If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that change is inevitable—and often necessary. Whether it’s a career shift, a life change, or a new business venture, reinvention is the key to growth and to finding your true purpose.
Looking back on my career journey, I never imagined that one day I would own my own travel agency, helping people explore the world. But as I’ve learned through the years, every step we take—no matter how unexpected—leads us to where we’re meant to be. Looking back, I can see countless God winks where I was being prepared to be exactly where I am today. And for that, I am so very thankful.
Here’s my story of reinvention, and why I believe it’s never too late to step into a new chapter of life.
From Teaching to Theme Parks: The Power of Adapting to Change
I began my career as a middle school teacher, spending eight years in the classroom at St Bernard Catholic School. I loved connecting with students, sparking curiosity, and watching them grow - particularly in their faith. But like many of us, life threw me a curveball that I didn’t expect and I would ultimately choose to leave education behind. Looking back on this experience as a teacher, I can see clearly how I was being prepared for group travel and travel planning as I led annual trips at St Bernard School to Washington DC, New York City, Space Camp, Camp Ondessonk and even Walt Disney World!
During and after those years in education, I worked full time in the theme park industry. I started as Food Service Manager and then eventually as the park continued rapid growth, I was asked to help build the HR department and create the training program as Manager of Human Resources, a role that taught me a lot about leadership, empathy, and working with people from all walks of life. Eventually, I became the Director of Food & Beverage, overseeing large-scale operations with hundreds of employees feeding tens of thousands of guests each week at one of the country’s most beloved theme parks.
Working at Holiday World was an incredible experience—managing teams, creating memorable guest experiences, and learning the ins and outs of a major business operation. But after 20 years in the theme park industry, it was time for another change.
The Transition to Corporate America: US Foods and the Sales World
In 2015, I made the leap to corporate America, joining US Foods, one of the largest food service distribution companies in the country taking advantage of a relationship I had forged with the people at US Foods as our primary supplier. While at US Foods, I’ve held various roles in food service sales, where I’ve learned the art of building relationships, negotiating deals, and helping clients succeed.
But even as I have thrived in this new environment, something inside me was always stirring. I began to realize that, while I enjoyed my work, my true calling wasn’t just about numbers and sales—it was about helping people, building relationships, being part of something meaningful and creating something of my own that could be of great value to others.
The Birth of JMart Travels: Answering My Highest Calling
In 2022, I launched JMart Travels, a passion project that quickly grew into a thriving travel agency. What started as a way to help friends and family book vacations has turned into a full-fledged business—one that allows me to answer my highest spiritual calling.
At its core, JMart Travels is about service. It’s about helping people experience joy, create lasting memories, and find moments of faith and connection through travel. Whether it’s planning a group cruise to Alaska, organizing a bucket-list trip to Hawaii, or helping families explore Europe, I see my work as more than just booking trips—it’s about being part of someone’s joy.
For me, travel is a spiritual experience. It brings people together, broadens horizons, and creates moments that we carry with us forever. Through JMart Travels, I’ve found a way to live out my faith by serving others and helping them experience the world in a meaningful way and giving back to my community.
As the business has continued its growth, it has become more and more prudent to expand my team. While my dad has been able to help out on a part time basis the last couple years, he's in the middle of his own reinvention juggling roles as a retiree, a part time Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, taxi driver for the grandkids and all the things that come with being a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. So in 2024, I put to good use all of those HR, hiring, and training skills and have officially become an employer as of 2025! Now I am getting a front row seat in someone else's reinvention as we welcome Lisa to the JMart Travels team!
For years and years my Monday morning was all about approving and processing employee time cards. I thought those days were gone forever in 2015 but processing time cards for employees in a business I created is a new level. And I'm here for it!
What I’ve Learned About Reinvention
Looking back on my career journey—from teacher to theme park leader, from corporate sales to travel advisor and business owner —I’ve learned that reinvention is essential for personal and professional growth. Here are some key lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
✅ 1. Every Experience and Every Person Has Value
Every role I’ve held and many people I've worked with—whether in the classroom, at a theme park, or in corporate sales—has taught me skills and life lessons that I now use daily as a travel advisor and business owner. No experience is ever wasted. The key is to take what you’ve learned and apply it in new ways.
✅ 2. Change is Uncomfortable, but Necessary
Reinvention often means stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s never easy, but true growth happens when we embrace the unknown. The hardest decisions I’ve made have led to the most rewarding experiences.
✅ 3. Purpose Drives Everything
When I launched JMart Travels, I did so with a sense of purpose. It’s not just a business—it’s a ministry of joy, service, and connection. Knowing that I’m helping people create meaningful travel experiences keeps me motivated and inspired every day.
JMart Travels: More Than a Business—It’s a Calling
Today, JMart Travels is growing rapidly, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey I’ve been on to get here. I’ve been able to help hundreds of people plan bucket-list vacations, family reunions, and group trips that create lasting memories.
But it’s more than just planning trips. It’s about being part of someone’s story. It’s about witnessing their joy, sharing in their excitement, and knowing that I’ve played a small role in their adventure.
As I look to the future, I’m reminded of this quote:
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, I encourage you to embrace reinvention. It’s never too late to start a new chapter. Every experience, every lesson, and every challenge has brought you to this moment—and there’s so much more ahead.
Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a group cruise, a family vacation, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, JMart Travels is here to help you every step of the way.
📧 Contact us at info@jmarttravels.com📲 Call/Text: 812-351-0513
Let’s make your travel dreams a reality—together.