A Gem of a Company

I had the opportunity on Saturday to stop over at Montrose Travel for the company’s 60th anniversary. What a fantastic party! Plenty of food and beverages, and snow was even brought in for the kids (though I was tempted to take a saucer and make a run myself!). I had the chance to talk to president Joe McClure, who bought the company with his sister Andi from their parents, and they run it today with Joe’s wife Julie.

As the owner of a small business, I am always on the lookout for tips from successful business owners on how they’ve maintained their company over the years and what worked for them. In talking to Joe, I was immediately drawn to the enthusiasm he has for Montrose Travel, a company that was originally purchased by his parents and, after they built it up, they sold it to him and Andi almost two decades later. With Julie, the trio has greatly expanded the company over the years (you can read about their story on page 22).

Among the many things I gathered from talking to Joe was the importance of creating a family-type atmosphere at Montrose Travel. He and his team work at crafting that feeling and, after talking to others who work at the company, it shows they have been successful. Many of the employees have been there for years and do consider their co-workers family. A friend of mine, Kate Morad who has been with Montrose Travel for years, may have put it best: “We get things done like family.” That shows a dedication that is a real achievement.

When I was getting ready to leave, I had a chance to talk to Leora who bought Montrose Travel way back in 1972 with her husband Joe. I said how pleased she must be to see how many people were touched by the company she and Joe built. I also marveled at the 60th anniversary of the company and how I admired that accomplishment as CV Weekly approaches our seventh anniversary – a long way from their achievement. Leora surprised me by saying how important the CV Weekly is to her and how much she values the weekly paper. I was totally taken aback and grateful for her comments – they are something I will always remember and treasure.

  robin goldsworthy