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American Dream
Open EVERYDAY from 11am-2am Happy Hour EVERYDAY from 3-7pm Kitchen Specials Tues.-Sat. from 4-9pm
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American Dreams
Glendale veteran Anthony Cinquini turned his hobby of traveling into an occupation with Dream Vacations. (Photo by Dennis Murphy)
LE VIAN PLATINUM COLLECTION™
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Sound of Freedom Executive Editor
Anthony Cinquini wants what’s best for Americans. He helped protect their freedoms while in the military, and now he’s making dreams come true.
The Glendale resident and Air Force and Army veteran won a franchise of Dream Vacations, a home-based travel agency, valued at $12,300, as part of Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General.
Cinquini was one of 569 applicants for the annual business plan contest, which was open to former members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, who are retired, off SEE CINQUINI PAGE 12
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CINQUINI FROM PAGE 8
active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date this past May, as well as community heroes such as first responders, educators and medical professionals who are U.S. residents.
He participated in a three-part application process that included creating a business plan, video essay and phone interviews.
“My travel agency’s mission is to inspire travel and deliver memorable vacation experiences to all customers, while saving them time and money,” Cinquini says.
“As a full-service travel adviser, I turn dreams into reality for my clients and I find fulfillment in delivering through my services the one thing that we all seek — happiness.”
Cinquini says he learned of the contest while researching franchises to buy into. He was impressed that Dream Vacation is the No. 1 franchise for veterans.
“It was an affordable, flexible, homebased franchise,” he says. “I went on the website and I was reading about it. I found out about the contest, and this was their 10th year. I looked at the requirements for it and it entailed creating a business plan, a few interviews and creating a video. I decided to enter, and it just it was an incredible journey.”
Cinquini began his military career shortly after graduating high school in Chicago. He spoke with an Air Force recruiter, who learned Cinquini is bilingual.
Cinquini’s interest in travel grew after spending summers with his grandparents in Tuscany. (Photo by Dennis Murphy)
SEE CINQUINI PAGE 14
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CINQUINI FROM PAGE 12
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“I spoke Italian, so I signed up as a linguist,” he said. “I served from 1999 to 2003 as a Korean linguist. At the time, I thought I could choose a language, but that’s not the case.”
He had a break in service from 2003 to 2005, during which time he earned his bachelor’s degree. From 2005 to 2010, he served in the Army and attained his final rank of captain.
“I’ve been to about 15 countries,” he said. “I wish I could have traveled more. In the service, I wanted to serve, but I thought I’d be able to see different parts of the world. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
“My wife is from the Philippines, and she’s been able to travel to many different areas. My sister-in-law was a permanent resident in Singapore. She worked for a cruise line. I wanted to experience that with my family. I figured this is something I’m passionate about.”
Italian roots
Cinquini’s parents hail from a small town near Tuscany. He spent every summer with his grandparents before he graduated high school. Still, he yearned to experience other cultures.
“Growing up, I was a big soccer fan — and still am,” he says.
“I think that naturally breeds a love of travel in someone. It’s a global game. There isn’t a place in the world that isn’t familiar with soccer. I think that raised my curiosity about different parts of the world.”
Home isn’t so bad, either. Cinquini, who moved to Arizona in 2011, is enjoying Glendale.
“It feels like there’s a lot of pride in the town,” he says. “I like the historic nature of the town and Arizona living is just wonderful. You can’t beat the weather and the friendly people. It’s a very laidback atmosphere.”
Through Dream Vacations, Cinquini helps clients create a bucket list and allow it to come to fruition.
“I want to encourage them to be able to see whatever destinations they like and be able to move out of their comfortzone,” he says. “Sometimes people may think they know what they want to go see, but I show them there’s more to it.
“Once they expand their horizons, they are pleasantly surprised. My website is a one-stop shop. They can find different destinations, deals and savings.”
Cinquini says there are plenty of misconceptions about using vacation specialists. The pricing is competitive, as suppliers pay the specialists’ fees.
“We’re also advocates if something goes wrong on trips,” he says. “I can be a resource for them, too. I want to create awareness in the community, join the chamber and get involved. I want to help individuals and businesses.”
