Ricky White’s smile is the first thing visitors see upon their arrival to Nauticus. And it’s a genuine one.
White, guest relations manager at the Norfolk maritime discovery center, greets the yearly 370,000 guests with a warm welcome.
Now in his 28th year with Nauticus, White was recently recognized for his work and bestowed with the Peter G. Decker, Jr. Hospitality Associate of the Year award for 2023 by the Norfolk Tourism Foundation and VisitNorfolk.
Rehn West, Nauticus director of development and marketing, nominated White and said the organization is lucky to have such an amazing team member represent the attraction.
“Whether the guest is here to visit the museum, go for a sail, participate in a military ceremony on the Battleship Wisconsin or head out on a cruise at the Half Moone, Ricky is ready to make their day at Nauticus the best one yet,” West said.
Stephen Kirkland, Nauticus executive director, said White is an inspiration and part of the very heart and soul of Nauticus.
“Ricky’s natural ability to make our visitors feel appreciated and welcomed is just extraordinary,” he said. “He’s always courteous, always friendly, and always generous with his time.”
A Hampton Roads native, White graduated in 1975 from Norview High School and worked in numerous retail and maintenance jobs.
“When Nauticus first opened, they had a laser light show which really caught my attention and when I came down for that show, I was like, ‘That would be a cool place to work,’” he said.
In 1995, not even a year after it opened, White applied for a job.
He started part-time in exhibits, moved to a full-time position in maintenance two years later and transferred to admissions after another two years.
A self-proclaimed people person, White found his niche in the customer service-related position and has been a constant for well over two decades.
“I get to meet people from all over the world,” he said, noting he successfully cuts through language barriers. “To me, the most important thing is being able to make people’s vacations a great experience.”
Whether behind the desk or out in the lobby, White said his days are busy ensuring guests’ questions are answered and problems solved.
He goes above and beyond to be a voice for other Hampton Roads attractions.
“I try to make sure they know about other things in the area to do, things they shouldn’t miss and places they should go,” he said.
White said seeing repeat customers and generations of families throughout the years always makes him happy. And when they come bearing a gift of chocolate — Reese’s peanut butter cups or M&M’s, White’s smile grows even wider.
“It’s just so amazing,” he said.
A well-respected team player, White oversees 10 people off-season and close to 20 during the summer months.
“I wouldn’t be as successful at my job if it wasn’t for my assistant, Michele Entler, and the rest of the team,” he said.
He said he enjoys his colleagues and especially likes to help guide the younger employees.
“I don’t mind going to work because I know that I’m gonna meet somebody today and we’re gonna have a good conversation,” he said. “Or I’m gonna help somebody this day to have a better experience.”
Now 65, White said he thought about retiring last year or maybe next year, but for now, he is excited to be a part of the makeover and new exhibits underway.
“I really think it’s gonna make Nauticus even better and it’s gonna bring even more people,” he said. “People don’t really know how much they can learn and how much fun it is to come here.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, [email protected]
