Star City Six: Paul Glenn
Executive Travel is a full-service travel management company with departments focused on Corporate Travel Management, Vacation Travel and Groups, Meetings and Incentives. Paul Glenn is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Executive Travel (executivetravel.com) .
Tell us a little about your business. – We are celebrating 30 years in business and we pride ourselves in finding ways to simplify the complex world of travel for our clients. We are strategically aligned with partners and have a global network, which allows us to fully manage corporate travel programs throughout the world for corporations with thousands of employees and travelers. We also have local agents who can assist with that dream vacation, honeymoon or group experience.
How did you get started in the business? – I started 22 years ago delivering paper airline tickets. It was a great opportunity to get into the business and get to know about much of the business community within Lincoln. After moving into accounting, I developed a groups, meetings and incentives department and then went on to the role of Vice President prior to my current position. It’s been a fun ride which has given exposure to all aspects of the company and industry.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The travel industry always has a new challenge like airline schedule changes, the weather, world events or health issues. Being able to stay on top of these and give valuable guidance to our clients is a daily challenge. Being a service company with travelers around the globe at all times makes it so that any issue anywhere requires us to be on top of things. We couldn’t be what we are without a great team committed to our clients!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Having two separate businesses that have been recognized by Inc. Magazine as being part of the 5000 fastest growing private companies in the US for consecutive years is something that our teams take great pride in!
Tell us a little about your family. – A loving, supportive wife, a son in college, a daughter in high school and a toddler. Plenty to keep me on my toes! I’ve also been blessed to have entrepreneurial parents who have supported me both professionally and personally.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I was 16, I was in a head-on car accident. It ended my ability to play football, which was my dream. God had a different plan and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Anything outdoors! Yardwork or a good bike ride with the family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am an introvert!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Surround yourself with brilliant people and hopefully you will be guilty by association.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Automobile restoration.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Entrepreneurs Organization (www.eonetwork.org). It is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn, develop and network locally and globally.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?- My favorite book is Quiet by Susan Cain. It’s a great book for introverts in a business world filled with extroverts.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at paulg@executivetravel.com or visit Executive Travel at executivetravel.com.