December 30, 2011 - I recently attended our Uniglobe Chairman’s Circle meeting at the world class Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai United Arab Emirates (a.k.a the UAE or “the Emirates”) – an amazing business and leisure facility with magnificent beaches.

Annually, top-performing members of the UNIGLOBE organization in both business and leisure travel are invited to attend this global meeting somewhere in the world, to discuss strategies and ideas for the upcoming year. This year our destination was Dubai.

Our hotel was located right in front of the famous Burj el Arab hotel - accessible ONLY via pre-screened passes for security by way of a bridge or helicopter landing pad on the roof. I expect that Burj el Arab will be home to many celebs during the Dubai International Film Festival. I believe that the Presidential Suite there will cost you a cool $28,000 per night.

I’m writing this blog from a suite on the 23rd floor of the sister hotel, looking out to gleaming skyscrapers, endless desert, pristine beaches below and mesmerizing sunsets. Dubai is a stark lesson in contradictions in a stunning and unique part of the world.

It is one of seven Emirates that make up the UAE, the capital of which is nearby Abu Dhabi. Dubai City sits on the shores of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Desert, which only adds to its contrasts – not to mention its wider contrast to more fundamentalist Middle East neighbours.

As tourism is the life blood of Dubai, the city is generally very safe and hotel staff is unreservedly polite. The tourism sector here is populated largely by expats ‘imported’ on contracts to cater to a large tourist population from around the globe. I’ve noticed many Russian and Indian Tourists here; flights to the Emirates from these regions are only about three to four hours, and daytime temperatures this time of year are in the very comfortable mid to high 20s range.

I rose early this morning to sounds of ancient ritual Islamic chants (‘adhans’, or calls to prayer) sung five times daily by the muezzin from the mosque. On the water you can still see the dhow boats – reminders of the once-flourishing pearl trade in this region. Here bikini-clad beach goers and western-garbed youth mingle with white robed Emirati (local residents) and black robed and head-scarved Emirati women, who appear to be dressed identically with the noticeable exception of jewelry, name brand accessories, watches and purses proudly displayed. There is no lack of high-end western style shopping centres and name brand products in Dubai.

Dubai all-in-all...was a great experience. It’s an anomaly amidst the spartan climate of the Arabian Desert. If you want a place to relax, shop, hold a meeting or conference and be pampered, Dubai resorts will not disappoint. The amenities at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel are first class and the service is exceptional.

Tomorrow, our journey home will see us flying over Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Newfoundland and over to the West Coast of Canada – our UNIGLOBE international headquarters.

Dubai, in so many aspects, is a world away.

U. Gary

October 30, 2011 - If you’re like me and travel to meetings and conferences throughout the year, you’ll know what I mean by ‘convention goggles’. As Chairman of four companies in real estate and travel, face-to-face networking is something that I push among my franchise owners, supervisors and staff. Despite the popularity of cyber-networking and teleconferencing, I remain staunch in my support of the face-to-face meeting.

Sometimes, however, we get so caught up in ‘goals’ to meet ‘x’ number of people or obtain ‘y’ number of leads within our own circles, that we lose sight of opportunities to meet and connect with new faces. There are also occasions when self-imposed 'uber' networking can fog otherwise sane judgment. This happened to me at our recent 35th anniversary conference of the Century 21 real estate organization in Canada.

Finishing a convention is somewhat akin to how I feel when I complete a really long run or swim: part euphoria, part haze. As a CEO going into a convention, my main goal is to remember everyone I’ve met before and to greet and chat with delegates that I run into around the hotel. As soon as I hear a “Hello Gary” or see someone walking toward me with a smile or knowing expression, my inner rolodex goes into rapid rotation: sometimes I hit...sometimes I miss. But “Hello” it is anyway.

Now I would never, in any other environment, mistake a famous person for someone who looks like a famous person. This only happens at conventions.

As I was going up the elevator, the same gentleman entered a couple of times. My instincts had me convinced he was a real estate agent or broker. (After all, at a convention, your brain tricks you into thinking that EVERYONE is part of YOUR event). Here I was rolodexing my memory trying to place this real estate professional who looked an awful lot like a celebrity. “Hey, that’s my ice breaker,” I thought.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you look a lot like Wayne Gretzky?” I asked. Nothing. Just a wry smile. From behind me comes a voice, “How does it feel to be back in Edmonton...WAYNE?” He then politely exited the elevator to his chosen floor.

“Duuuhhh Charlwood!” I thought. It was him, and my imagination couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Of all the brilliant introductions, I chose to inform one of the greatest hockey players of all time that he looked a lot like himself. But then again? How refreshing to be mistaken for a convention-goer.

Convention goggles....that's what I call it. Stay clear of the fog.

October 3, 2011 - There are few things I enjoy more than a great story (perhaps it’s only rival is watching European soccer). So, when I was prodded about coming up with a story about my 35-year history as the founder and leader of CENTURY 21 Canada, I must admit I felt a little pressure.

So what is the story of CENTURY 21 Canada?

