Get to Know ME with Patty Armstrong
Welcome to this month’s edition of Get to Know ME! We’re spotlighting Patty Armstrong, out of our Traverse City office. Patty is succinct, organized and always ready to be a team player. The cherry on top? She’s an easy smiler! Watch her short video (told you she’s succinct) and we bet you’ll smile along with her! Thanks, Patty for sharing a bit about your life with us this month (and the nautical trivia).
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I’m a Travel Program Manager. I’ve been in the incentive industry for 25 years.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Manager?
I really enjoy meeting and working with people from different countries.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Everyone is like family!
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
Moving to Northern Michigan from the city.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Hard to say. I like to think I am diplomatic.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Keeping both well organized.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy boating, gardening and reading.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My dogs make me laugh!
This month, our theme for social media is Procrastination. What are your tricks to use when you need to make sure a task gets done on time?
Lists! I adore them and use them frequently.
Get to Know ME with Trisha Neff
This Get to Know ME segment features Trisha Neff from our Traverse City office. Once you read this blog you’ll know who to go to for 1. A scary movie, 2. A great book, and 3. A laugh! Thanks, Trisha, for sitting down for a recorded interview too! Between speaking Mandarin and performing in multiple choirs, it’s been really fun getting to know you!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My title is Tech Project Manager, and I’ve worked here for 25 years, starting in 1998 at VIKTOR when it was “Viktor Weyand Travel Service.” And now roughly 18 months as a Motivation Excellence employee when VIKTOR was purchased.
What do you like about being a Tech Project Manager?
I like the variety of things I get to work on, along with learning about our clients’ programs and the exciting destinations they’ve selected. Probably my favorite thing is when our programmers develop a new tech product (or enhance an existing one) that improves our internal efficiency and enhances the traveler experience in some way.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I am lucky to work with this group of kind (and hilarious) people. They’re always ready to help out, hand out chocolate as needed, and pull together as a team during crunch times.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
In 1987-88 I spent a year in Taipei, Taiwan between undergrad and graduate school. It was the first time I had traveled alone and had to rely on myself for everything, including communicating solely in Chinese! I learned I could handle anything, and it turned out to be one of the best years of my life.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Well, I guess it’s speaking Mandarin, and the general ability to learn languages pretty easily. And is this a talent? (I’ll go with YES): I am a Halloween super fan and LOVE scary (not gory) movies. Ask me for movie recommendations anytime!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I like the feelings of accomplishment that come with doing a good and thorough job, no matter what I’m working on. While I may not be “the best” at something, I will work hard to understand it and master it to the best of my ability.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
During the short summer months in Northern MI: going to the beach, enjoying outdoor concerts, and reading a million novels on my screened-in porch – please ask me for book recommendations! In the fall/winter: singing in multiple choirs, knitting by the fire, binging the hot new streaming series, and game nights with friends. And now that I work part-time, I volunteer at a kitten rescue. (When I come home, my husband asks me to empty my pockets. 😊)
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My friends! I’ve had the same two best friends since junior high school, and they can easily make me cry-laugh. Well, all my friends can do that, as can my husband.
This month, our theme for social media is Public Speaking. When you have to get in front of people to speak, are there any things you definitely do to prepare?
I have occasionally terrible stage fright, and that includes public speaking. So, for a choral performance or public speaking, for me, preparation is key. To have some kind of comfort level, I must have all the music practically memorized. For public speaking, if I’ve had time to rehearse what I’m going to say, I will be much calmer and do better. Also, I learned from the Brady Bunch to imagine the audience in their underwear…
Get to Know ME with Forey Erickson
Forey Erickson is a Travel Program Manager out of our Traverse City, Michigan office, and she definitely embodies the “Pure Michigan” vibe! Read more about her below and watch a short video to learn about her favorite travel destination and why she’s making a move in 2023. Thanks Forey for sharing your awesome work ethic and laid back attitude!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Manager. I’ve been in the events world, starting in automotive PR events, for nearly 10 years, with the last 7 focused primarily on the incentive side of the industry.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Manager?
