In the dynamic world of startups, few stories capture the essence of growth and transition quite like that of Ben Knosby and his journey with Lucid Travel. Founded in 2017, Lucid Travel carved its niche within the travel industry by offering innovative software solutions tailored for university sports teams and student organizations. However, when the global pandemic struck, Knosby pivoted the company’s focus towards youth sports tournaments and events. This strategic shift not only propelled Lucid Travel to a 100% year-over-year growth from 2020 to 2023 but also set the stage for its acquisition by HotelPlanner in August 2023.
From Startup to Scaleup
Under Knosby’s leadership, Lucid Travel blossomed from a fledgling startup into a robust enterprise, boasting a dedicated team of over 20 employees. This period of rapid growth was marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients. The acquisition by HotelPlanner, a testament to Lucid Travel’s success and potential, marked a new chapter not only for the company but for Knosby himself.
Transitioning from the helm of a 20-person team to an executive role within a large corporation is no small feat. As the new VP of Sports & Events at HotelPlanner, Knosby now finds himself navigating the complexities of a larger organizational structure, complete with its own set of processes, procedures, and politics. Yet, this new role also presents unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact, offering Knosby the chance to broker larger deals with professional sports teams and enterprise-level accounts.
Embracing Change and Opportunity
The journey from entrepreneur to executive is fraught with challenges, yet it is also ripe with opportunity. Knosby’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability, a quality that served him well as he steered Lucid Travel through its pivot during the pandemic and continues to be indispensable as he transitions into his executive role at HotelPlanner. Adapting to the nuances of a larger corporate environment means embracing new ways of working, learning to navigate internal politics, and mastering the art of leveraging a more extensive network and resources to achieve strategic objectives.
Moreover, Knosby’s move from leading a startup to becoming an executive within a well-established company underscores the significance of continuous learning. The skills and insights gained from founding and growing Lucid Travel provide a solid foundation, but succeeding in a larger corporate context requires expanding one’s leadership toolkit. This includes honing the ability to influence across a more diverse and complex organization, understanding the intricacies of managing at scale, and cultivating a strategic mindset that aligns with the broader corporate vision.
Looking Ahead
As Ben Knosby embarks on this new phase of his career, his story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and executives alike. It illustrates the fluidity of career paths in today’s fast-paced business landscape and the value of embracing change with optimism and resilience. For Knosby, the transition from entrepreneur to executive is not just a career move; it’s an opportunity to apply his entrepreneurial spirit within a new context, driving innovation and growth on a grander scale.
The journey of Lucid Travel, from its inception to its acquisition by HotelPlanner, reflects the possibilities that emerge when vision, adaptability, and perseverance converge. As Ben Knosby steps into his role as VP of Sports & Events, he carries with him the lessons of the past and the promise of the future, ready to chart new territories in the ever-evolving travel industry.
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