Jeff Element
Where were you born? In Toronto, but we moved back to my dad’s home in the Gaspé when I was 2. You can see Percé Rock from the house.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1994, working as an accountant at Rider Travel.
How many people work for you? 180.
What’s the best part of the job? That I have a great team, great energy, great fun.
What did you want to be as a kid? A pilot.
What was your 1st job? Mowing lawns, when I was 15. I had a whole business, complete with contracts!
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I do judo and used to compete in front of up to 2,000 people. That was scary.
Any guilty pleasures? Not really – I’m pretty boring. But I do collect wine and watches. I have about 20 of them.
What’s your favourite airline? Air Canada – they have direct flights to where I go and their product is good. But I’ve never had a bad experience on any airline.
Do you have a favourite travel app? Air Canada’s. Love paperless travel.
Any hobbies or interests? I have a ’99 Porsche 911 that my 8-year-old daughter loves working on with me.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Baked beans.
What’s your favourite place for a business lunch? Glow at the Shoppes at Don Mills here in Toronto.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? Buying electronics for my kids.
What was your proudest moment? Getting my black belt in Judo.
How do you stay fit when you travel? I run up and down stairs!
If you could change 1 thing about the industry what would it be? Travel agents who have an order-taking mentality. They need to be sales people.
If you could have sat next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it have been? Steve Jobs.
What kind of car do you drive? A Lexus ES 350
Do you have a favourite charity? Breast cancer. My Aunt Joan is dealing with it now.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Lots, including getting away from selling sun destinations.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Still in the industry. I consider travel my career now – great people and we get to sell what people dream about!
