About Me: The Story Behind Great Lakes Travel Deals

We’ve gained a considerable number of new subscribers over the last 4-6 months, so I thought it would be a good time to share the journey that led to the creation of Great Lakes Travel Deals. As many of you know, this business was founded to focus specifically on the Michigan market, which is where I’m from and where I wanted to build both a community and a business.

We specialize in publishing flight deals for travelers flying from airports between Chicago and Toronto, with a special focus on the major Michigan airports. Great Lakes Travel Deals is my own creation, and I am the sole employee.

My Journey in Travel

Travel has always been a significant part of my life, both personally and professionally. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and an MBA from Grand Valley State University. My high school and college years were spent working in restaurants and hotels. Some of the notable places I worked at include Woody’s Settling Inn in Northport, The Sierra Room, and the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids; Charlie Palmers Aureole in New York; and the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen, Scotland.

My passion for travel developed at a young age. I have incredible memories of road trips around the country in the back of our family's station wagon, but my best travel memories were on a small swing keel sailboat that we would take up to the North Channel in Canada. Several summer trips were spent sailing these waters, fishing, swimming, and anchoring near uninhabited islands. For a young kid these islands were ripe for adventure—climbing, trail breaking, and exploring. These early experiences instilled in me a deep love for travel and exploration that continues to drive me today.

My love for travel was further reinforced during my time with the US Peace Corps in Ghana, which was my first job out of college. Living in a remote village without electricity or running water, I advised an eco-tourism bird watching project on a remote river and watershed. I experienced firsthand how travel creates connections and makes the world a smaller and more empathetic place.

After returning from the Peace Corps, I worked for a company in Traverse City that managed lost luggage programs for major airlines across the United States. I loved this job because it gave me access to some pretty incredible places. I got to tour underneath the airport at Chicago O’Hare, where luggage is transported on an extensive system of conveyors and sorting machinery. I also had the unique opportunity to discover where all the unclaimed luggage goes for Delta, and I heard some crazy stories and saw some crazy things! Boxes and boxes of misplaced phones, piles of golf clubs and stories of drugs, smuggled materials, and even gold bars!

Building Great Lakes Travel Deals

Starting this business was an extension of my interest in travel and leveraged my degrees and experiences. I’ve never aspired to be the biggest travel company, but I’ve always believed I could be the best at offering discounted flight deals for passengers in Michigan. I guarantee no national company is more committed to building community and providing discounted travel in Michigan than I am.

Since I started this business almost three years ago, I have posted close to a thousand flight deals and attracted close to 8,000 subscribers and over 15,000 followers on Facebook.

Balancing Work and Family

When I'm not working or publishing travel deals, you can often find me coaching youth sports. I’ve been coaching basketball, football, and youth lacrosse for many years. My wife and I have three wonderful children—twin boys aged 11 and a daughter who just turned 9!

***Photo taken at Beehive Geyser in Yellowstone NP minutes after getting soaked***

How You Can Support Great Lakes Travel Deals

Your support means a lot to me! Every paid subscription is a donation that validates this business idea and supports me and my family. Sharing our deals with friends and engaging with our emails and social media is another way to show support.

Most importantly, I love hearing about your trips—please send a note or picture when you travel (support@greatlakestraveldeals.com). I LOVE hearing that a flight deal led to a memorable trip. Thank you for your support!