People

Bruce Turkel CEO / ECD

What drew Bruce Turkel, one of advertising’s most original and multi-faceted minds, to the industry in the first place? Simple: “I don’t play harmonica all that well.” Born and raised on Miami Beach (which was like being in Flipper), Bruce studied design at the University of Florida (which was like being in Animal House) and began his advertising career in New York (which was like being in Brazil, the movie, not the country). But preferring a tan to an ulcer, he returned to South Florida, where he served time at several agencies before starting the award winning design and advertising firm TURKEL. Built on the belief that advertising should be well-designed, simple to comprehend and fun, the company continues to break new ground with innovative work honored by Communication Arts, the Art Directors’ Club of New York, Clio and the One Show as well as other accolades too numerous to list here. Under Bruce’s guidance, TURKEL has created wildly effective campaigns for its clients, including Miami tourism, Discovery Channel, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, HBO Latin America, Peabody Hotels, Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau, Canyon Ranch Living and Sol Meliá Hotels. When he’s not creating advertising or design, he’s sharing his wisdom in places like CNN, MIT, NAMM, MPI, UM, NSA and the three books he’s authored. Yet somehow Bruce always finds time for more – besides writing and illustrating books and articles on branding, practicing his harmonica in traffic, being a dad, a husband and a mentor, Bruce is a professional speaker and branding expert. He tours extensively, spellbinding audiences with his simple, yet powerful brand building techniques. And at TURKEL, Bruce’s legendary branding knowledge and leadership skills guide us as We Move People in the travel and tourism industry.

Roberto Schaps President

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world and see many incredible things. So, I find it impossible to pick one location as my favorite. Instead, I’ll tell you about a place in Central America that I find astonishing and special. It’s Antigua Guatemala – a small colonial town nestled in a valley at the foot of the Auga volcano. Less than an hour outside Guatemala City, Antigua still holds its original colonial buildings, homes and cobblestone streets. Rumor has it that the Gravilea trees that line the streets give out a scent that relaxes you. Take a siesta in style and spend the night at the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, a five-star property built in a monastery. Read a book in Central Park while having your shoes shined for only 50 cents. Get lunch at Caffe Mediterraneo behind the city hall. The daily lunch menu has only three dishes, so get the combination platter and try them all.