No two days are the same. This job is anything but boring and I love the collaborative nature of planning and operating these programs and putting together the logistical puzzle. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some of the most incredible places on the globe with fantastic clients and colleagues and my world view is constantly expanding. And nothing beats seeing months of planning and hard work come together in a beautifully executed program for our participants.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
This type of work requires diligence, creativity, and dedication and there is no shortage of those qualities at Motivation Excellence. Everyone shows up for each other and our clients daily, even in the crazy of our busy season, to ensure that we are delivering the best for our clients and participants. I’ve never felt alone in any work endeavor—everyone is willing to jump in and help when a teammate needs an assist.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
We took a group to Tuscany in the summer of 2022 and while the program was a raging success, we found ourselves in the midst of a global air crisis at the tail end of COVID-19 related international travel restrictions. On the final full day, half of our groups’ flights were canceled. In the span of just a few hours, three of us who were onsite, our air team back stateside, and our incredible DMC partners got everyone rebooked, everyone tested for COVID-19, and still pulled off a fabulous final event. Being recognized for our hard work by the clients during speeches on that final night was the cherry on top after an adrenaline-filled afternoon. It served as a great reminder of why we love what we do and who we are doing it for.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I have an uncanny knack for retaining obscure information. I can name Michigan State basketball starting lineups going back decades, tell you the filmography of b-list actors, sing all of the lyrics to “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and recall all of the US presidents in chronological order. Basically, my secret talent is being an excellent trivia partner.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I come from a family filled with incredibly hardworking and impressive women, I’m just trying to keep up😊. I also love being part of a team and knowing how hard my colleagues and partners work makes me want to ensure I’m keeping up my end of the bargain.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m lucky enough to spend the bulk of my free time between Detroit and Traverse City, MI and love watching Michigan State and Detroit sports (someday my Lions will win a Super Bowl) and spending my summers on the beach or boat with family and friends.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My amazing nieces and nephew, Rory, Teagan, and Declan. No shortage of laughter in our family.
This month, our theme for social media is self-esteem. What’s something you do to boost your own self-esteem when you’re feeling a bit low?
Calling up my family or boyfriend—they always pick me up, make me laugh, and remind me exactly who I am and what I’m capable of.
Get to Know ME with Allison Stewart
It’s one of our favorite times of each month: our Get to Know ME segment! This time we’re highlighting a new member on the sales team, Allison Stewart. Anyone who has worked with her so far knows how positive and effervescent she is. You can see for yourself in her short video too. Thanks, Allison, for sharing special things about YOU!
What’s your current title and how long have you been at Motivation Excellence?
I’m the Sales Support Assistant and I started in February of 2023.
Since you came from outside the industry, what’s something you’ve learned and especially liked about our industry?
I like how detail-oriented the programs are and have noticed how much effort and time is put into each and every aspect of making sure all our programs run seamlessly, whether it’s an online merchandise program or in-person travel program. The effort and expertise behind every detail amazes me.
As a newbie to the team, what’s something you’ve noticed about the people at Motivation Excellence?
Everyone at Motivation Excellence is so nice!! Everyone is willing to help, is supportive and will jump in to assist if you need help or have a question.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
I was able to go on a 5-month study abroad program to Newcastle, Australia in 2008. It was one of the best highlights of my life so far. I can’t wait to go back and didn’t think it would take me this long to get there again.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I grew up taking dance and tumbling lessons. I can still whip out an aerial and back handspring!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I don’t like having a to-do list. I am very motivated by nature to cross off all my “to-dos” so that I can spend more time doing what I love most.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Traveling, spending time with friends, family and my two cats, exercising, trying new foods or restaurants, cooking or baking, reading or listening to audio books, doing yard work or being outside if possible, and I love hiking.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My cats’ behavior – they are silly and have big personalities.
This month, our theme for social media is Time Management. Do you have any tried and true strategies to stay on time with your tasks?
I make myself reminders and put everything in my calendar, sometimes two calendars. If all else fails, I use sticky notes!
Get to Know ME with Mark Bondy
This one could be a tear-jerker! Mark Bondy has worked in the hospitality/travel/incentive industry since 1980. As the owner of VIKTOR Incentives in Traverse City, Michigan, he sold his company to David Jobes and became part of the transition team at Motivation Excellence in January of 2022 leading up to his impending retirement in April 2023. Some of us have only known him a short time, but it’s been clear that he has immense character and positivity. For those who have worked with or for him longer, his retirement will mark the end of an era! Read on, and watch our Get to Know ME segment on a man many call Friend!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
Currently I’m the Vice President, Chief Transition Officer at Motivation Excellence. I started working in the travel/hospitality industry in 1980, learning more about incentive travel starting in 1984.
You sold your company (VIKTOR) to David Jobes and Motivation Excellence in 2022. What do you hope/think the future holds for our new combined team?
