How long have you been with ACTA? I’ve been involved with the association for 10 years, originally with ACTA BC. We now have 10 staff including me.
What’s the best part of the job? Helping agencies stay in business, no question. I love to help them out.
What did you want to be as a kid? Laughs. A helicopter pilot. No doubt about that. But I never could be because I’m colour blind.
What was your first job? Salesman for Maple Leaf Mills – now Maple Leaf Foods. I actually grew up on a farm near Guelph, Ont.
If you could have any job in the industry, what would it be? Working for Helijet!
What’s your biggest extravagance? My sailboat, a 47 foot hunter that sleeps eight. It’s one of the reasons we’re here in Vancouver.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Women for their ability to multitask.
When were you most afraid? I was with Patrice Bell at a conference in Orlando and I went on some ride that scared the crap out of me.
What’s your favourite airline? Ohhh…that’s not a fair thing to ask! Any airline that gets me there safely and comfortably.
What do people not know about you? That I used to sing professionally, in theatres and plays – like Tony Soprano but with a good voice!
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? John Powell taught me to admit you’ve screwed up and to say “Now what will we do to fix this?”
Whom do you most respect in the industry? Arend Roos and John Powell.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? I’d like the travel agency community to own the client and all their data.
What’s your worst habit? Eating to help me get through stress.
Who’s the smartest person you know? My son. He’s a Phd and scored 1568 out of 1600 on his SATs and is a professor in Australia. He’s an amazing young man.
What do you say to an agent who is skeptical about ACTA? – Check out the “new” ACTA and let me tell you what’s on.
