Our Story
The Cadence of today was launched in 1995 as a Corporate Travel agency in La Jolla, CA with just three agents, including CEO & Founder, Wendy Burk. Cadence soon expanded to welcome more corporate agents as independent contractors, defining the company’s Host Agency business model. With the list of IA's steadily growing by referral, and the welcoming of leisure travel agents to the fold, a new division dedicated to the Leisure Travel segment was born. In 1998, Cadence implemented our very first business travel reporting tool, adding insight and value to the services provided to corporations by our business travel agents. In 2003 the business expanded even further at the request of our corporate clients - that year, Cadence planned our first corporate incentive trip, officially establishing the Meetings & Incentive Travel division. In 2012, Cadence moved to our current headquarters at 7701 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA.
Over the years, our growth and volume helped us lock down top elite status with luxury hotel, cruise and tour brands, and a membership with Virtuoso, an invitation-only consortia of the world's top travel companies. Since then, we’ve celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2015, giving back to the community in a myriad of ways, from participating in local charity events to funding ecotourism. Despite big plans to celebrate our 25th anniversary, the world changed in early 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the foundation of our business was strong, and despite having to navigate wildly uncertain and difficult times, Cadence emerged from the pandemic not only healthy and in-tact but primed for a remarkable recovery. 2022 saw Cadence grow to unprecedented heights, with the most employee headcount ever, the highest number of independent travel advisors in our community, and the highest volume of travel sales in our 28-year history. Through it all, Wendy has guided Cadence to success by adhering to a single vision; her commitment to taking better care of people – our clients, our partners, and our employees alike.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Behind the scenes or on the front lines, we are led by visionaries, executors and strategists.
Executive Leadership
Wendy Burk
CEO & Founder
A travel industry icon - The chief connector, community advocate, and fearless visionary behind every individual.
Harold Frysh
Chairman
Overseeing organizational processes, financials, and strategies for development across all divisions.
Eitan Geft
Chief of Staff
All things people, dedicated to improving every corner and facet of the Cadence experience.
Elisa Pak
VP, Marketing & Partnerships
Overseeing Cadence marketing and strategic partnerships, the ultimate brand ambassador extending our signature level of care to partners and advisors.
Jenn Mitchell
VP, Operations
A rare combination of analytical and interpersonal skills, transforming strong groups into outstanding teams.
Chardell Robinson
VP, Corporate Sales & Account Management
Leading the sales and account management team to new heights, our guru for new business development with her passion for everything corporate travel.
Gina Jackson
VP, Finance
Leading the finance division in budgeting and forecasting, inspiring all areas of Accounting.
Host Agency
Amanda Foshee
Senior Director of Host Agency Services
Overseeing Cadence Host Agency to improve the quality of our services provided and ensure that processes run efficiently.
Kristi Green
Senior Director of Advisor Success
Supporting the success of our Independent Affiliates in their business and connection to the Cadence community.
Michelle Oh
Director of Advisor Success
Supporting the success of our Independent Affiliates in their business and connection to the Cadence community.
Jill Buss
Director of Advisor Success
Supporting the success of our Independent Affiliates in their business and connection to the Cadence community.
Laura Grashof
Director of Advisor Support
Providing outstanding customer service and functional support for our Independent Affiliates.
Meetings & Incentive Travel
Ashley Case
Senior Director of Operations, M&I
Dedicated to taking better care of everyone, exceeding client objectives, and elevating M&I’s process and systems.
Corporate Business Travel
Chrissy Arcino
Director of Account Management, BT
Overseeing account management for our Business Travel team through her obsession with outstanding customer service.
Mindy Ross
Senior Director of Air Operations
Leading the team of talented travel specialists dedicated to taking care of our traveler’s air, hotel, ground, and so much more.
Marketing
Vanessa Allen
Director of Marketing & Communications
Leading the team in developing marketing strategies that elevate and distinguish our Advisor Community, esteemed travel supplier partners, and our company.
Chelsea Petre
Director of Marketing
Our creative guru, managing Host Agency marketing and creative services for our Advisor Community.
