Paul Largay and Amanda Klimak

Since we profiled Largay Travel for our August 2010 issue, it’s nearly doubled its annual revenue, which is expected to surpass $40 million this year. We’d say that’s likely in large part to the fact that it hasn’t sacrificed the philosophies and professionalism that the company was built on 47 years ago. “Although we said goodbye to our dear friend and founder, Uncle Roland [Largay], we have continued to celebrate his spirit and life with Flat Roland and by never surrendering our humanity or humor for the sake of a dollar,” says Amanda Klimak, the president of the agency, a member of Virtuoso and a branch of the Tzell Travel group. “We believe that by treating our employees, clients, affiliates and supplier partners with dignity and respect, we can all hold hands and laugh all the way to the bank.”

In addition, Largay Travel, based in Waterbury, CT, has been expanding the geographic footprint of its independent contractor network, which has grown from 10 to 50 since 2000. It’s also developed an in-house mentoring educational program to train those professionals looking for a second career in travel.

August 2010
 
August 2010

High touch service continues to be Largay’s mantra and that goes for both its clients and independent contractors. “We truly believe relationships are everything,” says Klimak.

The latest over-the-top itinerary for the agency was actually planned for CEO Paul Largay’s son, who recently got married and honeymooned in Dubai and the Maldives. The couple flew Emirates business class, were picked up in a Rolls Royce and taken to a suite at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Then it was off to the Maldives for eight nights in an over-the-water bungalow at the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and Vittaveli. After the rest and relaxation portion of the trip, they went back to Dubai, to the Al Maha, complete with camel riding, dune bashing and falconry. They finished off their dream honeymoon at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, complete with private car and driver to take them snowboarding, to the gold and spice souk, scuba diving in the aquarium; they finished with dinner at top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Largay senior management is doing its own share of travel. Paul Largay just took a group to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and on a biking trip in Croatia. He also rode as an honor guard on five legs of the Tour De France. His recent stay at The Montage Deer Valley is clearly “the way God intended me to live.” “The room product, impeccable service and the self-contained setting doesn’t get any better than this,” he tells Luxury Travel Advisor.

Klimak is just back from Tibet, following the Virtuoso Overseas Symposium in Hong Kong, as well as a visit to Chengdu to see the Giant Pandas. Her most recent hotel visit was just 10 minutes from her home, to Winvian in Morris, CT, which she calls a “complete gem. The area and atmosphere are truly spectacular and the rooms are whimsical and fun. This resort is a must see for those wanting a truly New England adventure.”

On the personal front, Klimak is engaged and will marry Gary Parent this fall. Paul Largay’s 28-year-old son, Scott, has joined Largay Travel; he represents the third generation in the history of the organization.