Great things have already been accomplished over the last year of transition, and even better things are yet to come for the future of Motivation Excellence. My goals in selling were to create greater opportunities for VIKTOR team members and clients, and at the same time help David with his growth plans. To date, we have merged personnel and operations seamlessly, and nearly every client has been transitioned over to Motivation Excellence. With so many similarities between the two companies, yet also many individual best practices that have been combined, I believe the future is extremely bright for Motivation Excellence, our employees, and our clients.
What’s something special the people who work in the travel industry share?
Well, probably no one would be in this industry if they didn’t enjoy traveling, seeing new places, and meeting culturally diverse people from around the world. But ultimately, I think we share the passion to serve our clients by providing business solutions and memorable incentive-earning experiences to their people.
What’s your advice for newbies entering the field after your retirement?
Understand that every job requires hard work, and there aren’t any positions in our industry that would be considered an exception. So, while the allure of traveling the world is foundational, be sure you also bring a passion for serving others. You will be well rewarded with smiles and appreciation!
If there was one sentiment you hope people come away from you with, what is it?
Understanding my passion for excellence. I’ve always been a hard driver, whether as a business owner or a father. While the perfectionist in me might be difficult to understand at times, I’ve always sought equal commitment from others in my pursuit of looking out for the best interest of everyone.
What are some accomplishments and positions you’ve held throughout your career?
I’ve been in the tourism business since the start of my professional career. After graduating from college, I moved to Aspen, learning the hospitality industry from the ground up. It was fun as a 20-something-year-old to live there and it confirmed my interest in the tourism industry. Following that, I was Regional Sales Manager for a major Midwest tour operator. This significantly broadened my travel experience and taught me about different segments of the travel industry. From there, the next step was jumping into the incentive travel arena, where I’ve been ever since. After learning sales and operations at two different incentive companies (one was actually Motivation Excellence back in the 90s!), I made the move to Traverse City, Michigan, where I honed that knowledge and a few years later became an owner of VIKTOR Incentives & Meetings. My goal had always been to own and run a small business. Learning along the way, and making some mistakes too, it has been a great career and has enabled me to provide for others and my community. On top of it all, I’m blessed with friendships around the world.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
While it might not be odd or unknown, people are always interested to hear I’ve made several heli-skiing and snowcat skiing trips to the Canadian Rockies. So, hopping out of helicopters and skiing the steep and deep is probably the most interesting talent I have.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Using my knowledge, experience, and talents to make the world or the part of it I’m in, just a little better. Whether it’s building success in business or helping others who I have the ability to positively impact, I’ve always been motivated to constantly improve myself and help others. Plus, I’m a list checker, so I am very motivated when I’m able to check off my goals or things on my to-do list.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family and friends are very important to me. So, I’m very social and like to do group activities, whether it’s skiing, golf, or traveling with others. In retirement, I plan to see as many of the places around the world that I haven’t experienced as I can or have been to but want to show my wife Dawn. I still very much have the travel bug! With the blessing of two wonderful children who have given Dawn and me three grandchildren so far, I also like to spend as much time as possible being Papa to them!
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My dog, Mojo. He’s a two-year-old Golden Retriever who is quite vocal (not barking) and makes me laugh when he’s trying to get my attention or wants something!
This month, our theme for social media is tackling resistance to change. What do you do to increase your flexibility in a changing environment?
I like to remain open to any change in my environment, so I’ve never had a big problem with change. I believe it is always an opportunity, whether it might seem so at first or not. Probably what helps me most is gaining an understanding of the need for change, developing a strategy, gathering the input of others, and ultimately being decisive. In the end, change will always be for the better… you just have to make it that way. That doesn’t mean you just sit back and let things happen. You must participate and make the best of the opportunity. Time and time again, I’ve looked back on hard times and am happy about the changes I’ve made.
Get to Know ME with Lilly Jobes
Lilly Jobes started as a travel program coordinator in the late summer of 2022, and everyone who has worked with her has nothing but compliments to cast her way! She may be soft-spoken, but she’s not necessarily shy. She’s also up for trying new things, experiencing new cultures and rescuing animals! Read below and watch our one minute video interview to Get to Know Lilly this month. Thanks, Lilly, for sharing a little bit about you and your life!
What’s your title and how long have you been at Motivation Excellence?
My title is Travel Program Coordinator and I have been with Motivation Excellence since August of 2022 but completed an internship with MEI while in college.
What does your job entail?
