Industry Spotlight, Jason Puckett, Pellucid Travel

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Jason Puckett, Pellucid Travel

What circumstances led you to begin working at Pellucid Travel?

I was working for Sarasota County Parks & Recreation, focusing on increasing the connection and productivity between the county’s facilities and Visit Sarasota’s sports tourism marketing efforts, when our family was presented with a great opportunity. My wife was offered a promotion to move to Atlanta within her company, so we took it! While looking at my career options, I considered different positions within the local Atlanta professional sports scene or in the sports tourism industry. However, after discussing the potential role with Pellucid Travel, it felt like a perfect fit.

What was the first thing you did when you learned you got the job?

Upon learning about the potential role at Pellucid Travel, I immediately tapped into my network of friends and colleagues within the industry, seeking their valuable insights. Once I started in the role, I expanded my outreach, reconnecting with industry contacts and gaining a real-time understanding of the industry’s pulse. The goal was to get up to speed and identify future growth opportunities for Pellucid Travel.

Tell us about the projects you are currently working on. What will this new direction mean for Pellucid Travel’s future?

My focus is finding new partnerships for Pellucid, which includes event organizers, facilities, and destinations.

However, with us being a young, growing company, the leadership team wears many hats. In mid-2023, we upgraded our technology to make our operations more efficient and provide a great user experience.

All members of our leadership team played a vital role in evaluating and implementing the new system. It was a year-long process, but we are now set up for future success. Another project that I enjoy most is helping our partners expand their event portfolio. We do this by helping with the RFP process (creation, distribution) and assisting them with identifying the best locations to host their events.

My background on the destination and facility side helps offer our partners a well-rounded perspective. Lastly, we are evaluating potential partnerships or acquisitions within our industry to help accelerate our growth, which will help us become more efficient in our operations.

Describe why Pellucid Travel as a company is so meaningful to you.

Pellucid Travel is meaningful to me because of the team we have built and the amount of value we put into caring for our customers. Everyone on our team has a background in hotel management, event operations, or sports tourism. Having a team with that experience is valuable, but their willingness to make good things happen for others, no matter the circumstance, inspires me. The team always strives to do the right thing and be transparent when challenges arise. As a “salesperson,” it feels good to know that your future partners will be well taken care of.

Jason, you are known in the industry as a connector who will go out of their way to fulfill promises. In what ways do these characteristics lend a hand to increasing the visibility for your career and for Pellucid Travel?

Integrity and a willingness to serve others have been foundational to my career, so I appreciate your comments. Having been in the industry for 15+ years, my reputation opens many doors for Pellucid Travel and gives opportunities for conversations we may not have been a part of otherwise.

If people trust you as a person and their previous interactions have been positive, it can only help with the visibility of Pellucid Travel.

What was the most significant moment you experienced during the first quarter of 2024?

Being asked to participate in the Sports ETA Mentorship Program was a significant moment for me because I would not be here without the support I received from industry mentors over the years. With all the new talent entering the industry, I am excited to participate in that process.

In what ways are you a different person today because of your experience working at Pellucid Travel for the past three years?

I am a more well-rounded personally and professionally because of my time here at Pellucid Travel. The flexibility and general support from leadership have allowed me to spend more time with my family and for overall self-care. There is an emphasis on family, which makes us a better team. Also, the role exposed me to the inner workings of launching a start-up and allowed me to play a role in all elements of the business, which has been a valuable experience.

What advice would you give to others who find themselves in a situation like yours?

It is probably a cliché response, but my advice would be that relationships are everything. Taking the time to cultivate new relationships and foster the ones you already have is crucial for current and future success.

What would “today Jason” share with “first day on the job Jason?”

There are so many things, ha. If I had to pick one, I would preach patience. In my early career, I was so eager to complete a project, surpass goals, or advance in status that I could be like a speed boat cruising through a “No Wake” zone. While this served me well in some areas, it also caused unneeded waves. Luckily, I had great mentors who helped me navigate my early career.

What goals do you have for your career and Pellucid Travel in 2024?

I aim to continue adding value to the organization by supporting our team in growing our current partner relationships and securing the right partners to help scale our business.