An Inspiration

The best part of this gig is the people I get to meet. Sure, I've gotten to see way more of this country than most and marvelled at how each region has such unique beauty. And, yeah...there are those times when what I see simply takes my breath away.

But, so do some of the people I meet along the way.

I was recently asked who most impressed me in the new crop of Destination Marketers coming up. It's pretty easy to come up with quite a list...which is exciting as hell for our industry.

Included in that list is one Brad Dean, the CEO of the Myrtle Beach Chamber/CVB. I have had the very real pleasure of working with Brad since he took the reigns from the inimitable Ashby Ward. And, I have marvelled at his approach to Destination Marketing...so unlike the traditional approach we all know.

I love the way the guy thinks...asking questions that so many of us don't. And seeing a bigger picture than just Room Tax. Indeed, he helped spearhead a penny sales tax that took his DMO from $6 million to $30 million...and they have been breaking records ever since, despite this pesky recession.

We talked about another really cool concept he had (that, honestly, could change the way we all market) last week. He asked me to think on it as he was going to be out for the next couple weeks. I thought that he was taking a well-deserved vacation with his family.

Instead, I get an e-mail on Sunday telling me he was going to donate a kidney to someone he doesn't even know. Because it's the right thing to do. Because he's been so blessed that he wants to give back.

There are so many people in this industry that I admire. That inspire me. That make me love this gig.

This week...Brad Dean is at the top of the list.

And he gives us all a lot to think about this Holiday Season. Of what's really important.

Thanks, Brad. You so rock.

Come back stronger than ever. We need you, too.

Comments

[Mary S.]

Wow. This makes me want to meet Brad. And be Brad. Also makes me proud(er) of the people in our industry.

[MA]

Eye opening. Makes me wonder what I could do to help someone I don't know. Sheesh! This guy is NOT a bench warmer in life...nope this guy is an impact player. Thanks for sharing an inspirational story that seems to be blowing up now on Facebook and Twitter as well. What a dose of inspiration!