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Executive Team, Directors and General Managers
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BENJAMIN N. McPHERSON
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Benjamin N. McPherson, is the Treasurer of Historic Tours of America and has been employed in various positions with the Company since 1986. He, like our own children, grew up in the company. He began cleaning sponges as a young boy and worked his way into the accounting department after graduating from Florida State University. In 2002, he was appointed the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. McPherson is responsible for the Company’s Finance Department, Treasury Department, budgets, financial statements, tax returns, and procurement of institutional financing. For the past eight years, Ben has organized and produced Children’s Day, Historic Tours of America’s community event for children in Key West that raises thousands of dollars for children’s organizations. Ben is a member of the Florida Bar, as a non-of counsel member and was appointed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush to serve a three year term on the Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee for the 16th Judicial Circuit. Ben is also the treasurer of the the Key West Police Department Love Fund, which raises money to assist officers injured in the line of duty. |
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ED SWIFT IV
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Edwin O. Swift IV, is the Chief Operating Officer of Historic Tours of America. In this capacity he is responsible for the sightseeing tours and attractions of the company. Ed has been working for Historic Tours of America since he was 11-years-old starting as a summer stock boy. Filling multiple roles for the company over the last 20 years, he has worked in many areas including retail sales clerk, Fisherman’s Café waiter, ice cream parlor server, Conch Train sales representative, Key West Aquarium tour guide and Boston trolley conductor. He produced and acted in the first Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, and was assistant manager for HTA’s Cambridge Trolley Tours in Boston. Following this assignment, he was promoted to Head of Property Management in Key West and later took the position of Director of Property Development. He opened the St. Augustine Operation for HTA and was soon asked to oversee the Savannah Operation as a regional Director of Operations. He has enjoyed living and working for HTA in Key West, Savannah, Boston, and St. Augustine. |
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FREDDY M. VARELA
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Freddy M. Varela has been employed as the company’s controller since August 2001. As controller of the company, Mr. Varela is responsible for analyzing, interpreting, and controlling the company’s accounting and financial records. His duties cover all of the accounting functions of the company such as general accounting, budgeting and forecasting, accounting methods and procedures, taxes, and internal auditing. Mr. Varela also works closely with the independent accounting firm that performs the company’s annual audit. He is currently serving a four year term as a member of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Mr. Varela is also involved with Key West Little Conch Baseball as a baseball coach as well as serving as league president for 6 years. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Varela was a senior accountant for a public accounting firm in Key West for over 10 years. Mr. Varela graduated from Florida International University in August 1990 with a BA in accounting. |
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PIPER L. SMITH
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Piper L. Smith began her career with Historic Tours of America in 1983 working in the Conch Tour Train Ice Cream Parlor and Gift Shop while on breaks from college. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Advertising, she came back to work at the company’s newly created in-house marketing department as an assistant. While there, she noticed the fun the conductors had giving tours; so she became certified as a tour conductor on her weekends off, giving tours for nearly a year. In 1998 Piper was promoted to Vice President of Marketing for Historic Tours of America where she oversees all marketing aspects for the company. As an avid traveler, working for a company with operations in six fabulous destinations is a dream come true. “How many people get to play tourist as part of their jobs?” says Piper. “We are around people on vacation every day. How fun is that?” Piper is also actively involved in the community. She currently sits on the Monroe County Tourist Development Council District Advisory Committee, is a two-term past president of the Key West Attractions Association and is on the board of directors for the Tropic Cinema. She has been appointed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 16th Judicial Circuit for a third term. Piper has been a mentor in Big Brothers/Big Sisters for six years and served as its president. She currently is a mentor as part of Take Stock in Children. Her other passion besides travel are golden retrievers and she is a volunteer for Everglades Golden Retriever Rescue. |
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KEVIN BEEDE
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Kevin Beede, our Director of Internet Development, heads up Trusted Tours & Attractions, LLC (www.TrustedTours.com) and is responsible for the development and growth of Internet business operations for Historic Tours of America, Inc. His team is responsible for all aspects of e-commerce production and has built a highly successful online “e-Ticketing” sales and redemption system. Under Kevin’s guidance, the Internet department has grown the company’s online business to encompass ticket sales for over 500 tours, attractions and museums in 25 U.S. cities. His latest endeavor is to expand the current eTicket system to allow U.S. hotels, travel agents and tour operators to easily purchase and print tour and attraction eTickets for their guests and customers. |
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CHRISTIAN BELLAND
