Terry Bandy

Terry Bandy is a California-based Senior Data Scientist. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, he graduated High School in Saint Paul’s boarding school at New Hampshire. Mr. Bandy finished his undergraduate degree at the Tufta University. Originally, the focus of his subjects were on a path to the medical field, and he eventually shifted to Computer Sciences at the first year of his stay in the university.

Terry Bandy was a member of the Undergraduate Business Association at Tufta University. As a Junior, he was active in being a co-founder of a tech based business. He continued working on this business even after graduation, focusing on different areas of expertise such as web design and analytics. He had the opportunity to include more members in his team.

After 5 years of being a CEO, Terry Bandy sold the company successfully to another person and helped in their transition. At the same time, he was also able to finish his Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence.

At present, he works as a Data Scientists for many known US firms via contract basis. He enjoys spending more time with his family through travel: being immersed in new cultures, exploring unique destinations and enjoying new experiences with the people he loves.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is getting to experience new things hand-in-hand with the people I love. I really enjoy traveling with my family. I love how we get to sit down in a coast during sunset, or walk along vintage streets, seeing their faces light up while being in a place we have never set our foot before. There is really nothing more fulfilling in my travels than having those small moments.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I wouldn’t say that traveling is a lifestyle for me, because I believe that lifestyle should be built on values, such as having a lifestyle of zeal. Having the desire to travel is just one part of that zealous lifestyle. I am a risk-taker and I’m all in for new experiences. That is why I want to live my life with no regrets, being able to say that I am doing what I love the most. I got started traveling when I sold my company to another individual years ago. I worked on contract-basis, and having that freedom to work remotely gave me so many opportunities to travel the world with my family is something I’ll treasure my whole life.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I really enjoy visiting culture-rich places, and I’ve been looking into destinations in South East Asia or Japan, sometime in summer for next year. When opportunity permits, I would like to visit the beautiful beaches and historical landmarks known to each country.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

If you are new to traveling, I would advise you to look into travel blogs and reviews first. You want to visit the place on what it is known for first, and then later on if you plan to come back, explore the more obscure spots. Once you’re in your destination, ask the locals about what’s popular and head there. You would want to experience as many things as possible since your time is limited.

Where would you like to go?

As I mentioned, I would like to explore the South East Asian countries, probably Thailand or Philippines if circumstances permits. I have been to places and Europe and South America, and I would like a taste of something different from those places I have been.

Where would you like to revisit?

Given the chance, I would really love to visit Costa Rica again. The vibe of that country is so free-spirited, and it seems like people don’t run out of things to do. Since I am a nature-lover, I would like to do more trails over the mountains at Monteverde, and for more relaxed activities I would still want to hang out at the beaches of Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do not usually travel alone. As I said, I love sharing new experiences with my family. I love being part of that moment together where everything’s quiet, and yet, there’s really nothing to be said. It’s just me and the people I love, banking in precious memories. I do enjoy some time alone in nature. Occasionally, I would take quick walk or a bike just to get some fresh air.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I would say the top three countries for me are Italy, France and Costa Rica. The richness of the culture and beauty of these countries really amaze me.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

That’s an interesting question, I guess it depends on the place! I personally like to travel light, but if I’m with the kids, packing up at least half of the house should be in the to-do list. My advice is to trust your instincts. If you feel like you should bring something, you probably should.

John Monarch – CEO, ShipChain

John Monarch is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur that runs one of the largest fulfillment centers in the Southeast, Direct Outbound.  He’s recently ventured into the world of blockchain technology to start ShipChain, a decentralized solution for the shipping and logistics industry.  

John’s experience with travel comes with his years in business.  Visiting new places to meet with clients and speak at events is not uncommon.  As in demand as his presence is, Monarch spends a fair amount of his year on the road.  When he’s not abroad, he enjoys a quiet life in South Carolina with his two dogs Hana and Baron and going to see his alma mater, Clemson University, play football each fall.

 

1.What is your favorite thing about traveling?

For me travel is way to experience new cultures and try new foods.  Seeing a new country for the first time is eye opening, to say the least.  I love being able to unplug when I need to and step into adventurous new surroundings.

