FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Jeff Foland, President and CEO, The Parking Spot

by mary.melnick

Sep 25, 2020

PHOTO: © THE PARKING SPOT

September 2020

THE BASICS

Name: Jeff Foland
Title: President and CEO
Company, city: The Parking Spot; Chicago, Illinois
First job: Mechanical engineer at Allison Gas Turbine, working on aircraft engine and military programs
Where to next: At this point, anywhere! Let’s go! Like many, I’m ready to get traveling again. My family and I have had the privilege to travel many places but have not yet taken a safari. As such, we plan to travel to Africa for a safari in the near term.

A LITTLE BIT MORE

What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
I would say Tom Hanks. A sincere, friendly and down-to-earth guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously but is focused and intense when he needs to be.

What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
Since I probably can’t ride my Harley professionally, I’d be helping lead a company in an industry where change occurs rapidly and technology- enabled growth is an imperative for value creation. I like to help create and grow things and find challenging environments stimulating.

What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
I have many, but one book I particularly liked was Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Maybe it’s my engineering background, but I’m quite fascinated by books that deal with quantum physics and its application in the future.

What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
Wow, that’s a tough question. There are so many. I’d probably say Elon Musk. He’s a big thinker and dreamer who wants to change the world.

THE BUSINESS

What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Helping navigate through these challenging times for the travel sector. While it’s been rather difficult making value-accretive decisions in the ever-changing environment, it’s been equally rewarding work given the team I’m surrounded by every day.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?
Unquestionably, it’s the people I get to deal with every day: a dedicated team focused on driving meaningful change and achieving our full potential while also understanding what it means to have a little fun along the way.

What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
I was partner at a successful firm and left to help lead a company in bankruptcy in the travel sector. I love the challenge of turnarounds and value creation, and it was a quite adventurous and rewarding journey.

Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
Everyone, literally. Couldn’t pick just one. It’s a tough space, always fraught with challenge and change, yet it is equally invigorating given how it impacts all of our lives.

AS A TRAVELER

Tell us about a travel nightmare: I was on a private flight to New York City when suddenly both pilots came back to the passenger cabin to inform us, “Don’t worry, landing gear is inoperable, but we think everything will be okay; we’ve handled it in a simulator before.”

Share a comical travel experience: A number of years back I got to my airline gate an hour early and decided to do a little work. Put the earphones in and proceeded to conduct a number of calls. Next time I turned around I realized the gate area was empty … I’d missed the flight while sitting there the entire time! Whoops. Guess I was a little too engaged in those calls. Not terribly funny at the time, but in retrospect I get a laugh out of it.

What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? I love all forms of travel and consider myself a car and motorcycle junkie. I cruise often as well. But flying remains my first love. There’s nothing like soaring above the clouds and arriving at far-away locations.

What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? Other than our service here at The Parking Spot, which is top-notch, the service experienced with the United Global Services program is superb. From dedicated service staff to rides across the tarmac in a premium auto when running late for connections, it’s tough to beat, in my experience.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Apr 22, 2025

Air France Partners with Sofitel on New Long-Haul, Business-Class Cabin Offering

Air France invites business-class travelers to rest easy. The airline recently announced a new partnership with Sofitel, part of Accor hotel group, offering custom mattress pads on every long-haul, business-class seat. This new feature from Sofitel’s bedding collection will begin rolling out across long-haul flights starting in July.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

Daily
Apr 22, 2025

Cabot Citrus Farms Opens as Florida’s Newest Resort Destination

Cabot Citrus Farms, on Florida’s Nature Coast, is now officially open. Representing Cabot’s first U.S. destination (the rest are in Canada), the property is set on 1,200 acres of pristine natural beauty and features two 18-hole golf courses, two unique shorter courses, luxury real estate and accommodations, curated experiences, and a host of amenities ranging from axe throwing to bass fishing to pickleball.

April 2025
Apr 22, 2025

Reach Ultimate Relaxation at The Spa at Vellas Vallarta

Staying at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, guests enjoy access not only to that property and its amazing amenities but also to the amenities at its sister hotel, Velas Vallarta. During my recent stay at Casa Velas, I took full advantage of that perk, whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying various on-property restaurants or treating myself to a peaceful treatment at The Spa at Velas Vallarta.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
Apr 22, 2025

Sister Property to Versace Mansion Opens in Miami Beach This May

This May, Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, the official sister property to Versace Mansion (now The Villa Casa Casuarina), debuts in Miami Beach. The new hotel and restaurant breathes life into a 1920s, Wallace Tutt-designed gem, with just six guestrooms for the ultimate intimate experience.

April 2025
Apr 19, 2025

This Course at Innisbruck Resort Tests Professional and Casual Golfers Alike

Palm Harbor might not be the first place you think of when checking out golf in the Sunshine State, but less than an hour from Tampa you will find a cozy golf nook.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

April 2025
Apr 19, 2025

BermudAir Announces New Non- Stop Bermuda Routes

Sun, sea and sand beckon this year with new non-stop service to Bermuda via BermudAir. The airline expands its reach with the addition of services from Richmond, Virginia (RIC); Providence, Rhode Island (PVD); and Montréal, Québec (YUL).