"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
30 states, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Scotland
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Interested in cycling, craft breweries and food, Toronto Raptors/NBA , travelling, anything outdoors.
JOHN WARK
General Manager/Captain
John began his jet boat adventure as a night security officer in 2000. As soon as he saw one of our magnificent boats he knew he wanted to be a captain, so he started training and became a captain in 2003. As we grew as a company we soon realized the need for an operations manager, and the obvious choice was John. He has been a pivotal part of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours ever since!
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"The Camaraderie of Staff and Guests Alike!"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Bahamas, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Golf, Road Trips to Nashville and Florida
JESSICA DICARLANTONIO
Director of Sales & Marketing
Jessica started at Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours in 2014 as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator and within the year was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing. She first entered the Tourism Industry during her time at Carleton University in Ottawa, where she sold spring break trips for Campus Vacations. After completing a Graduate Certificate program in Public Relations, she knew she wanted to work for one of the biggest attractions in Niagara: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
WHY WHIRLPOOL JET?
"I fell in love with the boats, the river and the energetic atmosphere right away and never looked back!"
PLACES TRAVELLED?
Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Bahamas, China, India, most US States and Canadian Provinces
HOBBIES & INTERESTS?
Travelling, arts & crafts, yoga, coffee, plant shopping, road trips, astrology, concerts and anything outside
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