Introducing Mark Marino, the President and Managing Director for GPS Destinations.

With almost 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mark is a seasoned professional with a passion for travel experiences.

Mark's personal motto, "When you lead with empathy and understanding the world truly opens to you," reflects his belief in the importance of connecting with people on a deeper level. He approaches every interaction with a focus on empathy and understanding, which has helped him build strong relationships with clients, partners, and team members alike.

One of the things that Mark loves most about the travel industry is the sense of community and connection it fosters. He describes his "travel industry family" as a group of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploring the world and creating unforgettable memories. Mark is a true people person, and he thrives on building relationships and connecting with others.

Mark's interests include volleyball, cycling, exploring new destinations, trying new foods, and striking up conversations with strangers. Mark is also a proud dog owner to Buddy!, aka the Budster.

Meet Alison Stevens, a hospitality industry veteran with 25 years of experience! Alison's personal motto is "Use it or lose it," a reflection of her approach to seizing opportunities and making the most of every experience.

What Alison loves most about the travel industry is the constant opportunity to learn something new. She enjoys hearing the stories of fellow travel professionals and sharing her own experiences in managing groups of people who are out of their element. Alison is passionate about making every guest feel comfortable, special, and unique, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure.

When she's not working, Alison loves staying active and exploring the great outdoors. Her favorite activities include hiking, biking, running, and snow skiing. She's also an avid boater and water sports enthusiast, and can often be found enjoying the lake in her free time. As a dedicated fan of University of Alabama football, Alison spends most fall weekends following or attending games and other SEC football events.

Meet Janis Parry, our industry relations expert at GPS Destinations, with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Although Janis doesn't have a personal motto, she believes that her dedication and passion for her work speak for themselves.

What Janis loves most about the travel industry is the opportunity to connect with people and hear their unique stories. She cherishes the relationships she has built with clients and colleagues, many of whom have become dear friends over the years.

When she's not working, Janis enjoys staying active and spending time with loved ones. She's an avid tennis player and loves taking walks on the beach with her furry "granddog," Gary the Labrador. Of course, travel is also a passion of Janis's, and she relishes the opportunity to explore new places and cultures whenever she can.

Meet Samantha Steiner, a rising star in the hospitality industry and member of the PlannerConnect byGPS Destinations team. Samantha has been involved in the industry for 8 years, starting with wedding planning while in college and quickly moving up the ranks.

Sam's favorite quote, by Thomas S. Monson, speaks to her belief that treating people with kindness and respect can have a powerful impact on their lives. She strives to apply this philosophy in all aspects of her work and personal life.

What Samantha loves most about the travel industry is the opportunity to experience different cultures and ways of life. She enjoys bringing people together through travel and creating unforgettable memories for her clients.

When she's not planning events or traveling, Samantha has a passion for interior design and decorating. She also loves being a personal shopper for friends and family, and doting on her beloved pup, Bexley. As Samantha likes to say, "If I can't bring my dog, I'm probably not going."

Meet Ron Warner, our Director of Sales based in Canada, who oversees our Canadian clients. Ron is a 30+ year veteran of the travel business, having worked as a client for many years before transitioning to the supplier side for the past decade.

Ron's motto, "Treat others as I would like to be treated," is a reflection of his commitment to providing exceptional service to all clients. He values the relationships he has built in the hospitality industry, and considers people to be his most valuable collectible.

Outside of work, Ron's passion for real estate and renovation has led him to pursue projects in flipping homes over the years. He believes that every property has its own unique character, and enjoys transforming them into beautiful and functional spaces.

Meet Melody Clark. Melo is a seasoned hospitality industry expert with over 29 years of experience! She has a passion for providing exceptional service to clients from all walks of life and is an expert who brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Her personal motto, "Humility is the Mother of giants. One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak," speaks volumes about her approach to life and work.

What she loves most about the travel industry is the chance to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients who are eager to explore new experiences and cultures. Our expert is proud to be part of a team that helps people discover new places, learn new things, and create unforgettable memories. She is also passionate about learning about different destinations, cultures, and traditions, which enables her to provide even better service to clients.

Outside of work, Melody is a creative person who enjoys exploring various forms of expression, such as art, music, container gardening, cooking, and mask making. She firmly believes that creativity is essential for personal growth and happiness.