At Kalahari Resorts, it’s all about family. The African jungle-themed, family-oriented indoor waterpark resort operation includes properties in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Sandusky, Ohio — and another is slated to open in Fredericksburg, Va., in 2010. But behind the unique theming, large-scale waterparks and other amenities, is a strong family of leaders.

A born entrepreneur, Kalahari Resorts owner Todd Nelson bought his first establishment, the Pizza Pub in Wisconsin Dells, at age 19. He operated it with his wife, Shari, for nearly 20 years. The duo opened the Raintree Resort in 1997 and the first Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells in 2000. They now oversee Kalahari operations with the help of their five children, other family members, and CEO Josef Haas. Nelson’s sisters run candy store operations, and even their parents are involved. His top management now includes several family members.

Perhaps it’s the family bond that has helped make Kalahari Resorts some of the most successful properties in the industry.

As the largest indoor waterpark resort property in the nation, the Sandusky location boasts more than 800 guest rooms; convention space; several dining options; Spa Kalahari; an arcade; a 173,000-square-foot indoor waterpark; and a 77,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark.

The Wisconsin Dells property includes a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and, by the end of the year, will open a 100,000-square-foot arcade area, with 24 lanes of bowling, minigolf and an indoor Ferris wheel.

“We’re in this for the long hall,” Nelson says. “We don’t need to grow fast. Our growth is kind of scheduled around our family.”

One of his team’s strongest assets is its independent nature.

“We’re not giant corporate America, so we can get things done faster,” Nelson explains. “We try to hire the best managers we possibly can and just let them run their departments. I’m an outstanding delegator, but you can’t delegate unless you can delegate to the right people. [Fortunately], we’ve been able to attract some real talent.”