Do Good Where You Can: Robb Showalter
Brand Development Manager | Bob Rogers Travel
Robb Showalter always had a passion for travel while growing up.
It's no surprise he thrives in his position at Bob Rogers Travel.
"I typically fly over 150,000 miles each year so, needless to say, travel is extremely important to me and has been throughout my whole life," said Showalter, who firmly believes in the transformational impact travel can have on students. "It is these personal travel experiences that drew me to the group travel industry. Every day, I get to have a small hand in potentially changing a student's life through travel."
Showalter's hope is that students will return from their trips with a new outlook on the world and their own life.
"I continually experience firsthand just how transformational travel can be."
Showalter looks to showcase the expertise, service, heart, and value offered to Bob Rogers Travel clients daily, leveraging the latest technology to deliver creative, engaging, and relevant content to those planning student travel.
"I am most intrigued by the new technology that we are starting to see enter the travel industry," said Showalter. "We have seen messaging and geo-tracking technology allow students to have more independence on tour than they may have in the past."
Though Showalter can't predict exactly where we will be a few years from now, he expects they'll be able to use artificial intelligence and augmented reality to help destinations "come alive" for student travelers as well as better predict the needs of travelers.
"I am most proud that with my guidance, Bob Rogers Travel has adopted the Give 1%" model," said Showalter. "We now give back 1% of our employee time (in the form of volunteer hours), 1% of our product (in the form of scholarships), and 1% of our profit (in the form of donations)."
As we move into the future, Showalter thinks it's particularly important for companies to do as much good as they can in the world.
"I am proud that Bob Rogers Travel is leading that change."
Robb Showalter is one of the 2020 Top 10 Next Gens, as nominated by Groups Today readers for making a difference in the industry with his fresh, progressive perspective. Click here to see the January/February magazine.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for Groups Today.
