Caitlin Greene and Mason Miller, Co-Founders of Cate and Mason Travel Partners

Caitlin Greene, Atlanta, GA
Degree and Year: BS IE, Minor: French 2002

Mason Miller, San Francisco, CA
Degree and Year: BS, MGT, Minor: Marketing

http://www.cateandmasontravel.com/

What brought you to GT?

MM: After looking at schools all over the country that had a strong hybrid of academics and athletics, I knew undoubtedly that Georgia Tech was exactly where I wanted to be. It was a school that offered an outstanding business program, unparalleled athletics, Olympic facilities and a place that prepared me for “the real world.”

CG: I was drawn to Georgia Tech not only for the outstanding academics, but also the opportunity to take part in the President’s Scholarship Program. The students and professors I met were so impressive and welcoming of me into the community. I knew it would be a good fit.

What activities were you involved in while at GT?

MM: Women’s Varsity Tennis, Zeta Tau Alpha, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Athletic Association Student Panel, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

CG: Georgia Tech Ambassadors, FASET Cabinet, ERT, UJC, Zeta Tau Alpha, President’s Scholarship Program


Tell us about your career path from graduation to co-founder.

MM: After traveling extensively internationally, working in Private Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley and Sports Management at IMG, I decided to move abroad and study French on the Côte d’Azur for a season. While I was there, Caitlin and I reconnected in Antibes and shared our dreams of owning a travel company.

We knew we wanted to be different and we also had a huge amount of mutual respect for each other, both personally and professionally. We realized we had a life-changing opportunity in creating a partnership and to this day, it’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We wake up knowing that we are changing so many people’s lives through our love for travel and our innate ability to share this passion through our
company.

CG: We had recently moved to Paris where I was dreaming up the business plan for our travel business endeavor. I was constantly doing research and traveling throughout Europe to figure out the best destinations and where I would be passionate about sending clients. When I found out Mason moved to Antibes, I knew I couldn’t have a better partner. We both shared the same passion for helping others see the world.

How does your company differ from the competition?

We LOVE this question because we are so different! Since travel is one of the most competitive spaces out there, we knew that we had to bring many offbeat qualities to our company and in turn, learn how to convey these to our clients.

Cate and Mason Travel Partners guarantee a customized experience with local insights and the ability to match clients’ travel preferences. With every destination that we cover, we have either lived there or we have a local, boutique partner based in that location that provides local consulting services 24/7. Whether a client just wants suggestions on a particular destination, or they want the whole trip planned and booked, we cater to all of these requests.

Bottom line, we cater to clients needs based on how we would expect to be serviced.

What are some common misconceptions you see in your business?

Many people see this space as a travel agency, when in fact we are a travel consulting company. Yes, we can provide agency services such a bookings and reservations, but we aim to analyze a clients needs and strategize to create a truly unique experience.

Of all of your travels, which places are your favorite?

MM: It depends on what day of the week and time of the year you ask. I will always love the Côte d’Azur for its novelty – the natural beauty, culture, wine, food, ambiance and glamour.

I love South Africa for reasons that can only be explained to one that has been there. It’s not many places on the earth you can wine taste while watching a Baboon cross the vineyards, overlooking the sight of Nelson Mandela’s prison. You drive a short distance and you’re Great White Shark diving, taking pictures of penguins, witnessing a World Cup Soccer game (a feat many didn’t think would happen), overlooking Table Mountain or on a tiered Land Rover watching a Lion protect his precious family. South Africa is summed up in one word for me: POWERFUL.

And I had to mention my other favorite destination: St Barths. Imagine the South of France and Margaritaville, mix it in a bowl and bake gourmet cookies. That’s St Barths, the “crème de la crème” island in French Polynesia. Super yachts and spectacular views make up this enchanted Caribbean place. Not to mention the ease of getting there, especially if you live near the east coast.


CG: I agree, it depends on what time of the week and also what time of the year you ask me this question! I love many parts of central and South America, but have to say that France captures my heart more than any destination. From skiing in Chamonix in the winter to wine tasting in Burgundy in the spring and traversing the lavender fields in Provence in the heat of summer, there is always a perfect travel experience awaiting you. And of course there is always Paris. As cliché as it may sound, Paris is perfect year round. I cannot explain in words how blissful a day in the city of lights can be—taking a stroll in the Luxembourg Gardens or along the Seine, enjoying a coupe de champagne at a nearby café and then partaking in an amazing dinner of a young, and upcoming chef. The city is always full of something new and exciting and never disappoints.

Tell us about the value of a unique travel experience?

When we were coming up with our “slogan,” we wanted it to sum up the answer to this question. Our answer: “Change your life. See the world.”

Traveling to new places is an education that you can’t get in a classroom or sitting behind a desk. It’s about taking an opportunity to see a new place and ceasing it. Learning about a new culture, experiencing different languages, tasting new foods, meeting new people – these are all intangibles that can only be experienced by seeing new places firsthand.