 

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

For me right now, it’s a hobby.  Unless it’s directly tied to business, I like to take trips to places that have been on my bucket list for a while.  I recently returned from Bangkok, Thailand where I spoke at the first ever Blockchain World Conference about ShipChain and what we’re doing.  That was mostly business trip but also my first time in Thailand so I took some time to see Bangkok and try the amazing street food.  

Business enables me to travel regularly.  Ever since I started working for myself years ago, business conferences sparked the travel bug in me.    

 

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Kyoto, Japan.  I spent two weeks traveling Japan last month and Kyoto has topped the list for me.  The hand-crafted temples and shrines set among calm waters cannot be captured with a photo.  If you’re reading this, go see Kyoto for yourself

 

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

Nothing in the immediate future.  Ironically, I’m a bit worn out from a lot of travel in the past two months.  Right now, I’m happy to be home but I’d like to explore more of Asia when the right opportunity arises next year.

 

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Don’t overthink or over plan your trip unless you absolutely must.  Some of the best travel you’ll experience comes from not having an itinerary being free to come and go as you like.  

Pack light to stay nimble in the event you get the urge to go somewhere else.  You only need one suitcase and maybe a carry-on if you’re conducting business on your trip.  

Resist the urge to take an extra bag for souvenirs.  Just ship whatever you buy home.  Once ShipChain is live, you can rest assured your package will get home safely with full transparency!  The less bags you need to tote in multiple airports will make traveling back home less worrisome.

 

6. Where would you like to go?

I have yet to go to South America.  Peru and Argentina are on the list!

 

7. Where would you like to revisit?

Japan.  While I spent two weeks there, I know there’s still more to see and experience.  The food is some of the best in the world and their technology just moves at a rapid pace.  I’d love to check out Hakkaido on my next trip.

 

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

I’ve traveled alone before and it certainly has its advantages.  These days though, I love traveling with my girlfriend on trips.   Most of the places I go are for business, so when I do arrive I end up spending time with friends and acquaintances I haven’t seen in a while.  

 

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

My top three would be Japan, Morocco, and the Turks and Caicos islands in the Caribbean.  

 

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I’m a light traveler.  I at least try to be.  Packing light forces you to adapt and get out of your comfort zone when traveling.  You also have the advantage of not looking too much like a tourist in a new country.  We’ve all seen that one traveler lugging along five suitcases behind them through the airport – don’t be that guy!

 

Connect with John Monarch

Official Website:  https://www.johnmonarch.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmonarch
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/realjohnmonarch
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/johnmonarchofficial/

Noelle Neff

Noelle Neff

Noelle Neff

Noelle Neff is an award-winning photographer and founder of Noelle Neff Photography. Her career as a professional photographer grew primarily from her love of wedding photography. She then expanded her area of expertise to include travel, sports, speakers, fine art, and portraits. Though she photographs a wide range of subjects, her work is unified by a distinct style. Neff has received acclaim for the originality of her style.

Neff went to the University of Miami, where she pursued various interests including English, the sciences, and Art. Her photography skills earned her many opportunities to work as a photographer, even while in College. A photograph of the famous writer Judy Blume was published in the college’s literary magazine, and then picked up by the main steam media. As Neff’s work began to circulate more widely, she built her network and received more job offers. Her professional career took off in leaps and bounds when she decided to work for herself long term, and formed Noelle Neff Photography.

Neff also holds informal gatherings for Miami-based women entrepreneurs at her down-town Miami offices and studio. She enjoys supporting new business owners, and sharing what she has learned on her journey. Neff also shares widely about her experience with nurturing and harnessing her own creative strengths.

Neff lives in the outskirts of Miami with her two cats. When she is not working on her business, you might find her reading a good philosophy or personal development book. IN her spare time she also sings with a group, participates in service-based charity, and spends time at the beach.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is, with-out a doubt, the food! And the eating out experiences, in general. I just love the whole experience of it, from meeting the server, to taking in all of the smells.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I’d love to say it’s a lifestyle, but for right now it is a hobby. My business is my life, and travel seems to be what I do to break out of my routine and get some relaxation and fun into the mix. I love my routine, and my work, but sometimes I just need a good trip so that I can unwind and expand my horizons. Sometimes my work and travel intersect, and I really enjoy the cross-over. I actually got started with traveling when a friend hired me for a magaziine shoot she was doing in Indonesia. I came back from that trip with a completely new perspective, and I thought, “Wow, I have to do that more often!”

