A message from CIRE president, Eric Hrubant:
This month marks 8 years since I became a small business owner, and I’m more and more grateful with each passing year. Some of you already know the story, so I’ll keep it brief for those who don’t… I started in the travel industry way back in the last century (LOL!) when I was working towards a degree in social work, going to school at night so I could earn money to pay for my education. In 1998, I got a part-time job with MMG Travel, working for my mentor and teacher, Marie McGregor. The internet was in its infancy, so I was still messengering and overnighting paper tickets to our clients. I answered the phones and learned the business from the ground up – I certainly put my social work skills to work at MMG!
Fast-forward to 2013. I’d worked for Marie for 15 years. She taught me well and decided it was time to retire, so I took out a small business loan and bought Marie’s book of business. I hired a creative team to help build a website and craft a new brand for my business. And I already knew what it would be called: CIRE. Eric backwards. Hat-tip to my “babysitter” Oprah Winfrey who kept me company all those years before my single mom got home from work. (For those of you who don’t know, Oprah’s company is named Harpo Productions.)
Fast-forward again to 2021. Even with everything that’s been going on in the last year-and-a-half, I’m still profoundly grateful. I’ve spent eight years as an entrepreneur and small business owner. Eight years employing people and building the talented, hard-working, compassionate team of 11 we have today. Eight years of cultivating strong relationships and friendships with our hotel, airline, and tour partners. And eight years of providing the best possible service to my clients. A dear friend reminded me that 8 on its side is the symbol for infinity. So yes, I’m infinitely thankful for everything…the good, the bad, and the great these last 8 years have brought. Thank you for being part of it.
And today, we’re busy – really busy! Business is strong. Our vacation and honeymoon business is booming. Our corporate travel business is ramping back up. And our meetings & group travel requests are at an all-time high. If someone ever asks you, “Can CIRE help me with ______ travel?”, the answer is always an emphatic “YES WE CAN!”
Wishing you all health, happiness, good fortune, and safe travels!
With gratitude,
Eric
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