For me, the evolution of CENTURY 21 in Canada is more about perseverance than the minute details of the company. Our story is an example of how – as budding entrepreneurs – no matter what the obstacles, you can succeed in building your own business with the right attitude and team behind you.

When I first bought the rights to the CENTURY 21 brand in Canada – I was a relative newcomer to the real estate business. What did I know? Not much at the time…but that may have been my “edge”…I wasn’t bogged down by what “was” but inspired by what “could be”. So after personally selling 118 homes in my first 15 months in the industry (and just a wee bit of bravado from my side)…my competitors were a little worried as they circled their wagons.

I didn’t get into CENTURY 21 right away. First I bought a local company called ‘Hunt Realty’ and saved up enough capital to partner with a business associate to buy the Canadian franchise rights to a rising brand in the U.S. called CENTURY 21. I bought my partner out more than 20 years ago, but back in 1975 my competition said, “It will never work in Canada”. I was even told by the local real estate commission that franchising was ‘illegal’ in the real estate business. This would be when most entrepreneurs would fold their cards and walk away, but instead my team took up the challenge.

CENTURY 21 Canada was the first expansion of the brand outside of the U.S.A., and despite having the American powerhouse behind me, I had to convince investors that the franchise model worked for Canada. Plus, we had no staff. If there were any questions from potential franchisees, my sales team would say “Let me check with our marketing department, or our finance department.” Then they would promptly get on the phone or come to the office and all four of us – who made up the marketing, finance and sales department – and we would come up with a solution.

In 1976, my then 4-man team worked on developing the western provinces. I would spend three weeks at home in Vancouver and three weeks travelling the country. By the fall of 1976 we had over 80 offices in Western Canada; 35 years later, CENTURY 21 Canada is 440 franchises strong, employing over 8,000 people across the country; today 90% of real estate brokerage offices in Canada are franchised.

I believe today that if your competitors are that interested in what you’re doing – then you must be on to a good thing. As legendary Manchester United Football Club striker Eric Cantona once said “When people are talking about you, it means that you exist.” For all of you budding entrepreneurs out there – whether in real estate or any other start-up business – the worst thing you can do is to become too focused on the strength and strategies of your competition. If you know you’ve got something better to offer and a solid business plan – whatever you do – don’t let skeptics undermine your confidence.

Building a business is tough. In real estate like any other business, there will be disastrous years and ridiculously good years. The key is not to be influenced by either one, or the inevitable naysayers. We’ve been experiencing a roller coaster in the financial world in the past few years, but I can assure you that in my 35 years of experience, investing in real estate and the real estate business long-term will always keep you “in play”…no matter what the skeptics said yesterday, or say today or will say tomorrow!!! Hold the course k!! And to heck with them.

U. Gary

*Pictured above: U. Gary Charlwood accepting International Franchise Association Hall of Fame Award in 2008

June 17, 2011 - Less than two days after the Stanley Cup riot, Vancouver is giving us plenty of evidence that this city is safe, friendly, peaceful and a wonderful place to visit. Despite the unfortunate happenings of June 15, tourists should not be influenced by what they might see or read in the international press. We are the same city with the same positive atmosphere that was enjoyed by the world during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Today, boarded windows are covered with messages of support and thanks for those who stood up against the so-called anarchists who instigated the mayhem.

The public and media are sharing images of rioters and looters with police, and I understand that a few of those caught on camera have already turned themselves in. And then there are the volunteers who spontaneously descended on downtown Vancouver Thursday to help businesses to clean up.

Thankfully, others did us all an enormous service by filming local citizens trying heroically to protect lives and property. "This is my city!" one man shouted while trying to ward off crazed looters. It was in my opinion one of the most disturbing yet oddly inspirational videos captured during the riot. His words and actions speak for us all.

The images broadcast around the world have been a rallying cry to Vancouver citizens bruised and embarrassed by the actions of a malicious few. Of course, it is very important to study this riot and learn from it. I have faith that the police and the City of Vancouver will do just that, and foreign tourists will not fear gathering for future celebrations in our streets.

U. Gary

June 16, 2011 - Like the more than two million people who call Greater Vancouver home, I’m sickened by the violence and destruction that ensued following the NHL Stanley Cup Final, and the lingering effect it may have on worldwide perceptions of this city.

A common statement I hear in reaction to the riots is “True sports fans wouldn’t do this.” Sporting history tells us that indeed they would. Sporting violence is endemic: you only need to look at the police presence, stadium configurations and security operations that accompany major sporting events worldwide. Vancouver now is looking at ways to prevent this type of violence from happening in the city again, for good reason.

One of my favourite teams, Manchester United, lost to Barcelona in the UEFA championships last month. Messi and Iniesta were outstanding and in the end, Barcelona proved too much for Man U. As disappointed as I was, I didn’t take out my frustration by setting fire to my neighbour’s car, and neither would 99.9% of people in Vancouver who watched that hockey game.

The hooligans of June 15 remind me of the so-called football ‘firms’ that earned their reputations on the streets of Britain where I grew up. ‘Firms’ mix hooliganism with like-mindedness toward a fringe political view.

