Richard Leibman | Chairman, FROSCH Travel

Originally from South Africa, Richard Leibman moved to the United States in 1977. Settling in Houston, Texas, he purchased Frosch Travel from the Frosch family in 1977, at which time the company employed only four agents and two support staff. Moreover, the travel business was new to Richard. Almost thirty years later, he and his wife Henia still reside in Houston, but Frosch currently employs approximately 500, with offices in 14 US cities and an office in London. Also, Richard is now joined by two of his three children who are also in the business. His son, Bryan, a physician who decided to join the business 9 years ago, is the President of Frosch; he is married to Eleonora, and they have three children - Julia (5), Daniel (3), and Philip (11 months). Richard's daughter, Lara, is a lawyer who lives in New York and oversees all legal and communications matters for the business. His third child, Neville, is an anesthesiologist living in Houston.

Having observed many changes in the industry throughout his tenure in travel, Richard believes that, today, there is an even greater need for immediate and current information. Not only are more travelers interested in celebrating special events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) with more than one generation, but also they are looking for the unusual and extraordinary experiences that nobody has heard about. In addition to the need for providing superb service, that is one of the main reasons Frosch decided to create Private Client Services - to provide more exclusive and personalized service to very discerning travelers who will have special access at any time to dedicated Frosch agents.

Richard's passion is travel -- discovering new destinations, deluxe hotels and top restaurants. He collects antique silver and furniture, and his main hobby is exercise, which includes the stationary bicycle, Pilates and weight lifting. He also enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family, which he believes is the most important part of his life; it also goes hand in hand with the motto by which he chooses to live his life - be healthy and appreciate all that you have.

Richard serves on several Advisory Boards, including Abercrombie & Kent, Rosewood Hotels, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises; he is also a former Board member of Four Seasons Hotels. He is an active member in the Jewish community in Houston, having served as a Board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, the Jewish Family Service, Seven Acres Senior Home, AIPAC, and Beth Yeshurun Synagogue.

Thanks Richard for your time and giving us a glimpse into your life and this company.