Travel is an opportunity to learn about you. Our main objective for you, our client, is to learn about your preferences and customize your trip to help you get out of your vacation what you want, while still maximizing the time to do the things that you love.

What are some qualities of a great client for your business?

We feel that if someone is open to travel, that is the most important quality. We love working with people that value our expertise, that want to learn about a new place and that also love seeing it from both a tourist AND a local perspective. We are here to consult for both the well-versed and the “newbie’s” in travel. Having a passport filled with stamps is not a requirement for us, though it is impressive. It’s the passion and excitement that a client has about a destination that really inspires us to create the trip of a lifetime for them.

How did your Georgia Tech degree and experience aid in your success?

MM: Georgia Tech was an education that prepared me for life. I learned how to manage incredibly difficult academics while performing on the tennis court at a top Division I level daily. Georgia Tech implemented in me how the power of education can affect my life in an extremely positive way. I knew if I could get through the demands of the school, I could do anything.

GT gave me the chance to study and work in Europe, while providing me the opportunity to obtain a top-notch business degree. I learned the value of time management, networking, critical thinking, independence and the realization that I chose wisely for my education. Having a family full of University of Georgia grads, I can say that with a sense of pride.


CG: The most important attributes I took away from my time at GA Tech are work ethic, rigor and persistence. I worked diligently on my academic studies and campus involvement so that I would be ready for the professional world. I think that I was more than prepared when I graduated.

During my 4.5 years I was also able to study abroad twice, first to Oxford, England and then to Lyon, France on the LBAT program. It was through these experiences that I began to build my passion for travel. I learned the importance of cultural education, language abilities and stepping outside of one’s “comfort zone”. I knew France would always be a special part of my life and have continued to travel there every year since.

Which technologies and tools have been essential to your business?

Social Media Outlets

What are some of the trends you see in your industry?
We see clients really wanting an incredible travel experience at a great value. They want to be assured of the best experience possible through customization based on their preferences.

What advice would you give someone looking to start their own company?

Life is short. Pursue your passion and do it wisely. Be specific on your goals and realize that they WILL and SHOULD change as your company morphs. The most successful people we know and continue to try and emulate have such an incredibly high level of success because they continue to take chances. Be realistic about your finances, never stop asking questions and find ways to not only keep up with the trends, but set them. Also, never settle or get “comfortable” with your company – it just gives the competition an advantage.

What are some of your favorite activities, events or locations in Atlanta?


We love the High Museum – they have an amazing partnership with the Louvre. When we want to pretend we are back in France, we grab a glass of wine there and enjoy the transplanted French Culture. And of course Murphy’s Wine Shop—their staff is wonderful and their wine selection is one of the best in the city. For a good Barolo, we also recommend Portofino – they have a beautiful porch and they’re nestled in the heart of Buckhead, even though you feel like you’re somewhere else.

Recently, we happened upon a new wine shop, Perrine’s, on the west side near Star Provisions off of Howell Mill Rd. The selection of French wines there is outstanding, not to mention they carry plenty of Argentinean and Californian wine makers. Make sure to grab some Ruinart for that special occasion!


Pancho Greene in Paris

Moses Miller at the Golden Gate

Melanie Joyce Pink, Le Bonne Fleur

Melanie Joyce Pink, Owner Le Bonne Fleur
Degree and Year: B.S. of Business Management 2003
Website: www.lebonnefleur.com

• Tell us about your career path prior to starting your own company.

As a Freshman, I entered Georgia Tech as an architecture major in an effort to continue my focus on fine arts, design and mathematics; it seemed like the logical path for me. I changed directions and graduated with a major in Business Management with a specialization in Finance and Marketing. Post graduation, I headed to New York to pursue a career on Wall Street. I worked for an Institutional Sales desk, a private equity firm and a proprietary Hedge Fund. My most recent position was as an employee at Lehman Brothers, which I saw through to its collapse.  Needless to say, I was part of Wall Street during one of its most trying times in history! During this time, I took the opportunity to revaluate my priorities and to determine my next steps in life.   I spent time reflecting on what was going to satisfy me and help me reach my professional and personal, creative and business-oriented goals.

• What made you decide to start your own company and how did you get started in the floral design business?

While working in the financial services industry, my creative side was not fulfilled; thus, I enrolled in various art and design classes of interest to fill the void. On a whim, I took a class at The Flower School of New York and I could not get enough of floral design. While still working full time at my finance “day job”, I started interning with designers on the weekend and managed a couple floral events on my own.  It was through my small successes on those events that I saw the true potential in staring my own floral design company as a side business. My first big event was designing and managing the floral arrangements from bouquets to centerpieces for a good friend’s New York City wedding.  In 2009, my husband and I decided to return to Atlanta for a variety of reasons, one of which was to launch and run Le Bonne Fleur on full time basis.

• What makes your company different from the competition?

