Where were you born? In Toronto.
How long have you been in the business? 35+ years.
How many people work for you? 85.
What’s the best part of the job? Seeing my vision -
to be the preeminent travel management company in Canada - unfold.
What did you want to be as a kid? It was instilled by
my parents that I should become a lawyer. When I was in university heading down
that path I realized that the guys around me were way more serious and
passionate about that than I was!
What was your 1st ever job? Golf
caddy.
Any guilty pleasures? I do enjoy fine wine, but
that’s not a guilty pleasure!
What’s your favourite airline? Air Canada. I’m very
proud of our national carrier and over the years I’ve been privy to their
evolution from a dominant carrier mindset to a customer centric organization.
Favourite hotel? Relais & Chateau are my personal
brand.
What’s on your iPad? I don’t have one.
What do people not know about you? That I enjoy
painting abstract art.
When were you happiest? At the birth of my 3 children
who are now 24, 21 & 17. No, I’m not an empty nester yet! I welcome
my kids hanging out at home. I love having my family around.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Being
able to sink a 3 ft. putt.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Bugs... things like
that.
What’s at the top of your bucket list? To actually
live in a country for 3 months to a year and truly immerse myself in local
culture. One trip like that to Europe – France or Italy and one to Japan.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? I give
them away to colleagues for business purposes.
What is your greatest extravagance? Taking Fridays
off.
Who do you most admire in the industry? Calin
Rovinescu of Air Canada.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight,
who would it be? Barack Obama.
Do you have a favourite charity? Anything to do with
kids.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Helping
enhance the lives of kids in underprivileged communities, including Canada, and
helping inspire them to be the best they can be.