My job entails working with the travel program manager and coordinators to get a travel experience completed with registration, participant communication, documentation, mailings, and our mobile app, Inspire.
What’s something special about the people you work with you’d like to share?
All of the people I work with have been so kind and helpful since I started back in August. They have taken a lot of time to answer all my questions and make sure I feel right at home. I always look forward to seeing them in the office in Schaumburg or when I head up to the Traverse City office.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I have no talents, but I am pretty good at doing cartwheels.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I would say my biggest motivators in my work life are not letting my team down and making sure the participants of a program have an amazing experience. Also, reminding myself of my goals and my dreams keeps me motivated to accomplish things in my personal life. At the beginning of the year, I like to create a yearly motivation board where I make a collage of all the things I wish to accomplish or work toward that year. I like to keep it somewhere I can easily look at it every day.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Churro and Elvis, dancing ballet, stopping by my favorite thrift stores, and watching Cubs games during the summer.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Whenever I need a laugh, I turn on The Office. Or put my dog in his onesie pajamas.
What have you done that helped you get through the pandemic?
Graduating college at the start of the pandemic was very difficult for me so I tried to find some new hobbies and stay busy. One of my big projects I had for myself was completing my college scrapbook, which took a few months. I also enjoyed working on my garden and staying active.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
The most unusual job I have ever had would probably be when I ran activities at an assisted senior living facility. We played plenty of bingo, made lots of crafts, and had some fun parties. I got to know some amazing men and women and heard a lot of crazy stories.
This month, our theme for social media is conflict resolution. How do you best get through a sticky situation?
Whenever I am in a sticky situation, I try to remind myself that it’s only temporary and getting upset will do no good. Being calm through a tough situation can be challenging but it always results in a better outcome in the end. If it’s a conflict with another person, I try to keep an open mind and see their point of view. If it’s something else that I am stuck on, I will try and find the answer or reach out for help.
Get to Know ME with Sanjay Nair
Sanjay Nair joined Motivation Excellence in 2022 and has proven resilient and resourceful heading up our IT needs in the Schaumburg, IL office! He’s a man of few words, as you’ll see below, which likely helps him hone his talent of being a good listener. With only a slightly firm twist of his arm, he sat down to do a quick interview too (it’s only a touch more than a minute). Thank you, Sanjay, for participating in our Get to Know ME segment this month!
What’s your title and how long have you been with Motivation Excellence?
I’m the Systems Administrator and I started at Motivation Excellence in 2022.
What does your job entail?
Day to day support of Motivation Excellence employees, as well as the infrastructure of our systems.
What’s something special about the people you work with you’d like to share?
Everyone is nice and willing to help you if needed.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I’m a great listener.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
The opportunity to resolve issues motivates me daily.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love playing pool and participating in outdoor sports.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
I love stand-up comedy!
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
I was once a car mechanic, maybe not unusual, but different from what I ended up doing.
This month, our theme for social media is finding joy. How do you work on choosing to see the positive side of things?
I take joy in resolving issues for my users. In IT, issues pop up frequently, so I get to find a lot of joy in helping my coworkers.
We’re Taking Incentive Group Travel to the Next Level with Our One-of-a-kind Technology: Inspire!
There’s never been a better time to get excited about new technology in the group travel space. With the ever-changing and nightmarish, travel scene right now, having a personalized itinerary with up-to-date adjustments as needed in the palm of your hand is exciting! Group incentive travel programs operating through Motivation Excellence all include Inspire, our fully customizable and personalized mobile travel site.
Features of Inspire include:
- company branding
- personalized air, land and event itineraries
- airline and customs information
- text messaging alerts
- interactive photo gallery
“This is something no other incentive company has at their disposal. The personalized itineraries are a game changer for our industry. Plus, we can customize the app in a number of ways to make it truly unique to our clients’ needs and travel destination,” says Brad Hecht, VP Travel at Motivation Excellence.
For a quick overview of Inspire please watch the video on our Motivation Excellence homepage or below. We also have a one-page features doc you can download at the end of this post.
Motivation Excellence is a performance improvement agency. We use a variety of award solutions to inspire extraordinary performance among our clients’ participants. Through a deep dive into each client’s particular situation, we develop a comprehensive plan to meet goals and drive peak ROI.
“I’m extremely confident Inspire adds incredible value to our travel programs. Our own people built it and it’s already part of the travel solution; there’s not an upcharge for this technology. This represents our commitment to our clients and their most deserving participants,” says David Jobes, President and CEO of Motivation Excellence.
