As all of us in the industry know, no matter how nice the hotel, there comes a time to check out.

From my first flight to Europe when my family moved to France 60 years ago, it seemed inevitable that I would join the travel industry. My 45-year journey has been filled with work I love, people I admire and memorable travel experiences with those closest and most important to me.

Now feels like the right moment to step down from my role. I will be leaving Nexion Travel Group – Canada at the end of this year. I do so with immense pride in the work I’ve contributed to and full confidence in the company’s bright future. My colleagues are truly the best in the industry.

I also leave at a very good time for me, personally.

My journey began on a whim after a bike trip across Europe and took flight after a chance encounter with a client at my first travel job. That moment led to opening a travel agency, which has since grown into one of Canada’s largest and most successful, now supporting nearly 600 advisors nationwide.

I am humbled and grateful to have played a small part in this journey. While I don’t take credit for much in my career, I do have a good sense of people. Starting in 1980 with the best, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside top talent throughout my career. Many have been with me since before we became Nexion Travel Group-Canada, and will continue with the company long after I leave.

This company started during a time of 20% interest rates, OAGs (official airline guides) and handwritten tickets. And it persisted through the arrival of computers, telephones that let you roam beyond six feet from the wall and many death-of-the-industry warnings.

But it also included many wonderful twists and turns, none more significant than a meeting in 2012 with Jackie Friedman, arranged by John Lovell.

Today, our industry and company are experiencing their best years ever. I will be stepping down with full confidence that the company is on the right path and has a bright future ahead—so bright, I might just be looking to join one of you. I can always lead wine tours!

To every advisor in the Nexion community, all across North America, I want to express my deep appreciation for all you’ve contributed to our mutual success. Whether I’ve met you in person or have only seen your initials on a Zoom screen, I thank you. Our success wouldn’t have been possible without each of your efforts, no matter the size of your business. At Nexion, we always say that your success is our success, and that’s never felt more true to me than it does now.

Though I’ve been fortunate to be part of such a great team, nothing in my life would be possible without the love and support of my amazing wife, Cristina, my two wonderful children and a family that nurtured my passion for exploration and curiosity beyond the small town where I was born, encouraging me to connect with people different from myself.

Everything we do is in the service of our members. While I’m proud of our company’s beginnings, one of my greatest achievements has been helping nearly 2,000 people start their own travel businesses, many of whom were new to the industry. I’m especially proud that so many of these individuals are women and people who don’t look like me. I’ll always be cheering for each of you as you find success with our great company.

In closing, I want to thank everyone for being an integral part of this incredible journey. The irony is that after spending my career in the travel industry, it takes retirement for me to finally take a holiday longer than seven days! I look forward to this new chapter and thank you all for your loving support.

 Mike