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

I’ve been to some pretty incredible places, so that’s a tough one. I see beauty everywhere! But I suppose the most beautiful place was Rome, Italy. I love nature and landscapes, but there was something really extraordinary about the architecture and man-made art in Rome that really took my breath away.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

In high school I was an exchange student in Tokyo, Japan. I have kept in touch with my host family in Okayama this spring. I am really looking forward to reconnecting, and seeing all of my favorite places in the city.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

My travel tips for the inexperienced are pretty simple. Be kind, suspend your judgement, and pack light. One of the most important things you can do with visiting a new culture is to just be nice and respectful to people. It will transform your interactions with others. I say suspend your judgement because when we live in very predictable lives for a long time, we start to expect things to go a certain way. When traveling you have to stop trying to control everything, and you have to accept differences. Putting judgement aside really helps me to stay open to new experiences. And pack light because no one wants to be dragging extra gear through airports! Been there, done that! I learned my lesson, so I try to pass it on to any new travelers that I encounter.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica, but I haven’t made it yet.

Where would you like to revisit?

I’d like to revisit Paris. I went when I was in my teens, and I don’t think I experienced it to its full potential.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel alone, mostly because I am not married, and it is convenient to follow my own schedule rather than arranging trips with friends or family. When my close friends or family are available to join in, its great, and I welcome it. But I’m not afraid of booking a solo ticket when the mood strikes me, even if no one else can join in on the fun.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Tokyo for the beautiful chaotic liveliness. Big Sur, California for the natural beauty, and Rome, Italy, for its art history.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I travel uber light! I love feeling free as I move around. I actually travel with carry-on luggage only, whenever possible.

Grace Lever

Long before she enrolled in the International College of Management in Sydney, New South Wales, Grace Lever had already developed a keen interest in the empowerment made possible through entrepreneurship. As the founder of GraceLever.com & The Doing Academy, Grace can take pride in the fact that her early interest in entrepreneurial empowerment has not only been instrumental in the success she has since gone on to achieve, but also in the success of the growing number of female entrepreneurs whose businesses have thrived because of the supportive community Grace created.

In her role as a mentor to so many female entrepreneurs, Grace Lever reviews all the different ways members of her community can take advantage of the same principles of doing utilized by Grace each time she successfully built a seven-figure business in less than a year. The female entrepreneurs who have worked with GraceLever.com & The Doing Academy frequently cite Grace’s entrepreneurial philosophy as though it were a mantra: “Stop dreaming and start doing.”

Grace continues to be the embodiment of that entrepreneurial philosophy. After earning her degree in business and event management, Grace immediately set out on the entrepreneurial journey that has allowed her to live out her lifestyle dream while helping others do the same. Now living with her husband and their puppy in the wine region of Adelaide Hills, Grace remains committed to empowering female entrepreneurs and travels all over the world to share her wisdom through speaking engagements.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is the opportunity to share what I know with people from all over the world.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

Traveling has always been a part of my life, but now I travel for work just as frequently as I do for fun.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

I recently spent some time in Southern California, and it was far more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

We do something called The Doers Inner Circle Weekend Away on a regular basis, and there are quite a few locations I’m looking forward to visiting.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Travel with friends and family, and make the most of the time you have by doing as much fun stuff as possible.

 

Where would you like to go?

There are so many places I’d like to see, but New York stands out the most in my mind.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Sydney is one of my favorite cities in all the world, and I’m looking forward to getting back there sometime soon.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t. It just depends on where I’m going and what I’ll be doing once I’m there.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

  1. Sydney, New South Wales
  2. Aspen, Colorado
  3. Beverly Hills, California

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

When I’m traveling for recreation, I tend to travel light. When it’s for business, sometimes I have to pack up more than I would otherwise prefer.

Bill Michelon – Entrepreneur and Adventure Traveler

When it comes to travel, many people picture Paris, Rome, Bangkok and other popular locations as a picturesque backdrop to take photos to send home.   For Bill Michelon on the other hand, mixing adventure with hard to reach locations is his idea of traveling.  

