“Richard was a natural choice to help lead the DCA,” said DCA President Adam Wegner. “His depth of experience in the destination club industry and commitment to member satisfaction is highly regarded. Private Escapes three clubs are the ideal model of responsible growth, so it is only fitting we choose their leader to help direct the DCA."
Founded in late 2005 and officially incorporated on June 28, 2006, the DCA is comprised of six leading destination clubs: Private Escapes; Exclusive Resorts; Quintess, Catch the Dream; High Country Club; Ultimate Resort and Parallel. Currently, the DCA implements a self-policing set of Best Practices, adopted by all members, which serve as a standard for ensuring the best possible consumer experience. In addition, the DCA is currently working on drafting industry legislation. “The value of the DCA is immeasurable as we create meaningful consumer protection to regulate this growing sector while educating current and prospective members about the benefits of the destination club lifestyle,” said Keith. "The DCA has been in the works for more than a year, and Im eager to promote these initiatives, ensuring all clubs are responsible to their members. Full financial disclosure and steady growth is of the utmost importance to the future of this sector—were setting the bar early.”
A successful entrepreneur, Richard Keith adds Private Escapes to a growing portfolio of successful start-up companies he has launched over the past 15 years. Keith started AppleOne Employment Services of Colorado, recognized in 1991 by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing companies. In just five years, Keith sold the company to Corestaff Services and co-founded a second start-up company, Center Partners, Inc., a call center business. In 1999, Center Partners sold to the London-based WPP Group. Keith was recognized as the Rocky Mountain Region Entrepreneur of the Year in Northern Colorado in 1992 for his work with AppleOne and was awarded the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Services Category in 2002 for Center Partners. He was also one of three finalists for the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
In 2003 Private Escapes Destination Clubs was born and Keith was credited with creating the first affordable destination club, Private Escapes Premiere. In August 2004, Keith and his team launched another revolutionary product in the destination travel club industry, Private Escapes Platinum, the first and only destination club to offer its members annual club credits based on the resort real estate portfolios appreciation. Private Escapes Pinnacle recently launched and offers the next logical step in offering members a selection of membership levels that best suit their needs. The newest membership tier combines the best attributes of both clubs to offer virtually unlimited travel to the finest boutique resort residences, incomparable concierge service and extraordinary benefits.
About Private Escapes Destination Clubs
Incorporated in October 2003, Private Escapes Destination Clubs includes independently owned and operated affiliates Private Escapes Premiere, Private Escapes Platinum and Private Escapes Pinnacle. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, each club will ultimately own up to 70 properties in 25 destinations worldwide, and plans to membership at 400 each. A 2005 study conducted by independent, third party research firm PeopleMetrics identified overall member satisfaction for Private Escapes Destination Clubs as “world class”, citing 96 percent ratings in the categories of satisfaction, advocacy and retention. For more information on Private Escapes Destination Clubs, contact 866.536.4700 or visit www.privateescapes.com. For media
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