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Christian Belland is the Director of Sales, Marketing and Vendor Support for Trusted Tours and Attractions. A graduate of Stetson University's School of Business, Christian joined Historic Tours of America in 1992. Over the course of his employment at Historic Tours of America, Christian has experience having worked in many of the company’s departments. His tenure with HTA includes front-line retail and concession sales positions, ticket seller for the Conch Tour Train and the Old Town Trolley Tours and has been a tour conductor for Old Town Trolley Tours in both Key West and Boston. Christian served as the Directing Manager for the Yankee Freedom III - Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Schooner Western Union, Schooner America and the Heritage Harbor Tour. Christian has been involved with Historic Tours of America's ticketing sales through Trusted Tours and Attractions from the beginning and has assisted in the development of the Online Vendor Program. |
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LAYFIELD LONG
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Layfield Long joined our cast as Chief Information Officer in 2002. He is directly responsible for providing strategic technology vision and direction for HTA Networks. Working closely with the Chief Operations Officer, he ensures technology is implemented with a direct understanding of how it will benefit the company’s overall operations. Mr. Long worked 32 years for BellSouth Telecommunication Company at the headquarter level in various management positions where he was responsible for planning, design and implementation of communication networks for internal and external customers. Mr. Long holds a degree in Communication and Industrial Engineering with a Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. He is a 32 degree member of the Masonic Lodge in Key West and is also a Shriner. Layfield grew up in Key West and enjoys taking his out of town friends on the Conch Train, Trolley and to the Aquarium. He is an avid diver, fisherman and outdoors man. “I enjoy being part of a team that provides our guests with exceptional quality attractions and tours.” |
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WILLIAM V. MEAGHER III
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William V. Meagher III joined our cast as Director of Risk Management and Insurance in 2007. He oversees the Company’s Risk Management operations which include assessment and analysis, insurance procurement, risk treatment, loss control, safety and claims management. Bill brings with him over 20 years of property and casualty insurance experience and served as a corporate underwriting executive for a major U.S. insurer. In addition, Bill has been involved in sales, marketing and training and has also owned several businesses of his own, including a catering business and two restaurants. “When I left the cold, ice and snow behind in Chicago and came to Key West I thought I had also said goodbye to the insurance business. Not to be!!! I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join HTA and be part of an organization that knows how to have fun.” |
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JOANNA HUESTIS
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Joanna comes to HTA from the Tampa Bay area where she had over 15 years of corporate human resources experience. Most recently, Joanna handled Human Resources for 300 people in a large financial call center. She also has HR experience in the rental car industry, the medical field, and retail management.
As a graduate of the University of South Florida, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with an emphasis on public speaking and Performing Arts. Joanna also holds the certification of “Senior Professional in Human Resources” from the HR Certification Institute. She is a member of the National Society for Human Resource Management and has recently joined the local Florida Keys Chapter.
During her free time, you will find Joanna and her husband on their boat, “Salty Paws” enjoying the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys. |
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MONTGOMERY “MONTE” TRIZ
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Montgomery “Monte” Triz is National Director of Art Design for Historic Tours of America, Inc. He designs retail stores and backdrop sets for attractions, among other things. A professional artist by training, Triz employs his full range of skills in the development of HTA stores and attractions, including concept illustration, model making, sculpture, and scenic painting. His 25 years of professional experience includes creating stage sets for movie studios in Hollywood as an art director and design work for Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida. He has also worked for Fox/Viacom and the Walter Hill Company. Triz’s lively approaches to illustrations, story boards and architectural rendering are an integral part of the HTA creative process in the development of museums, attractions, retail spaces, and background sets. His lifelike sculptures, known as Montemen, can be seen at HTA attractions and in theme parks across the country, and his art hangs in studios, private collections and galleries throughout Florida. |
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BOB BERNREUTER
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Bob Bernreuter is the National Sales Manager and Director of Guest Relations. Bob lives in Key West, Florida, with his wife Iris. Both are 1968 graduates of Florida State University where Bob received a degree in speech and drama. He is a seventh generation “conch” - Key West High School class of “64”. Bob returned to Key West after serving ten years in the U.S. Air Force - his last three years as Chief Instructor Pilot, Robins AFB, GA. He had three tours over Vietnam where he flew 72 combat missions in the KC-135. He began his employment with Key West Old Town Trolley as GM in 1984, including the Conch Tour Train in 1986, and with the opening of trolley operations in Miami and Miami Beach, became Southeast Regional Manager in 1988. In 1985, Historic Tours of America was formed and Bob designed the company’s national logo. In 1989, he became Vice President of Operations for HTA, serving in that position until 1992, when he left to take over his family restaurant, The Deli, in Key West. In 2006, He founded Key West Publishing, LLC and has published three children’s books, including one of his own, The Gift. |
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ROD LaBRANCHE