Bill Michelon is a lifelong entrepreneur and business owner that spends his free time going places where not many venture.  The pressures of performing as your own boss, in charge of your own destiny, requires the mind to expand and contract.  Travel, for Bill, has become a great way to relax and reflect on his accomplishments and provides him with a way to think outside of the box from gaining a new perspective on the world.

Outside of travel, Bill Michelon continues to build his business and expand his ideas.  He shares helpful tips, hints and travel deals (as well as business stories) on his personal website BillMichelon.com.

1.What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Like anyone, I love the excitement that you experience when you visit new places. But more importantly, I love going to out of the way cities or remote towns just to have a different story and experience all together.  

Going out of my way just to have a unique experience makes the journey worthwhile.

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

One of these days, I’d like to call it a lifestyle.  I think anyone would, really.  But for now it’s a hobby.  Whenever I have the time freed from my business life, I try to visit a new place.  

I started with a trip to the Bahamas since it’s so close to where I live in Florida.  From there it was your usual trips to the big cities in Europe but I really longed for something different and off the beaten path. 

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

So far, my favorite place is Hana, Hawaii.  No one ever seems to go to this tiny town on the eastern shore of Maui.  It’s tough to get to and there’s not much there for tourists.  You’re not going to find t-shirt shops or familiar chain restaurants.  

It’s vastly unspoiled and to me, it’s paradise. 

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I’m trying to plan a trip to Chile soon and do some unforgettable hiking.  I’ve had some colleagues that have made the trip and their family had to beg them to come back.  

Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is another destination that would be convenient to visit while I’m in Chile, so I’m looking at booking that as well.  I have some sort of pull towards Easter Island – it’s just so isolated and beautiful that I think it’ll take my number one spot of Hana, Hawaii.  

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Good question! (laughs) When traveling, don’t sweat about having “everything” you think you need.  There’s always going to be somewhere to pick up things you forget or lose along the way.   

Resist over packing too.  On a recent trip to Bali, I saw a couple that were obviously new to travel.  It’s totally fine, but they rolled out of the airport with three bags a piece.   I’ve never had to have that much stuff on a trip and I’m sure they realized it after their vacation.  

Travel should be enjoyment.  Don’t cram everything you own into a suitcase in each hand.  Plan ahead of time, research the weather, take one pair of shoes or sandals and go from there.  Figuring things out can be the most rewarding part of adventure.

6. Where would you like to go?

One place I have not been is Easter Island, like I mentioned before.  Hopefully, I’ll get there soon if all goes well.  

7. Where would you like to revisit?

Iceland!  I’ve only made one trip to Iceland for some reason.  There’s so much natural beauty to see there.  It’s obviously not a typical destination for me like the tropics, but I feel like I didn’t see enough.   The natural hot springs in Iceland are amazing.  They’re a great way to meet other travelers and even locals.  

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

I used to travel alone.  Since my meeting my (now) wife, we’ve spent a lot of time together overseas and discovering new places.  While traveling with someone has its challenges, sharing the moments and adventures with another person is extremely fulfilling.

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Hana, Hawaii, Baja, Mexico and Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I’m a firm believer in packing light.  If you’re traveling with someone else, it’s even easier.  Spread the load between two people and try to simplify.  Worry less about what you bring along with you and spend more time discovering the places you’re going.  

 

Connect with Bill Michelon:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-michelon-a2261a4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrBillMichelon/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/bill_michelon

D. Scott Carruthers

D. Scott Carruthers is a specialist in capturing visually inspiring objects, from exotic to the most mundane. The Anaheim, California native displayed the talent for painting and drawing at a young age. To sharpen his studious interest, Scott’s parents supported his education and art pursuits. Scott’s initial interest in photography revolved around landscape and portrait photography. His mother bought him a camera that proved very useful in projects. Many of his captivating photos featured in the high school yearbook. Scott pushed his sights beyond the confines of the classroom. He soon turned to fashion photography, in a feat that saw him grace various fashion shows in Anaheim.

