David Harris
Where were you born? In Kingston, ON.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1984 – 29 years with the same company – the one my parents started.
What’s the best part of the job? The people I’ve met, whether clients, colleagues or suppliers.
What did you want to be as a kid? An entrepreneur.
What was your 1st job? Newspaper boy, delivering the Toronto Star.
What was your proudest moment? Many proud family-related moments, but I have to also say that it was a great honour to be elected to the Board of Ensemble Travel. I’m currently the Vice-Chair and next year I move on to become Chairman of the Board. There are 13 board members in all, including 6 Canadians.
Any guilty pleasures? Crown Royal Manhattan on the rocks. Wouldn’t be a true travel interview if there wasn’t some mention of drink!
What’s your favourite airline? It used to be Wardair, now it's Air Canada. Being a member of their Circle of Excellence, I’ve really seen growth in their organization.
What’s on your iPad? A lot of music – every kind, very eclectic. Plus Sudoku and Frogger.
What do people not know about you? I’d love to be the next winner of Lotto 649. I’d give back a lot though - I do a fair bit of volunteer work, including the Board work at Ensemble, and I find it very gratifying.
Any hobbies or interests? Golf, boating, gardening, skiing – and most people would say I’m pretty social.
When were you happiest? At the birth of our daughter Lauren.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Anything that moves on the plate. I'm not interested.
What’s your favourite place for a business lunch? Tom Jones Steakhouse in Toronto. Sadly, it's slated for demolition.
Ever had a brush with fame? Tom Hanks, in Muskoka. He was in his boat and docking next to us and I said hello. He's a very pleasant guy.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? Everything from flights to electronics to more travel.
What is your greatest extravagance? Vacations. A toss-up between Scottsdale and Muskoka.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? The perception consumers have that agencies derive significant income from sales.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight who would it be? Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. I admire how she’s become someone of such incredible fame and how she’s dealt with it.
Do you have a favourite charity? The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Sustainability of our existing business model. And the need to grow revenue.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Living on one of the big 3 (lakes) in Muskoka. It’s been a goal of ours for a long time!