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Rod is the Director of Travel Industry Sales for Historic Tours of America and oversees the wholesale and group sales market. Rod was born and raised in Concord, New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire and then moved to San Diego. He worked a summer job at SeaWorld of California then got a job as a Concierge at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina and was there for 9 years. He was also the President of the San Diego Concierge Association for two years during that time. He was then stolen away from the Sheraton and became the Hotel Vendor Rep for Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego. Several years later, he was promoted to Director of Sales overseeing all aspects of the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours and SEAL Tours sales department. In addition to those duties, Rod was recently promoted to Director of Travel Industry Sales overseeing the wholesale market for all of Historic Tours of America. Rod is also currently the Secretary of the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Board of Directors. He enjoys the beach, traveling, going to the gym, hanging with friends and loves to cook. Rod has been with HTA for 14 years. |
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LINDA TEST
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Linda Test joined HTA in 1999 with an extensive background in travel after a long tenure with ComAir Airlines. Linda was the first general manager of Bone Island Shuttle in Key West and in 2001 was promoted to general manager of Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West. In 2005 she was made Director of Key West Operations, and oversees the operations of both the Old Town Trolley and the Conch Tour Train and a staff of 100. “I grew up in Minnesota, “ says Linda. “Every day I get to be outside working in Key West with a great group of people who have fun in their work.” A two term past president of the Key West Attractions Association, Linda has served on its board for the last seven years. She is a graduate of the Key West Ambassadors. In her spare time, Linda recently completed her MBA from Regis University. Linda and her husband Glenn are avid boaters and raise Cane Corso dogs. |
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MATTHEW MURPHY
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Matthew Murphy is proud of his 15+ years’ service to the company, including the last eight years as General Manager of the Boston operation. Matthew comes from a music and theater background, having studied voice at the Juilliard School in New York City, and attaining his music degrees at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. In fact, Matthew started with the company in 1993 as a tour conductor, thinking it would be a fun “summer job” while working his way through music school. Matthew still finds time for performing; he is a member of the chorus of the Handel & Haydn Society, a professional chorus and orchestra that is one of the oldest continuously performing arts organizations in the U. S., established in 1815. He is also a writer, and an avid reader of fiction, poetry, and history. Matthew spent two years as National Training Director for Historic Tours of America, and then transitioned in 2001 to the position of General Manager. “I still believe passionately in our mission and in the value of what we do,” Matthew says. “Every day each one of us has the opportunity to inspire, educate, and entertain.” |
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CHARLIE BRAZIL
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Charlie Brazil has worked for Historic Tours of America (HTA) / Old Town Trolley Tours (OTT) for over 12 years in four different cities. He started in the Management Training Program in San Diego, then transferred to the Key West and Boston operations before being asked to take his current General Manager position in the Savannah Operation. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree from Hofstra University in Political Science with a concentration in Literature and a JD (Law) from California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA. Charlie is extremely involved in the leadership ranks with a number of organizations dedicated to the protection, service and support of the city of Savannah and its hospitality / tourism industry. He enjoys the variety experience in his position and with OTT, and getting the chance to “greet new guests from all over the world, every day.” He takes great pride in working for an operation that was once the smallest in the HTA nation, and has grown to carry more guests than any other operation in the company. In his spare time, Charlie enjoys travel, time spent outdoors, gardening, music, and time with his family, including the newest addition, his boy – Holden, born in February of 2008. |
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DAVID THORNTON
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David Thornton began his career with Old Town Trolley Tours as the operation manager of the Old Town Market retail division and property leasing. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1981 with a degree in advertising, David moved to Dallas Texas and began a career in retail operations with Mervyn’s Department store. After 12 years of Mervyn’s, 10 different stores, and 5 different states, David joined the Hewlett Packard Corporation working in Corvallis, Oregon. David’s career focused in the area of training and new hire orientation. After the dot.com crash of 2001, David moved to what is known as ‘America’s finest city’, San Diego. There he joined Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego, Old Town Market, and began his new career back into retail operations, but now with a focus on tourism hospitality. In 2008, David was promoted to General Manager of all San Diego operations, Old Town Trolley & SEAL tours and the Old Town Market. “What better way to work than with people who are on vacation in America’s Finest city, San Diego!” David is involved in community events such as Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo, Fiesta Navidad, Old Town Planning committee and the St. Vincent DePaul family & children’s division. David has also volunteered with the San Diego Big Bay clean-up project and other community events. |
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DAVID CHATTERTON
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David Chatterton is the General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours of St.