Human Resources
John Knob
Senior Director of Culture
Nurturing a positive and inclusive company culture that promotes employee engagement and well-being.
Gail Bush
Director of Human Resources
Navigating the delicate nuances of people with a focus on recruiting, training, and employee experience.
Accounting
Dan Nielsen
Accounting Director
Lead the team in establishing, refining and following a full range of
accounting processes for the company’s various business units.
Technology
Michael Attaway
Director of Performance Solutions
Delivering innovative solutions through cutting-edge technology that enhances operational efficiency and maximizes profitability.
Core Values
Always, Always, Always... Be Respectful and Kind
Treat others like you want to be treated. Even better, get to know them so that you can treat them the way THEY want to be treated.
Rise above any situation and always behave in a manner that would make your parents and children proud.
Be Grateful for Every Opportunity
Gratitude is a mindset of "What has life gifted me?" The opposite of gratitude is entitlement, or "What does life owe me?"
We view our lot as a gift; in other words, we choose gratitude. Is life full of problems or opportunities?
The answer lies not in life but in our mindset. We choose to view every challenge as an opportunity.
Care from the Inside, Out
We must care for ourselves first so that we can truly care for others. The priority chain of caring starts with self, then family,
then colleagues, then clients and partners, and it extends to wherever we find opportunities to positively influence another life.
Do What You Say
Say what you'll do, and do what you say. We rely upon each other and trust that our word is our word.
It's okay to adjust a promise, but it's not okay to not keep one. No storm can shake our integrity.
Embrace the Journey
If we aren't good at something, we strive to be better, not because of a pursuit of perfection but because of our passion for progress.
Cadence Accolades
Cadence Travel is proud to be a Virtuoso Member, Endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide, and is a 2023 Best Places to Work SoCal Winner & San Diego Best Places to Work 2023 Winner
Cadence Cares
We are moved by the obligation to give back to our global community- and have been since day one.
Cadence Gives Back
Charities We Support
Throughout the years, we've actively participated in charities that are important to our community. In addition, we have donated on behalf of employee's charity of choice.
Almost Home Dog Rescue, Doylestown PA
ALS Association
American Red Cross
Animal Rescuers without Borders
Autism Speaks
California Coastal Cleanup Day
Camp Hope
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Research Center
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Friends of Israel Defense force
Frosted Faces
Home At Last Dog Rescue
Hope2K9 Pet Rescue
International Justice Mission
JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes
Jewish Family Service
JIT Foster Youth
Kevin Cain Foundation
Labs and More
Little Mensches – Lawrence Family JCC
Mizel Institue
Museum of Tolerance
Northshore Lifeguard Association
Operation Hope Vista
PAWSChicago
San Diego County Animal Shelter, Carlsbad CA
San Diego Food Bank
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego Music Foundation
Save the children Hurricane Maria Children’s Relief
Fund Humane Society
Simon Wiesenthal Center
Shakti Rising
St. Baldrick's Foundation
St. Jude
Susan G Koman race for the cure
The Cancer Couch Foundation
United Service Organization (USO)
Urban Angels
Vincent De Paul for the homeless
VIP Neuro Rehabilitation Center
World Wildlife Fund
Annual Give Back Initiatives:
Each year, we focus on one major charity to dedicate time and resources toward raising both awareness and funds.
2023: Spirit of Big Five Foundation, Awamaki
2022: Generate Hope, Walter Velasquez & Kipi Robotic Education Program
2021: Generate Hope
2020: Generate Hope
2019: Generate Hope, Global Giving for the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund
2018: Generate Hope, The American Red Cross for the CA Wildfire Fund
2017: ECPAT + GenerateHope
2016: Rady Children's Hospital
2015: CT20: Paying it Forward
2014: Rady Children's Hospital
2013: Make-A-Wish San Diego's Travel Ambassador for the year
2012: Tzell Travel Group Foundation for Hurricane Sandy victims
2011: St. Germaine's Children's Charity
2010: Jennifer Kutzner Breast Cancer Fundraiser (Independent Affiliate)
2009: San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation
2008: Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family