Brian,
Overall the trip was utterly fantastic. I travel a lot - especially to warm climates and
throughout the Caribbean. In the past 25 years, I have stayed at some of the finest hotels
and resorts throughout the world. As I hate the cold weather , I travel 3-4 times over
each winter seeking different destinations to pursue my passion of scuba diving. One would
say that I am well traveled as I have personally been on better than 85% of the
Caribbean's notable destinations.
On March 5, 2004, I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with SSPA, and
Brian. The trip was a business trip were I brought two other couples and my significant
other. We have traveled with these couples on a previous business trip, so we knew one
another. I was a bit apprehensive about going away with them because I wanted everything
to be perfect on this Dominican trip. But………This trip actually exceeded my expectations for many, many
reasons. First, the villa was fabulous, the interior was beautiful and well appointed and
the views were absolutely breathtaking. We all were content to just lounge by the
incredible pool and take in the scenery. The wait staff are personable and very friendly.
It was great to be called to breakfast, lunch and dinner without having to think about
reservations and what to order. The food was outstanding and we were exposed to excellent
local cuisine that would rival any gourmet restaurant. My guests and I continually
expressed how happy they were with the trip and mentioned on several occasions that no
other past vacation experience could measure the SSPA experience. I would strongly
recommend this trip to anyone who wants to go to a beautiful place and be pampered beyond
words. Pampered in beauty, elegance, dining, relaxation and overall carefree vacation that
is totally on automatic pilot from the time you arrive on the island. It is well worth the
money to experience luxury like most people have never had. You are adequately prepared by
the SSPA staff for the 60 minute ride from the airport depending on traffic. The airport
ride is overlooked when you consider the entire trip - which again, was one of the most
memorable vacation experiences I have ever known. I look forward to going back again.
Patrick J. Horan, CFP, ChFC
Managing Partner
Horan & Associates Financial Advisors, Ltd.
With its palatial villas
and well planned hospitality scene, SSPA Inc. has written a new chapter that truly
captures the charm of the Dominican. Add the majestic, oceanside golf course (Playa
Grande, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. creation) And the package doesn't get any better."
John Kunda
...Golf Pennsylvania/ Golf Northeast
Brian,
just a quick note to say, "thanks". We
can't remember a vacation we've enjoyed more...period. We've traveled to a
number of destinations over the past several years, Los Cabos, Jamaica,
Cancun, Cozumel, San Francisco, Las Vegas, St. Thomas, etc. All we can say is, the
accommodations at your villa were simply perfect, the food exquisite. The views from the
villa were spectacular. Your staff was fantastic. You grossly undersell your product, it
was more than we could have imagined. We can't think of any negatives outside of the rain
on Playa Grande Saturday but that's something you can't control or influence. Shari and I
are counting down the days until our next visit with you. You have hit a home run!
Again many many thanks for an outstanding five days of sheer enjoyment. Please
extend our thanks to your staff as they contributed immensely to making this trip so
pleasurable . Ramón was outstanding and so were the lovely senoritas. Thanks again.
We will be talking about this trip for months to come.
Jerry & Shari Wing
"Brian - The trip was second to none and I
wanted to thank you again for putting together a most memorable outing. It was great to
meet you and have you hang out with us for the weekend. Please pass on thanks to
Chris, Ramon and the entire staff, they were incredible. Look forward to the next trip to
the Dominican Rep!"
Zach Hines LandAmerica
OneStop
Vice President, Sales
"Brian, the trip was 1st class all the way and I cant
thank you enough. I would highly recommend the DR trip to anyone!"
Charlie Sweeney
"TRULY OUTSTANDING JOB!"Mark Anastasi
"Truly memorable Brian. It might be time
to retire because I just don't
think this one can be topped."
Mark Pastoret
"Brian - Now I know what it feel like to be a rock
star."
Len Accardi
"Brian, Thanks for everything. As a CEO & President, you
should know that
this trip, "EMPLOYEES", food, golf course & people exceeded all
expectations. I sincerely hope we see each other before our annual
trip. I am sure you feel the same Ha Ha"
Mike Managan
Hyperion Solutions
NorthEast Regional Sales Manager
"Brian - thanks for the
hospitality - it was truly amazing. I never in all my years can remember returning home
from a trip and feeling so relaxed. I felt as if I actually had a nice relaxing time , it
was simply invigorating. Usually the drill is
returning home stressed and needing a week off from the week off. This was
quite the opposite. I can't wait until we cross paths again.
