41 Years of Fran

I don't have the exact date, because at the time, it was insignificant, but this is approximately the anniversary of me meeting Fran Gallagher. It's been a crazy 41 year trip.

My friend Greg was home from college and asked me about going to a basketball game at our old high school. Despite my original hesitancy, I agreed to go, because I had nothing else to do. We caught up with a few old teachers, including Father Gavin. A few days later, he called me, notifying me of a job opening at CWO&O, an ad agency run by a former classmate's father. I applied and got the job as an office assistant.

A few months later, account executive Fran transferred to Chicago from Philadelphia. While we hit it off right away, I still didn't think it was that unusual. Fran only stayed a few months, before he returned to Philly, wanting to be closer to family.

Over the years, we stayed in touch. That mostly meant he would call me and invite me to dinner when he was in town. Translation: he would call me when he literally landed, with no previous notice. Still, it was always good to see him.

Fast forward to 2004, when Fran started Global Traveler, he asked me a lot about distribution. Finally, he offered me the chance to run GT's distribution. I got my great friend Louie to join me in this venture and we became his distribution team.

Since then, I added several other duties, like managing the blog section, Talking Travel interviews and more. It hasn't always been easy, sometimes we both had to overcome or ignore me being viewed as "his little buddy." No matter, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

GT has allowed me so much. Granted, I know I have earned all, but I still thank Fran for all of it.

Fran Gallagher and me in New York, NY-July 2025.