For more information, please contact our Strategic Marketing Manager, Sky Z. Capriolo at s.capriolo@motivationexcellence.com.
Get to Know ME with Laurie Ackles
Our Motivation Excellence sales team grew recently with the addition of Laurie Ackles as Account Manager. She brings with her a long history in the incentive industry. In this edition of Get to Know ME, Laurie shares insights on collaboration, what makes her laugh and a couple of pretty cool talents! Thanks, Laurie for letting us get to know you more!
What’s your title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
Account Manager. I’ve been in the incentive industry for more than 25 years and just recently joined Motivation Excellence.
What does your job entail?
I partner with clients to deliver amazing incentive travel experiences. I also work with our team to develop innovative solutions to help clients grow their businesses and provide high-quality customer service.
What’s something special about the people you work with that you’d like to share?
They are incredibly talented and experienced. They are fully invested in delivering creative solutions and providing a high level of care to our clients. Each team member is truly dedicated to making a difference in the work they do.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Does raising triplets count? If so, that’s my talent! My trio just graduated from their universities last spring and are off and running in their career paths.
Possible unknown talent – I was inducted into my high school’s Hall of Fame for our girls’ golf team winning the state championship.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
My family and my desire to please others are constant drivers for me. That and the fear of being a deadbeat.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Going to concerts and sporting events with friends and family, playing golf, watching movies, traveling, trying out new restaurants, reading, and walking our Golden Retriever, Bailey.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My husband, for sure, but also Will Ferrell, Jim Gaffigan, the Smartless podcast, and Seinfeld episodes.
What have you done that helped you get through the pandemic?
I was in a weekly Zoom discussion group working through “The Artist’s Way” book by Julia Cameron, with 18 women I had never met before, from all over the country. It was an incredible experience that involved weekly discussion, reading, and journaling. It really kept me energized and focused during that time period. Also going for long walks with my dog, cooking for my family, wine, and Netflix.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
Being a travel director and visiting 6 continents before I was 30 years old was the best and most unusual job I’ve ever had. It’s also how I met my husband and some of our best friends.
This month, our theme for social media is teamwork/collaboration. What benefits of working together do you find professionally and/or personally?
I love working as a team and am fueled by connection and collaboration with friends and work colleagues. I learn so much from listening to other people. I’ve worked remotely for about 20 years, so I’m used to it, but it can be isolating, so I truly appreciate face-to-face interaction whenever possible.
Get to Know ME with Judi Froehlich
Judi Froehlich is a few months into her role as Global Strategic Account Director at Motivation Excellence, but she brings a wealth of experience and more than a pinch of pizzazz! Thank you Judi for letting us Get to Know you. Read on and watch her video. You’ll learn that she’s light on her toes and quick to throw a smile your way.
What’s your title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My title is Global Strategic Account Director, and I bring nearly 30 years of experience in the Meeting and Incentive industry to my role at Motivation Excellence. I’m new to the team and look forward to creating amazing programs together!
What’s something special about the people you work with that you’d like to share?
Each team member is truly entrenched in our culture and focused on customer success. They are also just great people!
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I dance (amateur) Latin dance and tango. I can also sing all the words to Rappers Delight.😊
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I am motivated differently based on the item I am trying to accomplish. I aspire to bring great solutions to clients and have an impact on their business and feel such accomplishment when we can measure that or see the reaction from participants at an event. In my personal life, I am inspired by giving back and bringing a bit of joy to others to whom I am close.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy anything outdoors! I love playing and watching sports and watching live music every chance I get.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Dry humor and quick wit.😊
What have you done that helped you get through the pandemic?
I tried to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues to ensure everyone was doing okay and had some fun Zoom activities. On the Zoom front, I joined many immersive activities across the globe that I may not have had the chance to enjoy otherwise. I did cooking classes with Nonna in Tuscany, another cooking class with celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, and virtual Latin dance classes with Max and Val Chmerkovskiy from DWTS.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
Not sure if it was unusual, but during college, I worked as a tour guide at the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose Dome…and can still share a few (probably useless) factoids.
This month, our theme for social media is imposter syndrome. How do you combat feeling “less than” even though you’re a high-achieving woman in the industry?
Most people suffer from self-doubt at times, and the key is acknowledging it.
One strategy I use is to journal and acknowledge even the smallest of victories/successes each day. It is also helpful to be authentic and true to your strengths and stop measuring against others. One of my favorite quotes is “in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,” by Coco Chanel.
