travel

travel & hospitality

Since his first childhood experiences stepping into an airport and a train station, Greg has been fascinated by the places you can go, things you can see and people you can meet while you travel. As a teenager, his first job was hotel restaurant busboy. As an adult, his time on the road for guest lectures, speeches, residencies & book readings has led to an even greater appreciation for the travel, tourism & hospitality industries. In the process, he also has worked with many groups within those industries in a variety of ways. He has been invited to speak at a number of events that revolve around service, travel & tourism (i.e. luncheon for people who work at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport & event for students in the Hospitality Arts program at Kirkwood Community College). His focus in these instances has been on how we can extend our service in seemingly small moments & the ways in which 'every day acts of hospitality' can shape a traveler's experience & influence Repeat Tourism. His appearances in the media have included an interview with a travel publication (FLY Magazine). He has written about tourism, travel & hospitality for publications as well - including: a magazine column about how we treat those we meet during our business travels, a magazine column about 'every day hospitality' from locals that can help increase 'repeat tourism' by travelers, a magazine column about visiting a city & its airport for the first time, a magazine interview with a Chicago Cubs minor leaguer he spent time with at an airport, and a magazine interview for the CEO of a hospitality-focused nonprofit organization.. He also has written profiles for publications about some of the people he has met while he has traveled (i.e. profile on a hotel general manager for a magazine in Canada). Along the way, he has received some kind honors related to travel & hospitality. At one college, when he served as Commencement Speaker, he received an honorary degree in Hospitality Management. Madison County Chamber of Commerce named him an Honorary Resident of London, Ohio. SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT PARAGRAPH

Many travel, airport, tourism & hospitality organizations & programs (i.e. Greater Renton Area Chamber of Commerce) have utilized the books &/or workbook based on his story in their communities. Others (i.e. Visit Tucson) have gotten them for local students who they want to encourage to make a positive difference in their city. Some have gotten copies for their staff (i.e. meetNKY | Northern Kentucky CVB, Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre). In some cases, organizations (i.e. Dayton International Airport, Love To Travel, the travel agency known as DNA Orlando) have ordered copies for passengers on flights and/or at an event as a surprise. Toni Moore, CEO of Hospitality House of Tulsa, personally ordered dozens of copies of the student edition of the book for kids in Oklahoma. Many organizations in the travel & hospitality industry (i.e. Visit Saint Paul, Radisson Hotel Madison) have sponsored editions of a kindness recognition initiative related to the books (The Elevator Project). In turn, many people who work in the travel & hospitality industry have been selected as honorees in The Elevator Project. Scroll down to see photos of some of the travel, hotel & hospitality professionals (& other travelers) who have made his travels memorable. In some cases, if you click a photo, there is a caption. Scroll down to also see samples of event-related feedback and/or reviews on the books based on Greg's story.

Patrick Hogan, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: "I really loved reading The First Thirty. We all set goals as we travel through life. If we open ourselves to possibilities, then the people we encounter and the lessons we learn along the way are often the best part of the trip." For more on the books, click here

Daniel, attorney, Kentucky: “...Bringing in people to our city is not as much about numbers on…paper or laws in books. It is more about the hospitality & kindness of a city’s people… his speech served as a reminder…” For information on events, click here

Jeanne-Marie, Louisiana: "The First Thirty is an inspiring reminder that, whether it's the other side of the world, the other side of the country, or just the other side of the tracks, if you end up in a place you never expected to be and dare to explore it, you just may find your passion in the process." For more on the books, click here

Dave Santulli, Executive Director & Founder of United Planet: "...A kindred spirit who is trying to unite the world in his own unique way... As Greg tells us, it is about the journey, not the destination. His path is filled with perseverance, vision, daring adventure, and a zest for life...If you want to change the world or fulfill a dream-- big or small, read The First Thirty and begin your journey!"

In Wichita, Kansas: the books (The First Thirty - and - The Silhouette Man) are available at Watermark Books & Cafe.

Want to participate in The Elevator Project as an individual or organization? Send us a message.

On a flight, sitting with a Veteran heading home. He wanted a copy of the book (The First Thirty) but had no cash. So, a trade was made. A copy of the book in exchange for some of the currency he confiscated from the Taliban.

(Thanks to our Veterans for their service!)

Are you from London or one of the other cities listed on this sign? Know someone who is? Send us a message here.

If you, your family, your school, your organization or company want to participate in The Elevator Project, send a message here. It's easier than you think to get involved!

Morgan, Texas: "The First Thirty is a refreshing reminder that each of us can -- and should -- be open to the world beyond our window while changing the world within it.” For more on the books, click here

REBECCA MULLEN, MSEd, READING SPECIALIST AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS FOR READING, POWER INC. - "....This beautiful book is great for readers of all ages to see beyond their own worlds while connecting with many types of people across the globe."

As part of The First Thirty Elevator Project, an organization in Pennsylvania ordered copies of The First Thirty to be given out to passengers who were nice to other passengers on a flight to Pennsylvania.

Want to participate in The Elevator Project as an individual or organization? Send us a message here.

From one of the honorees recognized through 'The Elevator Project': "Thank you for reminding me that random acts of kindness happen everyday. Simply saying HI or smiling at a stranger can have a huge impact on someones day." For more on the Project, click here

Thank you to everyone who crosses my path & makes the travel experience so memorable & meaningful - greg
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To get involved in The Elevator Project, so more people in the Travel/Hospitality industries can be recognized, click here
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To see pictures from some of Greg's speeches & book signings, click here
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To ask about booking Greg for an event, send a message here
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For more on the books, click here
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To order a book, click here
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To see the Legacy Posters, click here
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To send Greg a message, click here...To join him on Twitter, click here... On Instagram? click here ... Facebook? Click here.
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