Hi works became a common feature on local magazines and newspapers thanks to the modeling agencies, music bands and designers. After graduating from high school, Scott travelled to the West Coast to expand his interest in photography. This time, he concentrated his efforts to capturing photos of hot fashion designers and bands in the area. He immediately expanded his offerings to include wedding and event photography. With celebrity status beckoning, Scott established his own photography studio at age 20. He signed up with an agency to promote his work and this quickly led to call ups to shoot athletes, entertainers and movie stars.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Travel photography is fun, you get to experience different climates, meet different people and enjoy fun adventures. I especially like the fact that I am able to realize most of my wishes in the course of work. I have a short list of wishes and I am always pleasantly surprised when I come across something, compelling and completely unexpected.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I think it is a bit of both. It is a hobby because it endears the photographer to reach out to the photographic community and helps develop a personal style. The opportunity to travel in different places is a lifestyle in itself. Here, you get the opportunity to capture a variety of architectures, wildlife, landscapes, and people. Since photography takes a while to master, I developed interest while in high school.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

My assignments sometimes force me to travel far and wide, and I always make it a point to document my travels. Part of the reason I do this is to give justice to the many wonderful places I have been to. My upcoming October travel itinerary will include Mexico, where I have several wedding assignments lined up in Cancun and Acapulco.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Any professional photographers willing to work hard and diversify their skills stand a big chance of excelling in travel photography. I would encourage any inexperienced photographers to start by building a portfolio. The next step is licensing your travel photography with an agency for promotion purposes.

Where would you like to go?

Some of the places I plan on visiting outside the US include Piazza San Marco in Venice and Mount Fuji in Tokyo.

Where would you like to revisit?

One of my most memorable photo shoots is in regard to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. I have seen the demand for postcards bearing these images grow exponentially. Along with the Canyon, I look forward to revisiting the Petrified Forest National Park.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I have done this several times. Since I am always connected through the gadgets, traveling alone seems pretty normal to me.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

The places that quickly come to my radar are the Faroe Islands, Grand Canyon and the Amazon.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I get this question a lot during my travels. I would like to point out that packing largely depend on the demands of the assignment. For some light duties, I only carry two lenses, my prime and zoom lens along with a Kindle containing all my favorite reads and images. To avoid losing or misplacing my luggage, I always tag my carry-on bag along.

Rusty Tweed

In his role as the president and owner of Tweed Financial Services, Rusty Tweed has spent the past quarter-century dedicated to providing clients with access to a comprehensive, full-service firm specializing in both financial and estate planning. Mr. Tweed, a fixture of the Greater Los Angeles Area who has devoted his career to sharing his professional insight and expertise in any way possible, is also the publisher of Tweed Economics, a digital publication updated on a daily basis featuring news and information pertaining to the current economic climate.

Mr. Tweed, a graduate of the University of Waterloo and a third-generation financial services professional, has recently expanded his entrepreneurial efforts to include Mold Zero and TFS

Properties, Inc. In his newest endeavor as the owner of Mold Zero, Mr. Tweed is responsible for the oversight of a company offering mold elimination services featuring both non-toxic and non-demolition processes. As the president and CEO of TFS Properties, Inc., Mr. Tweed has found yet another way to leverage his unique combination of professional experience and expertise by focusing on identifying and brokering off-market properties, all of which feature above-average cash flow and cap rates.

An award-winning estate planner and frequently published financial services expert, Mr. Tweed’s professional experience also includes lobbying before Congress and earning recognition from the National Association of Financial and Estate Planners (NAFEP) as Estate Planner of the Year. Although the highly accomplished and frequently sought-after financial services and estate planning expert is indeed proud of the many awards and accolades he has earned over the course of his more than 25-year career as a wealth management professional, Mr. Tweed is most grateful for the opportunity to work closely with clients to develop an individualized financial plan or retirement plan designed to achieve the specific short- and long-term goals outlined by the client.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling is one of the great educational tools we have at our disposal; over the years I’ve learned so much about botany, zoology, and geology just by traveling to different places all over the world.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s mostly a hobby for me since I’m so dedicated to my work with Tweed Financial Services and my other companies. It was actually because of my work that I began traveling more often and ultimately became more interested in exploring more of the world through travel.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The two locations I’ve been fortunate enough to call home will always be the most beautiful in my eyes: Ontario, Canada, and Los Angeles, California.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

I still travel to DC as well as Ontario often, but I don’t yet have any future plans set outside of that.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I’ve found that the best travel experiences are the result of a concerted effort to really get to know the locals of the area, so wherever you go, take the time to get to know the people and learn as much as possible about the local culture.

