Yes, indeed – a very momentous week that none of us will ever forget.
The third bullet point failed to make national headlines, but my October 1 announcement garnered lots of heartwarming comments and accolades on our website. It’s been no secret that I would one day turn over the reins to Gabriel Haigazian, my VP Operations. “One day” finally came this week.
It’s been emotionally challenging to let go of my “baby” after 35 years, but I know she’s in very good hands. Gabriel has been with me for 20+ years – and there’s nobody better to continue the company’s legacy of “customer care with uncommon flair.”
The thing I am most proud of – above all else – was attracting a team of caring, committed, loyal, and talented employees. COVID has forced us to work remotely for the past six months, seeing each other only infrequently. We truly are a family – and I will miss working side by side with this delightful team!
On Friday, we had a small celebration at the office – in typical CTP style. We ordered ethnic food (Filipino) for lunch. Howard, our Master Baker, prepared a yummy lemon cheesecake for dessert, complete with a gold crown. The staff presented me with a beautiful card with sweet messages, and we (mostly me!) polished off a bottle of champagne.
As usual, there were a lot of laughs.
I put together a fun little video of my fond farewell and Gabriel’s “coronation” ceremony. Enjoy!
Click to watch Gabriel’s coronation and Marilyn’s farewell speech to staff.
Copyright 2024 WOW! Travel. All Rights Reserved.
8 Comments
Dick Nogleberg October 4, 2020 at 9:22am
Best of luck to you Marilyn in your new chapter. Denise and I have many good memories with your NECA trips and phenomenal planning. I am confident that Gabriel will seamlessly carry the torch.
Michael Day October 4, 2020 at 10:09am
Congrats to you both! Sending love and heartfelt best wishes for extraordinary success in the very near future and beyond. Long live CTP!!!
Terry Givens October 4, 2020 at 11:31am
Congratulations on your much deserved retirement. We go back a long long ways. You probably will never fully realize how much joy and unbelievable thrills that you have brought to Jody and I. Never ever in our imagination did we ever expect to see and experience our wonderful destinations. Your trips will always be the highlight of our lives. Thank you organizing such great trips. We will miss your personal effort to make sure everything went so well. Enjoy your well deserved retirement but I hope to see you on future trips. Thank you Marylin for everything, you are the best.
To Gabriel congratulations on your taking over the reins. Hope to be able to take a trip with you soon.
M Farr October 4, 2020 at 7:18pm
Just love you both!! Thank you for soooo many wonderful memories. Best wishes to you both!!!
Nancy and Bob Schell October 5, 2020 at 8:46am
Best wishes to both. Hope we can soon travel. May you also stay safe and well. I can see you are happy and in good spirits. We are doing a lot of gardening!
Rhea Stewart October 5, 2020 at 11:37am
I am so excited for both of you in this next chapter! You are truly two of my favorite people in this industry and I have so many great memories of working with you. Getting to know you both along the way has been a major bonus and I hope to stay connected for a long time. I am cheering for health, happiness and success for both of you!! xox
Marsha Carlson October 5, 2020 at 12:38pm
Marilyn, I will always cherish the travels with you and Gabriel for our NECA trips. Our trips were always well executed and 1st class from the accommodations to the entertainment and to all the minute details that we seemed to take for granted. Your hard work has paid off and given countless people incredible memories to carry with them from here on out. You are an amazing and talented person and we (Harlan and I) want to wish you the best life has to offer in your new adventures in life. We also send our best wishes to Gabriel as he steps (or tries to step) into your shoes, but we love Gabriel and know he will do you proud. Good luck and thanks for the memories!!
Diana October 5, 2020 at 5:18pm
Very Heartwarming 🙂 And all the best to Gabriel and staff!