Dave Kartagener's guest appearances

Dave Kartagener

Driving Force Podcast

Andy Ramage

Fiona Oakes

Tony Blauer

Christian Graugart

Natalie Walstein

Kyle Robidoux

Ricky Williams

Jake Bullock

Jeff Gothelf

Heidi Strickler

Brandon Green

Meredith Atwood

Karen Smyers

Nicole Ver Kuilen

Michael Buckley

OwlTail

Today’s guest is Dave Kartagener. Having grown up in the industry, Dave has always had a passion for travel. He went on his first safari at the age of seven and has been exploring the world ever since, having now visited more than 50 countries. Today, Dave is President of Kartagener Associates (or “KAI”), a leader in marketing and sales representation for the travel industry. The KAI portfolio includes exclusive safari lodges in Africa, award winning Palaces in India, luxury cruise ships and Destination Management Companies around the globe. Dave hasn’t always worked in travel and was reluctant after graduating college to join the company his dad started. So, prior to KAI, he spent several years quickly rising through the sales ranks at Madison Square Garden before eventually joining the family business in 2010. In this interview, we get into the impact that travel has had on his life, the benefits of travel, his years grinding it out selling tickets at MSG, and his company KAI and how Covid has changed everything in the industry.  Timestamps 00:02:20 Growing up and traveling 00:09:46 Traveling for self-discovery 00:10:40 Early career ambitions 00:13:07 College days at Tulane 00:17:05 Getting the job at Madison Square Garden (MSG) 00:21:22 First role at MSG 00:27:22 Moving up the ranks at MSG 00:31:04 Leaving MSG and joining KAI 00:37:52 Overview of KAI 00:42:20 Inception of the business 00:46:05 Focus on long-haul destinations 00:48:35 His role at KAI 00:52:04 The KAI Foundation 00:56:43 Covid's impact on the business 01:04:33 How he's coping and moving forward in the Covid world 01:09:05 Ultimate vision for KAI 01:10:22 Young Travel Professionals organization 01:17:30 His daily routine 01:20:55 His driving force 01:23:10 Parting career advice for the young professional listening

Today’s guest is Dave Kartagener. Having grown up in the industry, Dave has always had a passion for travel. He went on his first safari at the age of seven and has been exploring the world ever since, having now visited more than 50 countries. Today, Dave is President of Kartagener Associates (or “KAI”), a leader in marketing and sales representation for the travel industry. The KAI portfolio includes exclusive safari lodges in Africa, award winning Palaces in India, luxury cruise ships and Destination Management Companies around the globe. Dave hasn’t always worked in travel and was reluctant after graduating college to join the company his dad started. So, prior to KAI, he spent several years quickly rising through the sales ranks at Madison Square Garden before eventually joining the family business in 2010. In this interview, we get into the impact that travel has had on his life, the benefits of travel, his years grinding it out selling tickets at MSG, and his company KAI and how Covid has changed everything in the industry. Timestamps 00:02:20 Growing up and traveling 00:09:46 Traveling for self-discovery 00:10:40 Early career ambitions 00:13:07 College days at Tulane 00:17:05 Getting the job at Madison Square Garden (MSG) 00:21:22 First role at MSG 00:27:22 Moving up the ranks at MSG 00:31:04 Leaving MSG and joining KAI 00:37:52 Overview of KAI 00:42:20 Inception of the business 00:46:05 Focus on long-haul destinations 00:48:35 His role at KAI 00:52:04 The KAI Foundation 00:56:43 Covid's impact on the business 01:04:33 How he's coping and moving forward in the Covid world 01:09:05 Ultimate vision for KAI 01:10:22 Young Travel Professionals organization 01:17:30 His daily routine 01:20:55 His driving force 01:23:10 Parting career advice for the young professional listening

Episode 37: Dave Kartagener - President of KAI, Enabling more people to see more of the world