Ed believes that Americans have rights and that one of those rights is the freedom to travel. He is very approachable and listens to your wishes. He’s outgoing, friendly, and genuinely cares about others. If he is hosting a party, dinner, or tour, he feels responsible for making sure all his guests are having a good time. Ed is fascinated by anything relating to other cultures, whether it be language, customs or beliefs. This makes him not only an enthusiastic traveler, but a life-time learner.

 

A former mathematics and German teacher, Larry first traveled with his own students in 1974. In 1977 he helped found a European tour company and there was no turning back. Larry had a B.A. in German from Concordia, Moorhead, Minnesota, and a M.A. in German from Mankato State College. He guided the growth of Ed-Ventures, reaching out to travelers from most of the 50 states. His spare time activities included church and community leadership. Larry and his late wife, Joanne, had 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

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Paul holds a German minor from Concordia College and brings over 20 years of financial expertise to the company, having worked as a CPA and in the commercial real estate and transportation industries. He is the past Chair of the National Tour Association and serves on the advisory board of Explore MN. Additionally, Paul helped create the Faith Travel Association. Since joining Ed-Ventures in 2002, he has traveled extensively and built relationships in Central Europe, Egypt, Israel, and Central America. Paul actively engages in leadership roles within his neighborhood, community, and church. He is passionate about projects that break down barriers and bring people together. Through music-based tours, service/mission tours, and tours that build cross-cultural friendship, Paul aims to create meaningful experiences that bring people together.

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Shannon graduated from Mankato State University with majors in International Business and Marketing and a minor in Spanish. She is actively involved in her community, participating in Rochester Water Ski Shows and veteran organizations/events. Growing up in a family with a rich tradition in travel and tours, Shannon developed a deep passion for exploring the world. As a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army, she served in various settings and has traveled extensively. Between her military service, involvement with Ed-Ventures, and family experiences, Shannon has visited over 50 countries. Her expertise lies in mainland Europe, where she excels in planning unique itineraries and faith-based journeys. Shannon's extensive travels across Europe provide invaluable resources and insights. Her favorite destinations range from the majestic Swiss Alps and the zebra-laden plains of Ethiopia to the serene waters of the Dead Sea and the lakes of Minnesota.

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Amanda graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with degrees in Management and French. Inspired by her studies in France, she joined the U.S. Peace Corps, serving as a Small Enterprise Developer in a rural community in Togo, West Africa. After completing her service, she continued her global adventures by working in education management in China for four and a half years. Amanda has since returned to her hometown of Rochester with her husband. She enjoys learning and speaking foreign languages, reading, and playing guitar, and hopes to maintain her Mandarin skills and knowledge of China by coordinating tours there for Ed-Ventures. Amanda is highly recognized by her peers in the travel industry.

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Paul has been the accountant/bookkeeper at Ed-Ventures since Jan. 2001. He graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, after which he worked as a bank examiner. Upon retirement, he joined Ed-Ventures putting his vast banking knowledge to good use. Paul is very involved with his church, Community Bible Studies and charity work. He enjoys fishing and loves being Papa to his grandchildren.

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Theresa's parents, both members of the U.S. Army, met on a flight from the U.S. to France. At just three months old, Theresa she experienced her first international flight (probably to the dismay of her fellow passengers!) Growing up as an "Army Brat," she attended ten different schools before graduating from college, including Heidelberg American High School in Germany. She is married to her best friend, Mark, and together they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

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Meagan grew up in the small town of Marinette, Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Michigan, where a love for the Packers runs deep. After moving to Minnesota, she earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from Winona State University. Meagan has served as a High School Choir Director and Church Music Director. Her extensive musical background has provided her with travel experiences across the globe, from Europe to China. Passionate about music, faith, and adventure, Meagan aims to offer student music ensembles similar enriching travel experiences. When she's not working on her computer, she enjoys spending time with her family, coaching high school color guard, arranging music, and practicing piano. Meagan currently lives in Iowa with her husband, son, and two young daughters.

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Sonja is our staff accountant. She earned her B.S. in Accounting from Winona State University. Outside of work, Sonja enjoys bowling, watching MN Wild hockey, following NASCAR, and unwinding with a good book. She also values spending quality time with her family and friends and loves to dote on her nephews.

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Michelle earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Minnesota-Mankato. In 1996, she attended Carlson Travel Academy in Bloomington to pursue her passion for travel. Since then, she has worked in the travel industry as both a leisure and corporate agent. Her travels have taken her to Holland, Canada, Mexico, several U.S. destinations, and on a few cruises. Outside of work, Michelle stays busy with her three kids and husband. In her free time, she enjoys cross-stitching, watching movies, creating digital photo books, and relaxing with friends and family.

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Makayla grew up in Rochester, MN, and earned a degree in Personal Training and Sports Performance. She then spent a few years traveling the world as a professional figure skater with Disney on Ice. Her time on the road allowed her to make friends globally, pick up travel tips, and experience many beautiful places. She loves participating in global service and outreach trips, with memorable experiences including volunteering at a children's hospital in Guatemala and dancing to Bollywood music on rooftops in the Himalayan mountains of northern India. Makayla also coaches figure skating and holds an international certification in sports performance training for athletes of all kinds. She enjoys learning new languages, exploring local coffee shops, hiking with her two Siberian Huskies, Luna and Mishka, and traveling with friends and family.

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Heather grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota and has been a resident of Rochester for over twenty years. She holds a degree in Elementary Education, with a focus on Music and Geography, from Northern State University. Heather and her husband, whose three adult children and grandchild are scattered across the country, frequently travel to visit family. With experience in teaching piano, tutoring, and administrative work, Heather enjoys reading, hiking, bicycling, and creating finger-crocheted blankets in her free time. Now that their children are grown, she and her husband are excited to explore more destinations together.

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Debra holds a double-major B.A. in Theater and French as well as an M.B.A. from the University of Indiana. She spent a year as an exchange student in Dinant, Belgium, and taught English at schools in Hiroshima, Japan. Debra has worked with tourist boards in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Quebec, and served as the U.S. representative for a German hotel chain. Her travels have taken her to over 30 countries, with her next adventure always in the works.

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Keisha grew up in Rochester, MN. She graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City Iowa with a degree in Political Science and minors in Cultural Studies and history. After college, Keisha joined the Peace Corps and lived in Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia) for several years. She has a kid who keeps her busy, especially traveling for soccer. Keisha got married in the state capitol building of Minnesota. Keisha and her husband Marty did a mystery trip for their honeymoon and celebrated their first anniversary with a mystery trip also. Some of Keisha’s favorite places she has traveled to are London, Netherlands and Copenhagen. Even though Keisha is from Minnesota, she enjoys cheering for University of Michigan football. Her husband is from Nebraska so they also cheer for the Huskers in all things sports. Keisha has two mini Aussie rescue dogs and fosters other rescue dogs. Keisha spends her free time reading books and playing board and card games with her family. Her happy place is Allianz Field in St. Paul with the Minnesota United MLS team playing and her family around her.

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Caitlin is currently attending Winona State University, studying Art Education and Studio Art. She helps out around the office during summer and winter break. She has a travel bucket list ten miles long, and has a lot of fun helping research, plan, and promote tours. Caitlin helps design posters, promote our social media, put together holiday cards, book hotels and restaurants, and assists the tour coordinators with tour planning.​

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Our roomba, Eddie, helps keep our office clean each day. In his free time, Eddie enjoys chasing the intern, bumping into trash cans, and running laps around the conference room!

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