Augustine. He started his hospitality career in St. Augustine in the
early 1990's. He joined HTA in 2003 as Savannah's Operations Manager.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Dave considers St. Augustine his
hometown, and eventually returned as Operations Manager in 2007. In
2009, he was promoted to General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours of
St. Augustine, the Authentic Old Jail and the St. Augustine History
Museum. To make this operation the best it can be, Dave continually
seeks innovative ways to insure guest satisfaction, maximize sales and
attract CASTmembers that happily perform in keeping with HTA philosophy. |
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JERRY MILLER
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Jerry Miller is the General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours and DC Ducks of Washington DC. In this capacity, he oversees all facets of planning and operations for these two busy companies.
Prior to joining the Historic Tours of America family, Jerry was National Director of Operations for Premier Exhibitions, Inc., overseeing the daily operations of 22 permanent and touring entertainment exhibitions. He has also held managerial positions in human resources, warehousing/logistics and accounting/finance in the exhibit/tradeshow, computer repair/maintenance and computer sale/resale industries. Jerry received his B.S. in Business Operations from DeVry University.
“What better place to be in the hospitality business than in our nation’s capital, Washington DC,” he says, “and every day I get the privilege of sharing our country’s rich history with guests from all over the world.”
Born and raised in Centralia, Illinois, Jerry has also lived in St. Paul, Minnesota and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Orlando and St. Augustine, Florida. He now resides in the DC area with his son, Joshua. |
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BOB WOLZ
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Bob Wolz was born and raised in eastern Ohio. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in history and a minor in business. He first came to Key West on his honeymoon in 1973 and decided not to relocate into one of the many $10,000 Key West homes. Five additional vacations to Key West converted him from snowbird to sea dog and he permanently moved here in 1985 with a real estate license and a state job at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. He was often accused of working for the Chamber of Commerce because his love for Key West was infectious. Six months later, he came to Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West working as tour conductor, scheduler, trainer and operations manager. In 1987, Bob was named General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours. Under his leadership at the trolley, profitability and CASTmember retention increased. In 1994, he accepted the challenge to create an interactive nautical history museum known as the Key West Shipwreck Historeum. In the fall of 1999, he accepted the position of Executive Director of the Harry S. Truman Little White House State Historic Site. The Little White House is owned by the state of Florida, but has management services provided by HTA. In 2002, Bob created a not for profit corporation whose purpose is to expand the educational outreach of the Little White House and to complete the restoration of the 9,000 square foot historic house. Over $1,000,000 has been raised to date for the restoration. Bob was a founding force and continues to organize the Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium, a national recognized educational conference, now in its seventh year. Bob has co-authored or edited several books including The Legacy of the Little White House: Presidents in Paradise; The National Security Legacy of Harry S. Truman and Harry S. Truman’s Legacy on Israel. His writings have appeared in Florida Art and History Magazine and in American Political Science Review.
