Fran Gallagher often teases me about my fondness for telling the story of where and how we planned the first issue of Global Traveler. The truth is that the owner and publisher enjoys those memories as much as I do.
At the time I lived in the Boston area and Fran was at World Headquarters in Yardley, Pa., so we chose to meet halfway at a waterfront restaurant in New Haven, Conn. We started at lunch and worked through to dinner, fueled by countless cups of coffee. During that long day we made lists, brainstormed features, built a timeline and, piece by piece, created an issue from scratch.
Call it naïve enthusiasm or bold ambition—Fran already had nearly two decades of publishing experience and I had been a travel writer for many years—but we never doubted we would succeed.
“It really is a testament to the long-term members of Global Traveler,” Gallagher says. “They have taken the magazine from a fledgling force to the most stable and reliable title in this niche. From day one, we knew there was no turning back; failure was never an option. Today, we look forward to our future with a growing team that will take us on the next leg of our adventure.”
Alexandra Young, Global Traveler’s vice president and associate publisher, remembers those early days with the same excitement.
“I couldn’t wait to receive the first issues of Global Traveler hot off the press in 2004,” Young says. “I have the same excitement about receiving the 100th issue. I am humbled to be part of a team that works so hard to serve our readers and partners. To be the best in the business you need the best people—and GT has them. I look forward to the next 100.”
While we were proud of those early editions, we still had to introduce ourselves to the world. John Wroblewski, GT’s distribution specialist, and his skilled team played a vital role in building our ABC-audited readership of executive travelers.
“It has been wonderful being part of Global Traveler as it grew from a kernel of an idea in Fran’s mind to a thriving company filled with people I truly consider friends,” Wroblewski says. “The entire GT experience has surpassed my expectations on every level.”
Tracey Cullen, the magazine’s art director, joined about four years ago. Each prior art director shaped the magazine during its evolution, but Tracey’s influence is visible in the sophisticated publication you hold today.
“What drew me to work at Global Traveler was the pride everyone takes in this magazine,” Cullen says. “We strive to fill each issue with interesting, informative articles tailored to our audience.”
I mentioned naïve enthusiasm earlier because I was unprepared for the sheer volume of work required to produce a monthly magazine. At first the editorial team was little more than me, an art director and a part-time copy editor, and I spent months barely seeing daylight. My relief was enormous when Jan Hecht, senior editor, and Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor and copy editor, joined the staff. With Tracey, Jan and Patty on board, I realized we had an editorial dream team.
“In early 2008 Lisa called, asking if I could serve as an interim assistant editor for Global Traveler,” Vanikiotis recalls. “I gulped, said ‘Sure!’ and began a steep learning curve with a very supportive group of people who clearly loved what they were doing.
“I stayed on as copy editor (and weekend blogger) after Jan came on as senior editor a few months later. Three years in, I’m still enthusiastic about working with the lively, professional, bright individuals at Global Traveler.”
Hecht notes the magazine’s forward-thinking attitude: “Will Rogers once said, ‘Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.’ That could be a motto for Global Traveler—always on the right track for its audience, but never content to stay the same. That’s what makes working at GT exciting.”
Kimberly Krol joined the team five years ago after graduating from Syracuse University. Kim wears many hats—if you’ve attended a Global Traveler event, you know she’s a gifted planner—but here editorial staff were thrilled when she declared writing her first love. After serving as editor of eFlyer USA for several years, she recently added special issues editor to her responsibilities.
“It’s been exciting and rewarding to be part of the magazine and to witness its remarkable growth,” Krol says. “I can’t wait to see what the next years and the next 100 issues bring—at Global Traveler, the possibilities are endless.”
Our sales and support teams have expanded as well. Olivia Falcione and Carly Allen joined the ranks alongside Fran, Alex and Dick, with Danielle Hudena signing on as director of sales and marketing. Katie Skrzek, advertising and editorial coordinator, keeps everything organized.
“I feel proud to be part of such a special moment,” says Olivia Falcione, account executive. “It is an honor to celebrate this accomplishment.”
“I am continually impressed every day,” adds Carly Allen, account executive for the Western region. “I’m even more excited about our plans and direction for 2012.”
“I am inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the team members who helped create Global Traveler eight years ago,” Hudena says. “The 100th issue is a significant milestone and a chance to recognize the tireless effort and commitment it takes to deliver a top-notch, relevant publication.”
“I admire the consistency of our magazine and the dedicated work of our staff,” Skrzek says. “I’m excited to be part of the team, especially during our milestone 100th issue.”
Sometimes change and improvement pass so gradually that you only notice them when you look back and see how far you’ve come. Patty Mahlon, Global Traveler’s director of digital media, compares the magazine’s timeline to the rapid changes in digital technology.
“It’s strange to think that when Global Traveler debuted, media advances hadn’t yet brought us iPhones and iPads. Who knows—by the time the 200th issue comes out, maybe we’ll beam to destinations.”
But it’s Global Traveler’s vice president, Dick Evans, whose remark best captures our transformation: “I feel like we started in a Mickey Rooney movie—‘Hey kids! Let’s put on a show in the backyard’—and that backyard show grew into a big-time Broadway production. It’s amazing how this magazine has evolved to stand with the longer-established travel titles. And it keeps evolving each year. Here’s to the next 100 issues!”