John Lovell
Where were you born? In Seattle, Washington.
How long have you been in the business? 18 years – I started working with Hertz as Director of Sales and Marketing for the State of Florida. I’m coming up on my 10th anniversary with V.com.
How many people work for Vacation.com? 67.
What’s the best part of the job? The employees and our membership – very diverse and growing.
What was your 1st job? As a paper boy, delivering both morning and evening papers.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? That’s a tough question! Probably going up in a 2-seater plane with a pilot friend and doing acrobatics.
Any guilty pleasures? Golf.
What’s your favourite airline? United, because of its great service.
Do you have a favourite travel app? I like Uber, an American app for last minute availability limo service.
What do people not know about you? That I’m a lot more private than people probably think I am.
Any hobbies or interests? I love reading and golf - the outdoors.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to sing and dance - I can’t do either.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Broccoli.
Ever had a brush with fame? John Travolta was my neighbour in Florida. He and his wife are wonderful people.
What is your greatest extravagance? My clothes. My favourite suit is an Armani and I wear a Breitling watch.
If you could change 1 thing about the industry, what would it be? There are so many things… Pay travel agents commission on airline tickets again.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? My wife.
What kind of car do you drive? A Cadillac SRX.
Do you have a favourite charity? ALS Foundation. My father-in-law is dying of it.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? The macro-economic environment, especially in the U.S. The European financial situation.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Working in the industry… and continuing to smile!
