Doug Vogl
Where were you born? In Kitchener, Ont.
How long have you been in the business? (Laughs) About 30 years.
What’s the best part of the job? I have a passion for travelling. So as I cover Eastern Canada, I love travelling to Montreal, Ottawa and so on, as well as to our head office for North America in L.A. – plus of course to Korea and Asia.
What did you want to be as a kid? I actually wanted to be a pilot! Never happened! My marks weren’t good enough in science.
What was your first job? Working in Zehr’s grocery store through high school.
Ever had a brush with fame? Many – in Acapulco I even had a date with Farah Fawcett! Plus I used to hang out in Studio 54, back in the day where you’d encounter people like Cheryl Tiegs and Andy Warhol.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Organizational skills!
What do people not know about you? That I’m a part time musician – I still play keyboard in a rock band.
Any hobbies or interests? I’m a diehard snowboarder. I love skiing but my passion is snowboarding.
What’s on your iPod? A mix. Mostly chill-out music and some current tunes.
What was your proudest moment? I’d have to say being a Dad for the first time. I have two boys and a girl.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Right now, the economy has a lot to do with people’s spending habits and the European crisis is making people only cautiously optimistic. But Canadians who are recently retired will keep long haul and the niche market going. Canada is well positioned and it looks like the U.S. economy is coming back too.
Who do you most respect in the industry? Phil Sproule, ex TPI – he’s done well for himself and is very successful.
What is your greatest extravagance? I would have to say personal travel to Southeast Asia and South America.
Do you have a favourite charity? Juvenile Diabetes
What is your major bugbear about travelling? I don’t like travelling standby…sometimes it gets gut-wrenching!
What is your “must-have” item when on the road? As long as I have my passport and my wallet, I’m good! I never check luggage unless it’s a ski holiday. If I need something on the road, I’ll just buy it.
What’s your favourite destination? Definitely Thailand. I have a lot of friends there now, including a number of Canadians who live there.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? I still plan to be in the industry in some shape or form. It’s an industry that people get hooked on!
