It is with great excitement that we introduce to you, our CVB family, our new director, Mr. Brad Van Dommelen! Mr. Van Dommelen comes to us from Traverse City, Michigan where he was the president of the Traverse City CVB (Traverse City Tourism). Under his leadership, the Traverse City Tourism organization received the “Best CVB in Michigan” award by the readers of Michigan Meetings & Events magazine an unprecedented six out of the last seven years. He has worked in the hospitality industry throughout his career and has considerable expertise in management, sales, research and analysis to drive growth and development in the convention and tourism industries.
Let’s get to know him a little better:
Do you have any children, a significant other, siblings, or pets?
We (my wife Doreen and I) have three children – 2 girls and a boy. Jamie is my oldest daughter who got married last June and lives in metro Detroit. Both her and her husband, Eric, are CPAs. Our son, Derek, also lives in metro Detroit and works as an engineer for Ford. Our youngest daughter, Kaylee, is in her first year of medical school at the Univ. of Miami Miller School of Medicine. So moving to VB puts us between the two in Detroit and the one in Miami. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have any pets. We had a dog, Cody, but sadly had to put him to rest last July after 15 1/2 years of being a fantastic companion.
What is your all-time best Halloween costume?
I’m not sure I ever had a “best” Halloween costume but perhaps my most spontaneous one was when I lived in Aspen and we were following an Aspen tradition of going door to door “adult trick or treating” with an empty glass and I didn’t have a costume so I wrapped myself completely in aluminum foil and went as “foil man”. I don’t recommend it – there is a reason aluminum foil is used for baking.
How do you relax and recharge?
Relaxation for me is participating in a fun outdoor activity such as cycling on either my mountain or road bike, kayaking, golfing, playing Frisbee on the beach or going for a ride on my Harley to discover new places. I’m not much for sitting around.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
As far as an actor to play me in a movie – I had to consult with my wife on that one and she picked Tom Hanks. I’m not sure why, but I’m going with it.
Have you ever played any musical instruments?
With regards to music – not my strong suit. As a kid I had attempts at piano and the trumpet and neither stuck. Later in life I’ve taken up the guitar – and still working on it.
What is your favorite food or drink?
For a favorite food – it’s pretty much whatever is put in front of me. I love to try new food and have a very diverse palate. I am really looking forward to enjoying some east coast seafood.
What is the first live concert you can remember seeing?
The earliest concert I can remember attending is the early Rock & Roll band of Sha Na Na. Now that’s a throwback.
Who is your favorite sports figure ever?
I would have to pick Muhammad Ali as my favorite sports figure. He had incredible skill and was always ready to entertain. His interviews with Howard Cosell have to be among the best in history.
What is your favorite place that you have vacationed?
My favorite vacation was a Mediterranean cruise that we took with stops in Sicily, Greece, Turkey and Crete and then spent 5 days in Rome afterwards. The history, architecture and beauty of that part of world amazed me. My wife kept making fun of me as I kept taking pictures of the mosaic tile floors in the incredible cathedrals.
What is one piece of advice you would give others about life?
My piece of advise on life is to live, love and be loved. Pretty simple – but it works.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Van Dommelen to Virginia Beach!
PHOTO: Recent snow storm from the Van Dommelen’s backyard, in Michigan.
Love this.
Brad, Welcome to Virginia Beach! The Visitor Information Center Team looks forward to working with you