 

Where would you like to go?

I’d like to go to Scandinavia and travel through Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

The Hawaiian Islands are always worth revisiting.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes, but it’s mostly a matter of the situation or circumstance.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Ontario, Maui, and Los Angeles.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I do enough advance planning that I am always able to travel as light as possible.

Krishen Iyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krishen Iyer is the founder of Managed Benefits Services, an entrepreneurial endeavor that draws on its founder’s extensive experience and expertise in digital marketing, technical development, and client relations. Mr. Iyer’s most recent endeavor actually began as Quick Link Marketing, but the dynamic digital marketing expert felt it was appropriate to rename the company in order to reflect a retooled strategic approach as well as the newly developed multi-layer marketing platform’s ability to handle greater volume.

A longtime resident of California who currently lives and works in the Fresno area, Mr. Iyer attended San Diego State University as well as Grossmont College as an undergraduate. With a naturally inquisitive mind and a healthy degree of intellectual curiosity, Mr. Iyer enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate courses spanning the full spectrum of academic disciplines during his time at San Diego State, essentially laying the groundwork for his future professional endeavors requiring a varied skill set featuring elements of entrepreneurship, marketing, and technical development, among other things.

In 2004, Mr. Iyer graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in public administration and urban development. Following his graduation from SDSU, Mr. Iyer developed an interest in the insurance industry, an interest that ultimately inspired him to pursue and secure his certification as an insurance agent. It was during this time that Mr. Iyer recognized an opportunity to leverage his unique professional skill set for the purpose of founding an entrepreneurial endeavor: Quick Link Marketing.

Even though the endeavor was an unqualified success, Mr. Iyer was relentless in his desire to improve the company in any way possible. Mr. Iyer’s new platform — a multi-layer marketing platform plugged into AWS that contains a wealth of advanced features designed to improve client outcomes — holds a great deal of promise in this regard, so much so that the expert entrepreneur and digital marketer decided to christen the enterprise anew with the name Managed Benefits Services.

 

1. What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love the feeling of freedom that accompanies traveling, even if it’s only a short distance or a brief period of time.

2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s become more of a lifestyle in recent years, and I intend to travel even more frequently as my company continues to grow and becomes more established in the marketplace. I got serious about traveling right around the time I realized how easy it is to work remotely from just about any location in the world.

3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes are two of my favorite destinations, and I am so grateful that they are both within easy driving distance of Fresno.

4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

No, but I’m sure I’ll think of something in the near future; I actually prefer a little spontaneity when it comes to traveling.

5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I’ve traveled all over the world, but there are still so many beautiful places right here in California that I’ve yet to experience. My advice is to focus on those local areas that so many of us overlook before venturing too far from home.

6. Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal and Spain. Maybe that’s where I’ll go next time I travel.

7. Where would you like to revisit?

I’d like to revisit Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, hopefully before the summer ends.

8. Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes, but I do enjoy taking trips and sharing experiences with family and friends.

9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Barcelona, Yosemite National Park, and Mammoth Lakes.

10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Again, it really depends on the destination. I like to travel light when heading to a national park, but I’m just as likely to pack up much more than I could ever need when traveling to an unfamiliar location, especially if I’m planning on staying for an extended period of time.

Peter Jacoves – CEO of Nationwide Debt Reduction Services

Peter Jacoves has countless entrepreneurial successes under his belt, beginning with the dramatic transformation he oversaw while taking his restaurant, Simply Fondue Restaurant, from a single restaurant to a chain that was ultimately acquired by a national competitor — all within the span of three short years. To underscore Peter’s accomplishments as the founder, owner, and manager of Simply Fondue Restaurant, his restaurants experienced a combined revenue increase from $500,000 to $4 million in a matter of 36 months under his leadership.

