The Soirée Advisory Board is an informal and unpaid role, simply composed of reliable voices we can reach out to in our decision-making processes as a company, providing valuable insights and broader or alternative perspectives.
Advisory Board members have expertise in business formation, business ownership, the travel industry, marketing, and so on.
They believe in the mission of Soirée Travel Specialists, and in the way we do business.
They want to see us succeed.
Advisory Board members have expertise in business formation, business ownership, the travel industry, marketing, and so on.
They believe in the mission of Soirée Travel Specialists, and in the way we do business.
They want to see us succeed.
The mission of Soirée Travel Specialists is to listen to our clients in order to design and promote distinctive itineraries that respect the needs of every traveler and our partners, immersing guests in high-quality experiences and providing first-class service while supporting safe and responsible travel around the globe.
Soirée stands for quality and uniqueness. We care about our clients, and we create thoughtful travel that respects the guest and the local destination. We exceed traveler expectations from first contact through follow up, while doing the extra work needed to support safe travel.
Soirée Travel Advisory Board
Travel is so important to Angela and Mike Ballard that they included a promise to share a lifetime of adventure in their wedding vows. They have visited over 100 countries together on all seven continents and are regular contributors to Lonely Planet. Mike grew up in Saudi Arabia and has graduate degrees in history and political theory, while Angela has spent 25 years as a university professor, radio broadcaster, and marketing consultant.
Business owners themselves, this travel photographer & marketing strategist bring creativity and sound advice to our Soirée Advisory Board. Visit Around The World in 80 Plates for some tasty Ballard fun!
Business owners themselves, this travel photographer & marketing strategist bring creativity and sound advice to our Soirée Advisory Board. Visit Around The World in 80 Plates for some tasty Ballard fun!
Janice and Jim Hopkins represent another powerhouse team on our Soirée Advisory Board. Janice is a veteran travel agent (only recently retired) and has an intimate understanding of client and agent needs from companies like ours. Widely traveled, she knows what discerning adventurers want, and what doesn't work well. Jim's career focus was in business administration, and he has a strong executive leadership background, from President & General Manager to VP of Sales (retired). He understands what good business practices look like.
Both Janice and Jim are kind and straightforward people of integrity: voices Soirée wants and needs to hear.
Both Janice and Jim are kind and straightforward people of integrity: voices Soirée wants and needs to hear.
Stephanie Gardner's career in travel spans more than 20 years, and is notable for her depth of knowledge and expertise. Her passion to assist every client to fulfill their unique travel dreams, with excellence and integrity, remains a driving force for her work. Excellence and integrity are foundational principles at Soirée, so Stephanie is a perfect fit!
A member of Signature Travel Network, Stephanie brings powerful insights from within the industry, and our relationship with her provides us broader access to exclusive experiences and hard-to-book accommodations. Signature Travel Network is an elite network of travel professionals who share one objective: to serve the distinctive needs of discerning travelers.
A member of Signature Travel Network, Stephanie brings powerful insights from within the industry, and our relationship with her provides us broader access to exclusive experiences and hard-to-book accommodations. Signature Travel Network is an elite network of travel professionals who share one objective: to serve the distinctive needs of discerning travelers.
Garrett Hinton is a subject matter expert for business startup and for tourism in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Chief Revenue Officer for a major player in the tourism sector, and an experienced Certified International Tour Director, Garrett brings excellent problem solving, decision making and analytical skills to the Soirée table.
With a proven ability to create highly functional teams across many work and communication styles, Garrett has been an ally and advisor to Soirée since its inception.
With a proven ability to create highly functional teams across many work and communication styles, Garrett has been an ally and advisor to Soirée since its inception.
Dan and Patty Warden are entrepreneurs who created three innovative, specialized companies over the past 20 years. Their success has allowed them to fund various foundations that support our homeless veterans. Dan’s first career was as an Air Force Officer, while Patty managed business operations for the Veterans Administration.
This couple brings a strong business acumen--along with a love for exploring new places. Dan and Patty believe Soirée brings a niche travel solution that will stand the test of time, and are willing to offer their insight and experience to help us succeed.
This couple brings a strong business acumen--along with a love for exploring new places. Dan and Patty believe Soirée brings a niche travel solution that will stand the test of time, and are willing to offer their insight and experience to help us succeed.
Michelle Whittaker is a Certified International Tour Manager. She is an enthusiastic consumer of upscale travel experiences around the globe and a member of the Travel Industry Diversity Council. Michelle brings valuable insights from the customer's perspective with a special understanding of the travel industry as an educated insider.
We've invited Michelle to offer her worthwhile feedback and overall impressions of our company culture, travel offerings, and marketing efforts. We listen to and value Michelle's input, and we think that makes Soirée better for our most important guest: YOU!
We've invited Michelle to offer her worthwhile feedback and overall impressions of our company culture, travel offerings, and marketing efforts. We listen to and value Michelle's input, and we think that makes Soirée better for our most important guest: YOU!
Joe Liss was selected to our Board because of his financial expertise. He’s spent his entire 40-year career working with growing businesses. After retiring, Joe became a Certified International Tour Manager leading tours in Italy. Today he is an Executive Coach helping businesses operate and thrive in these uncertain times.
Joe's financial, business, and travel background make him a valuable asset to our board, helping Soirée build a strong foundation that protects our guests, our company, and our partners.
CPA (Inactive), Chair, Vistage Worldwide (Retired), CPBA, CPMA, CPEQA, ACC
Joe's financial, business, and travel background make him a valuable asset to our board, helping Soirée build a strong foundation that protects our guests, our company, and our partners.
CPA (Inactive), Chair, Vistage Worldwide (Retired), CPBA, CPMA, CPEQA, ACC