CruCon Cruise Outlet, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough, N.H., could be considered a mini-Google as far as the amenities it provides to employees. With a move to its new headquarters in 2014, the company now offers a state-of-the art gym; a gourmet kitchen with a chef serving free breakfast, lunch and dinner; a professionally staffed day care center open early mornings through evenings; and even a zen room for destressing.
It’s a long way from the basement of CEO Sandra Cleary’s mother’s house, where the business started in 1995. Deborah Adams, executive vice president, said, “Sandy and her sister were working out of the basement. They went up to the kitchen to toast a Pop-Tart and went back downstairs to make a phone call. The Pop-Tart started a fire, and Sandy’s mom said they had to find office space. That’s how it all began."
With a background as an engineer in the space program, according to Adams, Cleary moved back home from California to be with her family and, with familiarity with the early Internet, she decided travel would be a natural choice for online commerce. “She loved to travel,” said Adams, “and would go on three-day cruises in California. Her brother always told her that if you love what you do you will be successful at it."
Cleary had dabbled in selling travel in California under the name Cruise Connection. When she started her new company in New Hampshire, she found that name was already in use, so she came up with CruCon Cruise Outlet and a tagline, “Cruise With Confidence.”
CruCon Cruise Outlet is No. 57 on the 2015 Travel Weekly Power List.
The company grew nicely over the years with a near total focus on cruising. In 2004, the agency rented space in an office plaza before purchasing the land across the street a couple of years ago for the new building. “We had 108 employees and no room for any more,” said Royal Ahmadi, senior vice president. “Our new building is 30,000 square feet and can hold 250 people. We are interviewing people now so we can add to our staff and all the amenities make us a draw for potential associates from all over the region."
After many years of specializing in cruising, CruCon is branching out to land tours such as a safari through Globus; and Hawaii. “It was in response to client demand,” said Ahmadi. “Some years they just don’t feel like going on a cruise, so we wanted to have options for them. We don’t want those clients to go elsewhere. We are not just jumping into it but will add one thing at a time and do it well."
CruCon Cruise Outlet does all of its business online and has “a diverse clientele located all over the country,” Ahmadi said. The company aims to do everything in-house which, Ahmadi said, “gives us the maximum of control. If a client has a question, we are all here and can help. We do all customer service and sales right in this office.”
View CruCon Cruise Outlet's entry in the 2015 Power List.