Your friend forever!"
T.J. Kackle
Brian,
"I recently had to put a golf vacation together for some of
my closest friends. I have to admit I am truly indebted to you and your staff. I knew I
had made the correct choice of venue from the time the guys where "high-fiving"
me as we all entered the foyer of this huge magnificent villa for the first time to that
unbelievable party up on the mountain top, everything was perfect... I will be using your
service again and again for both business and pleasure. I would and will recommend
the SSPA experience to anyone and everyone!" Stephen Asman- President, The
Gustbuster Umbrella of Innovation Enterprises Ltd.
Brian,
"I would like to thank you for everything you did
for our group in the Dominican Republic. It was a great time, super place, top cook,
top driver, and of course all the time you spent showing us around. Much appreciated.
I will be glad to recommend the trip, send any prospects my way." Les
Fry- Chief Administration Officer, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Appreciation Statement
Brian Alan Shipley, the President & CEO of Sunshine Services
of Pennsylvania has shed "light" upon the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity
and has helped in the effort to raise over $155,000 for childcare scholarships in the year
2000. It gives me a good feeling to know that there are new companies in the Philadelphia
area that are making a commitment to both best business practice and in building
relationships with non profit organizations like the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity.
The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity hosts an annual event
called the Not-So-Black Tie Affair, to raise dollars for a childcare scholarship
endowment, which assists financially underserved families who live in the Philadelphia
area. Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania donated a round-trip vacation for two to this
event. The trip was auctioned off, raising $3,600.
This is an outstanding example of how businesses and non-profit
organizations can work together to build better communities in the Philadelphia area. I
embrace this generosity on behalf of financially underserved youth and their families and
I hope this measure of support from Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania will continue well
into the future.
D. Allan Shaffer, President YMCA of
Philadelphia & Vicinity
Brian,
PHENOMENAL!!
The trip
to the Dominican Republic surpassed all of our expectations. We had a great
time. We thank you for your personal attention to every detail which
allowed us to just relax and enjoy. Believe me, we will certainly pass the
word.
Kathy
Brandon - Executive Director MONTCO Chamber of Commerce
Budd Brandon - Vice President MONTCO Chamber of Commerce
Brian,
A group of us have recently returned from a four day excursion to
the Dominican Republic. Our host was Brian Shipley, President and CEO of Sunshine Services
of Pennsylvania. When we signed up for this trip, we had some concerns because of some of
the negative rumors we heard of this island country, but we decided to go ahead with the
plans. We are glad we did! Because of the meticulous pre-trip preparation on the
part of Brian, every detail of the necessities and luxuries was taken care of. The
accommodations were suburb. Catalonia Bavaro is new, clean, exciting, and very alive! The
choice of activities was endless, and the various dining possibilities were phenomenal.
Brian was the perfect host. He anticipated our needs and suggested new possibilities, but
never second-guessed our wants. His personal knowledge of the customs in the
Dominican Republic made it easy to enter and leave the country with no qualms.
For the golfing enthusiast, he is a real gem! He knows the game,
the courses and accommodations of the island, and how match your style with the right
package.
We would not hesitate to work with Brian again for more
"trips to Paradise."
Russell D. Diers, Jr. - Golf Enthusiast from
Jericho National Country Club of New Hope PA
Brian,
What can I say....Your firm really knows how to WOW the golfer.
The five days spent in the Dominican Republic experiencing your Executive Golf Package our
group has stated time and time again that it was the best golf vacation of our lives. I
have been on several golf outings in my 62 years, but this was something special! Your
firms attention to every detail will have me coming back over and over again! Golfing on
one oceanfront course is always special...But Three! With one more spectacular then the
last. Great job, I will certainly be bragging at my country club all summer! Recommending
they experience it themselves. Thanks again for a great trip!
John Spencer-President & CEO EMF Communications
Dear Mr. Shipley,
I received a check in the amount of
$2,500, the proceeds from the sponsorships made through the MONTCO Chamber's Business
Showcase held last week. Kathy has advised me that Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania was
on of the generous sponsors, and, on behalf of our entire board of directors, and
especially on behalf of the student, who will benefit, I wanted to express our sincerest
appreciation. Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania will also be listed as an individual
contributor sponsoring students from Montgomery county to attend our summer sessions in
July and August. All scholarship recipients wear the name of their particular sponsor
during the course of the program and are strongly encouraged to correspond with them
following graduation to report on what they learned.