Le Bonne Fleur is a high-end, boutique floral design company, providing exceptional quality with personalized attention to detail and customization. As the lead designer of Le Bonne Fleur I pride myself on being, both, creative and analytical. We tend to think outside the box while listening to and understanding the client’s needs and desires. Taking that information, coupled with extensive knowledge of floral media, we create designs custom tailored to suit our client’s persona and vision. This level of service sets Le Bonne Fleur apart from most traditional florists in the market.  

• What ways have you found to be the most effective method for promoting your business?

Entering a new market in a new industry has been a challenge, but that is part of the fun! One of the strongest and most valuable approaches I have used to enter into the Atlanta market to promote Le Bonne Fleur is through my established network of Tech Alumni, both in Atlanta and in other cities. Through this network, I have met many quality vendors in the industry and prospective clients. I know we all hear this, but it is true – Network. Network. Network.

• Which technologies and tools have been essential to your business?

My website has been Le Bonne Fleur’s most effective marketing tool, hands down. Before launching this business, I knew it was important to design a strong website to expose the brand and quality of work Le Bonne Fleur offers to prospective clients.

These days, most people search the web for vendors, inspiration, and information - including most of my clients. www.lebonnefleur.com is most often the first point of contact and exposure for potential customers.  The website is essential in making a strong statement and differentiating Le Bonne Fleur from the competitors -- all at first click.

Search Engine Optimization “SEO” is also a key tool for Le Bonne Fleur to land higher on appropriate keyword searches. This is a process in which we continue to work on to maximize exposure.

• How the economy is going to impact the event supplier business for the holidays and upcoming spring wedding season?

I have found the current economic climate has impacted the bottom-line spending on events and weddings.  With reduced budgets, brides and event hosts are forced to cut line items from their expenses.  Thankfully it seems the floral portion of most budgets is not usually cut outright. If cuts are made, many people instead opt to decrease the total amount they are willing to spend on floral design rather than forgo entirely. As a small business owner and recent bride, I know the importance of “stretching your dollar.” We do not want to alienate any of our customers, especially due to budgetary concerns. Le Bonne Fleur works with all budgets, provides multiple options to choose from and still provides exceptional service - this truly separates Le Bonne Fleur from the competition. Despite the economy, Le Bonne Fleur’s 2011 spring season is nearly booked solid and I believe I can credit some of this to our excellent product, superior service and continuing to “work” the network.

• What are some of the trends you see in your industry?

A recent and ever-growing trend is for a bride is to personalize her wedding. This means making it unique to her and her groom by incorporating colors, themes, items that have meaning to them.  Brides want their wedding not to look like everyone else’s. To achieve this, brides often have many “DIY” touches and also ask their vendors to think outside the box – a task Le Bonne Fleur is eager to embrace.

• How did your Georgia Tech degree and experience aid in your success?

My Georgia Tech degree has helped me build and manage a successful business from accounting to branding to understanding and reaching my target market. My years at Tech have prepared me to work hard and dedicate myself to achieving an end goal, whatever it may be. In addition, it has given me the confidence to see my dreams come to fruition, and taught me how to constantly move forward and open doors for myself in an effort to ultimately be successful on multiple levels.

• Describe your typical work day.

A typical workday is not typical and that is one of things I love!

I always start my day with emails (actually, its all day thing…which I attribute being the “Techy” in me). Depending on the events for the upcoming week and weekend, I will plan my orders for flowers, confirm shipment times with my suppliers, arrange delivery times, set up and break down schedules with the various event venues I am working with, and plan and organize the schedules of my assistants.  I am always meeting with new clients (brides and corporate), writing design proposals, meeting with new vendors to expand my network and maintaining relationships with existing contacts.  I also spend a considerable amount of time marketing and branding Le Bonne Fleur design shoots with other vendors, website updates and blog postings.

• What advice would you give someone looking to start their own company?

DO IT! It is one of the most rewarding, challenging, scary and fun things I have ever done. It takes a lot of confidence and support from others when things aren’t moving at the pace you would like. I spent many years of my life doing what I thought I should be doing and was not happy.

That being said, before you start a business, do your research. Make sure there is a demand for your product or service, you are in the right market, you have the necessary financial backing or support, and that you have a plan.

• What do you wish you'd known as a Freshman that you've figured out since?

It all comes together at some point. Architecture to Business Management and Wall Street to Floral Design. That is definitely not the path many people would have taken to get to where I am today, but all those experiences have made me a stronger, more successful, responsible and capable business owner. At the time it didn’t always make sense, but looking back today I am glad I followed the path I did.

• What are your favorite places or activities in Atlanta?

I love trying new restaurants in Atlanta, playing tennis, biking the Silver Comet Trail, hiking and entertaining at our house.
Top places in Atlanta – Atlanta Botanical Gardens, helipad on top of Ventanas to take in the view of the city, Piedmont Park, High Museum – great Dali exhibit going on now!  








To learn more about Melanie's company visit www.lebonnefleur.com

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