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Published: July 04 2015

CORAL SPRINGS, FL -- Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the industry, announced today that Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations, Brian Shultz was awarded the 40 Under 40 Award from South Florida Business Journal.

Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz Wins 40 Under 40 Award from South Florida Business JournalShultz has been with Cruise Planners for more than five years, and in that time, he has moved from Director of Technology, to Vice President to Executive Vice President. His latest role includes more of an overarching leadership role tapping into his pragmatic, strategic and forward-thinking skills.

“Brian is a technology powerhouse and we are lucky to have him at Cruise Planners,” said Vicky Garcia COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel representative. “He leads our strong technology team, which is at the core of what we do at Cruise Planners to support our more than 1,000 franchise owners.”

The South Florida Business Journal judges were very impressed with Shultz’s civic involvement as well. He developed a video game application, which was made available for iOS mobile phones through the Apple Store to help raise money to combat childhood cancer. All the proceeds from that app go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which was inspired by a family friend who was diagnosed with childhood cancer.

“We are proud that Brian is being recognized for the good he is doing within the community as well as at Cruise Planners,” Garcia said.

South Florida Business Journal honored Shultz along with other finalists at a luncheon at Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. The 40 Under 40 Awards is focused around leadership as well as on community contributions.

“Thanks to Brian’s innovation, Cruise Planners franchise owners use the most advanced reservation management and CRM tool in the industry,” Garcia said. “Our franchisees are supported by the best technology tools and programs to manage their businesses and to capitalize on the power of online technology to reach more customers.”

About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative 
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry. Cruise Planners operates a network of more than 1,000 franchise owners who independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients. The Florida-based Home Office team positions franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives. The company continues to be lauded and has been named the No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur for 12 consecutive years. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology and named to the Fast 50 by the South Florida Business Journal.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla. with more than 20 years of experience, Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include numerous Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly for the past six years, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for 11 consecutive years (2004 – 2014), Silver Stevie Award for Management Team of the Year (2014), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International President’s Award for Overall Achievement (2012 and 2014), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2013), Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2014), Celebrity Cruises Home-Based Account of the Year (2013-2014) and Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Best of the Best Globe Award (2008 – 2014), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009- 2014), Platinum Member of the 500 Club for Sales Excellence (2014), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012), Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Top Producer (2008-2014) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer. Cruise Planners is one of the Top 50 franchises for Veterans according to GI magazine, the Top Franchise Brand for Veterans according to Franchise Business Review, has been named one of the Top 25 franchises for African-Americans by Black Enterprise magazine and is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. For more information, visit www.cruiseplanners.com.

Stay in Touch: Media can stay up-to-date with Cruise Planners by visiting our media room, following us on Twitter @Cruisitude or on Facebook. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should locate a travel advisor near them. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit our franchise site.