On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to express our
sincerest appreciation for your commitment to joining that cause and for your dedication
to helping young people prepare for the bar of life.
Thank You again and I would like to wish you and your company a
most successful years to come
John J. Trombetta - Executive Director The
Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
Brian,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to express to you just how wonderful
my trip was. You did a marvelous job. I learned a lot, and had a really
great time. I will do everything I can to promote the idea of having a tour
event at Punta Cana. I think it is a great fit, and would work out well. I
truly believe that Jack and Bev have the same thoughts. I also feel there
are other areas that we can work together that could have a positive impact
on your business. Please feel free to use me as a source of reference. I
would be more than willing to express my confidence in you and your
capabilities to anyone. I look forward to working with you in the near
future, and If you think I can assist you in any way, please feel free to
contact me at any time.
Thanks again Brian for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Bob Maze
The Future Collegians World Tour (Junior Golf Tour)
Brian,
I'd like to thank you for putting together a fantastic vacation for
me. I had no idea that the Dominican Republic was such a beautiful place,
I'm surprised I hadn't considered it before. The hotels were unbelievable,
with great amenities and an extremely friendly staff. It was great that
whenever we had any questions, one of your staff was always on hand to
address the situation. Our dinner reservations, golf outing and fishing trip
went off like clockwork. No waiting, no problems, just a really great time.
If the courtesy and professionalism that you'd shown us is any indication of
what we can expect from Sunshine Services of PA, you can be sure that my
associates and I will be using your services in the future. Thanks again.
Les Risell
Customer Operations Manager
D&E Communications
Brian,
I recently traveled with a group of businessmen to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
The resort was opulent, the staff friendly and the beach beautiful. The numerous
activities kept us busy long into the night. I have stayed at all-inclusives before but
never with the variety of gourmet restaurants to choose from.This is an unbelievable
locale.
But that is not why I wanted to send you this note. I wanted to thank you and your staff
for easily coordinating the event. The representative of your staff with us during the
entire trip made things much easier. The hotel mistakenly lodged my partner and I in a
single room. Your staff contacted the front desk and within minutes we were assigned
a new room. Also, a member of our group accidently left his wallet in the van which
returned us to the airport. Your staff quickly contacted the ground transportation company
and the wallet was returned long before take-off.
It is this kind of personnal treatment and your company's attention to detail that I find
to be lacking with other tour providers. I look forward to traveling with you again and
will recommend your services to others.
Edward Monroe
President
The ITSP Group
Brian,
Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania has been a perfect addition to
the products and services I offer my golf audience. I've taken your trip to the Dominican
Republic and had one of the best vacations of my life. The price for everything was
all inclusive, including the plane fare to and from Philadelphia, first class food and
accommodations, great golf, at courses that included Pete Dye's "Teeth of the
Dog", and a lot more. Not once during my week there, did I need to go to my pocket
for cash. I loved that!
This year, I'm going to lead a Sunshine
Services of Pennsylvania golf trip to the Dominican for my magazine readers and my radio
and television audience. Sunshine Services of PA will also be one of the sponsors
of the "CORPORATE CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP", a tournament I'm running at
Commonwealth national CC in October; a team event to establish golf bragging rights for
area businesses. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic
Golf Association, a 20 year old organization, headed by Senior PGA legend Jay Sigel and
Temple University golf coach John McDonald, that is working toward building a golf center
in the Northeast for inner city kids who would normally never have the opportunity to play
golf. With the help of Sunshine Services of Pennsylvania and area business, that golf
center will be ready for area kids within the year.
Thanks for everything!
Mike Rose - Publisher Del Valley Golfers Guide/Radio
& TV Golf Show Host.
Brian,
Hey thanks for the great golf experience! My
viewers will love the accommodations and golf courses in the Dominican Republic. We had a
great time, I didn't realize how much of a plus it is to have a host who is very
knowledgeable of the island. The golf courses we played on were excellent. The fact that
everything is included and you made sure we were taken care of, made our stay even better.
I think you are on to something big here! As the golf courses mature I believe the Golfer
will want to take the easy 3 hour plane ride to the 80 degree weather to play on new and
exciting tracks. Keep up the good work and I will certainly be mentioning Sunshine
Services of Pennsylvania on PAR 97 every week! I look forward to
traveling with my audience every year in December!
Bud Pirollo- Golf TV Show Host PAR 97 on WWAC-53
every Friday night 8-9pm.
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