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In 1958, George Brownell addressed the Birmingham Rotary Club to share his perspective on the future of vacation travel. More than six decades later, that conversation continues — shaped by new generations, new travelers, and a changing world.
In January 2026, Brownell’s Chairman and CEO, Troy Haas, returned to the Birmingham Rotary Club to reflect on how the travel industry has evolved and how Brownell has grown alongside it. From the firm’s planning philosophy and advisor-driven model to the programs and trends defining travel today, his remarks offered both a look back at Brownell’s legacy and a clear vision for what lies ahead.
While the industry continues to change, Brownell’s commitment to curiosity, expertise, and doing things the right way remains constant. Watch the full speech and explore how our past continues to inform our future.
Brownell Archives
Brownell’s story begins in 1887, at a time when leisure travel was still a novelty. From the start, Brownell approached travel not as a transaction, but as a thoughtfully crafted experience, built on expertise, relationships, and a deep understanding of how people want to explore the world. That early commitment to curiosity and service set the foundation for what Brownell is today.
Over the decades, Brownell has grown alongside the industry while remaining intentionally boutique in spirit. Generations of advisors have carried forward the same philosophy: that exceptional travel is enriching. Today, Brownell’s legacy lives on through its advisors, programs, and partnerships — proof that while travel may evolve, the value of experience, trust, and thoughtful planning endures.
Our advisors aren’t simply successful – they make four times the industry average. We have spent decades building and cultivating relationships with the best travel providers, creating Hosting, Startup, and Catalyst programs that work, and our advisors greatly benefit from the Brownell name’s incredible brand power.