Europe has learned much from the lessons of sporting crowd control and football hooliganism. Precautions are evident in the segregation of fans inside stadiums and city policing around rival club matches. It has been 17 years since Vancouver experienced a riot like this and most involved are likely too young to remember it. And just maybe, the Olympics gave us all a false sense of security.

Fortunately, we are still able to sit side-by-side at a hockey arena with our rivals in appreciation of the sport, and that spirit will not be lost with this event.

That the perpetrators did this in front of onlookers carrying smartphones and video cameras has given Vancouverites the arsenal to take back the city. In a show of solidarity, citizens are using social media to share images of rioters and looters with police in the hopes they will be brought to justice.

U. Gary

March 10, 2011 - As some of you may know, I am a big fan of world football (a.k.a soccer)…especially the English Premier League. This interest goes way back to my youth spent in Europe.

Football is the subject of many a heated yet spirited discussion among my staff; my team shall remain unmentioned to protect the innocent. Whatever our loyalties, we are all in awe of the huge talent that players like Lionel Messi, Christian Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and their teammates display week after week.

While still gaining traction in North America, in other parts of the world football is tantamount to a religion. With that in mind, I believe that it has much to teach us beyond the thrill of the game.

As someone who started out as an entrepreneur and has been in the franchising business for almost 40 years, I can tell you there is a lot that young business leaders can learn from football and team sports in general.

Leave the ego at home.

To win in business, talent is key. But it’s not talent alone that builds a successful business or football team…it’s leadership, chemistry and trust. I think of the quote: “At the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry.” To achieve chemistry you must allow your teammates to shine and you must trust that they will deliver. Only by accepting that you cannot do it alone can you hope to win.

If you have a really great business model, the money will come.

Just like football, winning in franchising means sticking to the formula. If you create a solid business plan, provide excellent training, attract superior talent and consistently prove your mettle in the face of competition, investors will notice. Players want to be part of a winning team.

Never be defeated by defeat.

Never underestimate the underdog and don’t be threatened by what you hear. Business, like sports, is constantly evolving. Some of the most exciting wins in sports have involved unlikely candidates overcoming giants of the league. Embrace the challenge and never give up. Being the underdog can actually be helpful to you in winning new customers.

And finally…brand loyalty is the key to longevity.

If you ask any football fan for the name of their favourite team, chances are they will be quick to answer. As a business, brand loyalty is won over time by sticking to your values, respecting your customers and consistently delivering your best performance, even if you don’t always score the winning goal.

Show strong leadership and build a community around your brand. Stick to your values and treat your loyal followers well, and they will be there to celebrate with you when you reach the stage.

U. Gary

February 11, 2011

Anyone who is yet to be convinced of the transformational power of social media need only look to the younger generations in Tunisia and Egypt.

Images of the democracy movement in the Middle East transcend all other notable examples I’ve seen of the potential of social media in the world.

The internet is full of evangelists telling businesses about the benefits of joining online networking platforms, and I was convinced some time ago that my companies needed to be involved in social media. However, there are admittedly times when I look around and am boggled by the amount of time young people spend texting, posting and tweeting with seemingly no regard for what is going on around them; that is, until they believe in something.

Today's young people more than any other generation are empowered with the tools and the connectivity to express their rights to self-determination and entrepreneurial opportunity, and change the world for the better.

The debate rages on among skeptics: “Is social media a good thing? Show me the ROI.”

I think the young people of Tunisia and Egypt just did.

U. Gary

January 15, 2011 - Travel and adventure have always been in my blood – from my early days as a tour guide in Europe to the airline career that precipitated my taking the risk to go out on my own as a franchisor of business concepts, that eventually led to the forming of UNIGLOBE Travel International.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of our first UNIGLOBE franchise in 1981 in British Columbia, Canada. I look back with pride on the changes and challenges that this industry has survived – and reflect on the ever-changing cycle of business, travel and world events.

The first UNIGLOBE Travel agency opened its doors in the same year that IBM launched the personal computer. Email didn't exist and the only thing we could do with a phone was talk into it. Today, I'm posting a blog and am about to utter my first words on Twitter. I don't think I've put more thought into typing 140 characters at any other time in my business career.

The rise of the internet and communication technology has revolutionized every industry, and I would argue that travel has experienced the greatest transformation of them all.

In Europe, about half of the independent countries we freely interact with today didn't exist when I started franchising. Communist and free market ideologies were antithetical, and escape was the only means for citizens of many of these countries to travel outside of their borders. There is more mobility and freedom for travellers today than ever before.

As we enter our 30th anniversary year, I am attending the UNIGLOBE Chairman's Circle in Hong Kong with our leading travel franchise locations from around the world. It's serendipitous that I look ahead to the next decade from China, which along with countries in South Asia and Latin America will surely transform franchising and travel.

A report for Amadeus predicts that world travel spend will double by 2020, with the above regions gaining market share. I think all industries will be affected. Western-based franchise organizations will have to learn to adapt their business methods to new cultural norms if they are to harness the rising wealth and entrepreneurial spirit of these populations.

From our very first UNIGLOBE location in Canada 30 years ago, to our more than 750 locations now operating in more than 50 countries – it has been quite the trip.

U. Gary

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