TORONTO — The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) showed some love to three of its longest-serving contributors during its recent VIP Supplier Event in Toronto.
Crediting them with helping to shape the host agency even before its launch 11 years ago, founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl presented appreciation awards to Brad Miron, Dan Galbraith and Jill Wykes.
“Having worked with Dan since I was in my late twenties, I am so happy that he jumped on board with TTAND when we started together, along with his amazing wife Penny Martin. Dan truly is a master of AV and Videography and of course, photography,” said Friisdahl. “What he does, from conferences to the VIP event to the annual road shows across Canada, makes a difference and he is so appreciated by our suppliers.”
Flemming Friisdahl with Dan Galbraith
Friisdahl also credited Miron, a familiar name in travel marketing, with creating the company’s name and visual identity. “It was 100% Brad who came up with the name and the logo; he did the big reveal in his home in Guelph. Since then, Brad introduced me to Raj Gautam, our CIO, and if not for that introduction TTAND would not have the technology it has today.”
On Wykes, Friisdahl said their connection dates back to their time in the tour operator sector. “Jill was senior VP Sales at the time, and I had the opportunity to learn many things from her. She has done such an amazing job in making sure that TTAND is always in the press with her informative articles. I have been very, very fortunate to have had Jill as part of TTAND since the start.”
Each of the honourees reflected on their long association with the company. Galbraith said, “It still amazes me that a conversation at a dining room table grew into the thriving company TTAND has become. Being able to document that story – its people, its progress and its passion – through photos and video for the past decade has been an honour.”
Flemming Friisdahl with Brad Miron
Miron shared the impact of his involvement, noting, “I was deeply honored when Flemming asked me to create the company name and branding. Working with the TTAND team for more than 10 years on strategies and initiatives has been an absolute joy – and it’s been inspiring to be part of such an extraordinary success story.”
Wykes added that the journey has been personally meaningful. “When I left corporate life, I had the opportunity to work on a number of startups but TTAND has been the most exciting by far. To see it grow from a few agents to now over 1,500 and retain its family values is nothing short of amazing. I feel so fortunate to have been a small part of it.”