Bob has served on the board of directors and secretary of the Key West Attractions Association for eight years. He is a Boy Scout leader and both his sons earned the position of Eagle Scout. He has been awarded the District Award of Merit, the highest award from a District and Silver Beaver Award, the highest award from a Council. He holds the position of Order of the Arrow advisor for the Florida Keys and was honored to receive the Vigil Honor. He was presented with the Order of St. George, the adult religious award from the Boy Scouts and Catholic Church. He has a regular column on collecting Civil War badges in The Banner, national publication of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He has served as the Ohio Department Commander and as its Senior Vice Commander in Chief. Bob is also the first recipient of Historic Tours of America’s ESP Hero award, the company’s highest honor, which he received in 1987. |
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SHAWN P. FORD
Shawn P. Ford is the Executive Director and Vice President of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Previously, Shawn was Vice President of International and Domestic Sales. Says Shawn, "I have the best job in the world (and I am very sincere about that statement); I have been with HTA for over 22 years (here's the part when you're supposed to say… YOU SURE DON'T LOOK THAT OLD!)". Shawn started his career with the company as a tour conductor with Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston. "It has been a tremendous 22 years. I have had the opportunity to represent this company at hundreds of trade shows and sales missions, served on many board of directors both locally and nationally over the years. I can honestly say that I have never ever had 'a typical work day' here at HTA and that the entire cast and crew are certainly NOT your 'typical company employees'". Shawn is a past president of the Boston chapter of SKAL.
"Outside of Historic Tour of America, I enjoy great cooking, great food, great wine and most importantly great friends and company. I have been blessed to have been with my partner for 17 years, who just happens to be the greatest human being in the world, and the smartest guy in the world because he has decided to be with me. Our boys Dalton and Cody (two cocker spaniels) are the joy of our lives , who enjoy spending their summers on Cape Cod National Seashore ( who says "it's a dogs life out there") swimming, chasing sea gulls and digging for clams." |
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CLINTON CURRY
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Clinton Curry is a 7th generation “Conch”, or native Key Wester. He enjoys celebrating his heritage at local festivals, having won the island’s world famous conch shell blowing contest multiple times and making what many claim to be the best key lime pie on the island. Clinton’s father, Greg Curry, was one of the first employees of HTA in 1982 and Clinton began working for the company at a young age. Starting at the Old Fisherman’s Café in Mallory Square he moved to the Key West Aquarium in 1992 and eventually acted as its assistant Curator for 4 years. It was while working at the aquarium that Clinton met his wife Julie. They were married in 2001 at the Harry S. Truman Little White House. In 2004, Clinton accepted the position of General Manager of the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum (formerly the Key West Shipwreck Historeum) - a museum with a strong personal connection as the Curry family participated in the business of shipwreck salvage since their arrival in Key West in the 1840’s. In 2006, Clinton developed the Historic Key West Walking Tour, providing a comprehensive overview of the island’s history for HTA’s guests. Clinton has been a board member and officer of the Key West Attractions Association and also completed training as an Ambassador for the City of Key West, which he has since combined with his interest in cycling. An avid cyclist and member of Key West’s Bicycle Action Committee, he enjoys acting as an unofficial ambassador of Key West and the Conch Republic while traveling to other cities, states and countries. In his own words, what he enjoys most about living in Key West and working for HTA is “the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn from them while sharing the history of our city.” |
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TERRY A. STRICKLAND
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Terry A. Strickland and his wife had previous “lives” in the high-tech industry and like many of their co-workers dreamed of escaping Silicon Valley and moving to the tropics. In 2000, they decided to make the dream come true, sold everything and bought an RV. After two years of traveling they finally made it to the end of the road and moved onto Key West. Semi-retirement eventually had to end so Terry took the job for which all his friends told him his personality was perfect: driving the Conch Tour Train. He found this an excellent learning experience in the subtle arts of verbal storytelling and defensive driving. After a dip back into technology as sales and marketing manager for an internet company, Terry returned to the tourism industry, joining the Yankee Freedom III as Sales Manager in March of 2008. In March of 2009 he assumed the General Manager role for the shoreside operations of the company. “The entire Yankee Freedom III team has a good sense of the responsibility we shoulder for providing visitors with a safe, fun, and educational trips to the Dry Tortugas,” Terry points out. “Every one of us is proud to be part of their experience of such a unique and important place.” Terry has found that volunteerism is actually the most popular sport in the Keys and is an active participant, having served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President for the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors for the Florida Keys chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, on marketing committees for the Key West Business Guild and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway Alliance and as Vice President for the Key West Attractions Association. He also does free-lance writing and a lot of informal tour directing for the steady stream of house guests who want to see if “giving it all up” was really worth it. “We usually take them out on our boat for an afternoon lounging in the warm water on a backcountry sandbar,” Terry notes. “Once they are sighing in relaxation we ask them what they would be doing back home - that pretty much answers their question." |
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