Create and deliver completely customized luxury travel experiences to the most exclusive and sought-after sporting events in the world.
Tell us about yourself?
I have been the VP of Sales at Roadtrips for 25 years. A Winnipeg native, I have lived in Australia, Germany, and the United States before returning to my Canadian hometown. I joined Roadtrips as head of sales after managing a promotions and print wear business, developing an agricultural retail company, and launching a tech startup. My management and sales experience, combined with my passion for travel, have helped him to expand Roadtrips’ reach globally and penetrate markets including Latin America and Asia.
As the head of Roadtrips’ sales division, I handle supplier relationships and international connections, facilitate large global events, and work with the marketing team to strategically develop and diversify Roadtrips’ offerings. I play a key role in securing international clients, spanning large corporations, upscale families, and individual travellers.
I developed a passion for travel, food, wine, and history through backpacking expeditions in South America, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. My time off is spent in the kitchen, perfecting recipes and working on cooking techniques. I also enjoy playing golf and watching soccer, football, and ice hockey.
My favourite travel experiences include trips to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Provence, and Hawaii, to name a few. I live in Winnipeg with my wife and three daughters: McKinley, Maia and Malea.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Don’t defer. If you have the opportunity to enjoy a travel experience, don’t defer. You never know if it will come around again, given the vagaries of life. If it comes again, do it twice, but don’t defer.
What problem does your business solve?
We help people experience their sports travel dreams to the most hard-to-attend sold-out events and take care of all the details.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
A strong love of sports and travel. We know that many people and families want to experience their favourite sport, particularly when it is international, and they need lots of help and hand-holding.
What is your magic sauce?
We have access to hotels and tickets that the general public has a very difficult time accessing, and we let people customize. We believe they should live their sports travel dream. Not be forced to buy a canned trip off the shelf.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Continue to help people check their bucket list sports travel experiences off their list. Many events are once-in-a-lifetime memory makers for people, and we love helping them realize those dreams.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Many events like the World Cup or Summer Games happen only once in a location in our lifetime. To go in years in advance and build the infrastructure to deliver once in places like Qatar, South Africa, Rio, Paris, Russia, etc. is a challenge, but one we enjoy taking on.
How can people get involved?
Call our 800.465.1765 and talk to a sports travel specialist about what your custom trip could look like.