Although such immense early career success might provoke a sense of complacency in some entrepreneurs, Peter was energized by the idea of taking on a new challenge. After shifting his focus to endeavors involving marketing concepts, Peter created, developed, and launched the Fuel Rewards Program, which ultimately expanded into the wildly popular and instantly recognizable Fuel Rewards Network. Peter holds several patents stemming from the revolutionary marketing program he created, developed, and launched.

With two once-in-a-lifetime entrepreneurial achievements to his credit, Peter set out to again build a business capable of achieving significant growth over a short period of time. To this end, Peter founded Richmond Title Services, which he quickly grew into a 50-state title-insuring solution that would ultimately go on to be acquired by ISGN after topping $18 million in annual sales. Peter achieved this remarkable level of growth within an 18-month span of time. Today Peter offers his community and beyond, debt relief services for their betterment.

After so many successes as a strategic entrepreneur, Peter now serves at the helm of Nationwide Debt Reduction Services, a debt settlement company that utilizes an innovative front-to-back-end solution for consumers in need of assistance reducing or eradicating any outstanding debt obligations. As CEO, Peter has overseen Nationwide Debt Reduction Services’s rapid rise within a highly competitive industry that expects to undergo a sustained period of growth for the foreseeable future.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy learning about different cultures.  I will often hire a driver to take me through an area so I am not trapped into tourist venues.  I want to experience a county as the locals.

 

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

It’s a lifestyle for me, and it started shortly after I achieved my first success as an entrepreneur.

 

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Tuscany region of Italy will always be my favorite place to visit.  It has the most beautiful landscapes.

 

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

We like to take trips throughout the summer with our children.  We will be in Martha’s Vineyards with the whole gang for a week.  However, the trip I am looking forward to is a private house in Punta Mina, Mexico with just my wife.

 

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

I recommend that people hire a private tour guide who will steer them away from tourist traps and allow you to really see a county.

 

Where would you like to go?

I would like to visit the Orient, but do not have any plans to do so just yet.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I would definitely like to go back to Italy but with all the kids and my parents to experience the beauty together.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do a great deal of traveling for business, so I am comfortable traveling solo.  The alone time gives me the opportunity to reflect on the course of business and even any life changes I would like to make.  I enjoy the solitude.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Italy, South of France and Portugal.

 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I definitely pack light.  I fine-tune and streamline my business operations and that mentality carries over when I pack for travel.

Charles Lubbat

Charles Lubbat has spent his career-defining himself as one of the leading swimming pool consultants in the business. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he graduated from his degree program and started his own business as a consultant.

How did Mr. Lubbat come to get involved in swimming pools?

His experience largely comes from his passion for travel. World travel has brought him into contact with this business, so one day he wondered how he could turn his experience of staying in hotels across the world into a viable business.

And he did.

Today Mr. Lubbat is an eminent swimming pool consultant for everyone from the average middle-class family to wealthy investors with their second and third vacation homes. As a bachelor, he continues to travel and to expand his knowledge of the industry he specializes in.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling for me is about exploring the diversity of the world and opening my mind to new possibilities. As a bachelor, I have more opportunities than most to really sample what the world has to offer.

I would say it’s also vital for my work as a swimming pool consultant. It keeps my knowledge fresh and better promotes new ideas.

Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?

I would say it’s both. It really depends on why I’m traveling at the time. My original reason was simply to explore what the world had to offer, but it’s definitely evolved since then as my swimming pool consultancy gig has grown.

What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?

The Amazon Rainforest, without a doubt.

Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?

A European backpacking trip is definitely on my list. Europe is perhaps my favorite continent to travel for density alone.

What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?

Target each of the five senses and try to nourish them wherever you are. I’ve learned so much personally and in business just by engaging all my senses.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve also wanted to visit Madagascar and other areas of the African coast. I suspect I’ll learn a lot thereby challenging myself in this way.

Where would you like to revisit?

As a bachelor, one of the most rewarding places I’ve visited was South America. It’s easy to get sucked into the region and spend years there if you want to.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do for pleasure and for business. I feel this way it encourages you to socialize and to take yourself out of your comfort zone.

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

Easy. The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, Western Europe, and the redwood forests of Northern California.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Honestly, when you don’t have kids and you’re a self-employed nomad it’s easier than you think to travel light. I try to travel with as little as I can.