Where were you born? In Winnipeg.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1985, as a retail travel agent for Clarkway Travel, which is still in existence!
What’s the best part of the job? Being able to work with folks – they educate me on Adventure Travel and I educated them on the rapidly-changing travel industry.
What was your first job? I started a Winnipeg bistro called Moskovitz and Moskowitz.
Ever had a brush with fame? Many! My last large event was organizing a large Cable TV Provider convention so I got to meet Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powel, Taylor Swift, lots of others. Who had the biggest entourage? Oprah, hands down.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? I have a great admiration for people who speak several languages – such a huge asset in international business today.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Oh man! Mountain climbing – it’s the coming down that becomes very scary. Or downhill skiing at 85 km on sheer ice wearing a skin suit. That’ll keep you on your pretty alert!
Any hobbies or interests? I’m a huge cyclist – over 4,000 km this season - and also a ski racer in the master’s league. Fun stuff.
What’s your favourite all-time movie? The Fifth Element.
What do you always travel with? My Blackberry and laptop – and my gym clothes.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Security. Because with parts of the world being volatile, it’s important that we represent safety and security to the consumer.
Who do you most respect in the industry? Richard Branson – he’s an entrepreneur, and a visionary
who’s not afraid to take changes. And above all he likes a little fun.
What is your greatest extravagance? My carbon fiber race bike. Very expensive.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? Professionalism. I look at Europe and I see waiters, bartenders, hotel staff and I see it’s their craft. We are still too transient.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Retired and maybe being a tour leader for some really interesting offshore tours.
