Fierce Female Executive Team Leads Cruise Planners, South Florida’s #1 Women Owned Business
An intimate conversation about women in leadership and what it takes to get to the C-suite
Women’s day was not celebrated this March, instead, the US faced a daunting month as the World Health Organization declared Coronavirus a global pandemic. After months of self-quarantining and readjusting to new societal norms, Cruise Planners respectfully pays tribute to the hard work of its executive team who has displayed unwavering leadership in unprecedented times. Cruise Planners proudly ranks #1 Women-Owned Business in South Florida for 2020.
To qualify, businesses in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach must be at least 51% women-owned and provide financial verification of their annual revenue for the South Florida Business Journal to rank a business based on profitability of the previous year. Cruise Planners’ Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO, Vicky Garica, Co-owner and COO, Theresa Scalzitti, CSO discuss their journeys climbing through the ranks and what it means to lead a female majority team.
What does it mean for you to be recognized as South Florida’s #1 Women-Owned Business?
MF: It's really special to be ranked #1 in South Florida especially considering that this was a home-grown business that has flourished beyond anyone’s dreams. We are so proud to receive this recognition on behalf of our Home Office Team and our franchisees who have continued to help Cruise Planners reach this milestone. We couldn’t do it without their enthusiasm, passion for travel, and dedication to the success of Cruise Planners and our franchisees.
VG: I’m proud to be a part of this accomplishment and to help diversify work environments by allowing men and women to equally have successful careers at Cruise Planners. I think this recognition is a testament to how important it is to create a welcoming space for all people.
TS: Not only is Cruise Planners 75% women-owned but also nearly 77% of our management team is made up of women. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and celebrating each other’s successes.
In a world where women account for just 7.6% of CEOs at the 500 largest American companies, how do you feel being part of the changing statistics? *
MF: It's exciting to be a part of the waves of change and be a role model for industries at large looking to recruit more female talent in C-level positions. When I started Cruise Planners, I was also a young mother and recognized the advantageous role technology could play in our business model to allow a “work from anywhere” platform for anyone looking for flexibility, especially working mothers. I believe some of the largest American companies are recognizing that having women in executive positions or on their board brings a different perspective to the table. Look at Celebrity Cruises, one of our best supplier partners, not only do they have a female President and CEO but she’s the first female to lead a publicly-traded cruise line. But it doesn’t stop there, they also have the first female captain and largest female marine department – an area that is historically primarily male.
VG: Being a part of the travel industry for over 25 years, I have seen a dramatic shift of seeing more women in the c-suite. I hope that women will continue to succeed to management level roles and beyond in their respective industry.
TS: As a mother of three young children, it's both an honor and a privilege to be among the ranks of women changing this statistic and helping to advocate for important family balance. We are so thankful to have such family-minded owners and leaders in Michelle and Vicky. I believe that is one of the main reasons why Cruise Planners is so successful because it’s the people that make up our culture, keeps us deeply connected to our team and our franchisees and truly sets us apart.
What unique attributes or skills do you believe have helped you beat the odds?
MF: My innate curiosity and competitive nature have fueled me to pursue challenges others may not have considered. I’ve never turned down a situation that would allow me to grow in the process. I’m now conditioned to face obstacles in my personal and professional life because of these attributes.
VG: Hard work ethic was engrained in me early on as the daughter of small business entrepreneurs. I also credit my ability to add humor to situations that require comic relief to my success in industry.
TS: I’ve always had a positive attitude regardless of the circumstances. I believe it’s important to look for the good in people and situations. This has allowed me to keep myself and my colleagues motivated through challenging times. Of course, I’ve also never met a goal I didn’t fight like mad to hit.
How can females working in male-dominated industries or male-dominated businesses continue to climb the ranks to reach the c-suit office?
MF: I believe you need to be approachable and friendly in all aspects of life, but I know businesses also value smarts. These days businesses depend on their team members to be successful. Don’t underestimate your capacity to contribute to your organization at large proposing initiatives that will drive the needle or make your workplace more impactful than your company’s competitors.
VG: Stay focused on showing your value in the workplace, you’ll create lasting impressions on clients, customers, and colleagues. Being someone that is always up to the challenge will make you stand out and ultimately will help you advance to the positions you desire.
TS: Have a great attitude no matter the challenge you’re facing. Always bring solutions, not problems. Take on leadership roles – even if you don’t have the title or the pay that goes along with it. It shows initiative and people remember that.
What advice would you give aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to own and operate a business?
MF: You don’t always have to recreate the wheel to operate a business, consider a franchise model as an opportunity to be an entrepreneur with the added perks of a support team and established brand and reputation. Look for business models that truly cater to your aspirations and family life. Find something you have a passion for. I’ve always loved travel which lead me to start a travel business.
VG: Business is not for the faint at heart but building strong relationships across your industry will help you navigate challenges you’ll most definitely encounter as an entrepreneur. That said, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the fruits of your labor grow into a successful business and sharing those successes with your friends and family.
TS: Leverage what makes you special and different. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Your own unique style and creativity can be a great resource in entrepreneurship. At Cruise Planners, we push ourselves to be the leaders not the followers and continue to look outside our industry for inspiration.
*Based on revenue according to the Fortune 500, based on the magazine's 2020 list.
