Brian Robertson
How long have you been in the business? Too long! Since 1978, when I was a travel agent at Gell Travel in Toronto.
How many people work for you? At Vision 2000 we have, including employees and independent travel advisors, about 500 across Canada.
What’s the best part of the job? Meeting and networking with people.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Creativity, innovation.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Hmm. Oh, I know. Rappelling into a cave in New Zealand. Scary because I couldn’t do it. (laughs)
What’s your favourite airline? I have to say Air Canada because they are our largest preferred partner and I like them – especially up front.
What do people not know about you? I was a Canadian champion drummer and I played on the road for a year.
Any hobbies or interests? Travel, of course, skiing, golfing.
What was your worst holiday? Our 1st family driving trip in Western Canada. The kids were intolerable. They were 7, 10 and 13.
What keeps you awake at night? Other than acid reflux? (laughs) Stress.
What’s on your iPod? Lots of jazz, especially Pat Metheny.
What was your proudest moment? This will be a surprise to people. Seeing my first grandchild.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Globalization and commoditization.
What is your greatest extravagance? Going Cat skiing.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight who would it be? Warren Buffett.
What is your major bugbear about travelling? Security
How much do you travel each year? About 120 days.
What’s your favourite destination? Maldives.
What are you really bad at? Home repairs.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Living in Georgian Bay.
