I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey and the experiences that have shaped my career in the global hospitality industry. Over the past 40+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse markets, leading growth initiatives, and contributing to the evolution of travel and tourism. Here is my biography.

After over 30 years in leadership roles across the travel and hospitality industry, I’ve had the privilege of guiding teams, shaping customer experiences, and supporting organizations through change. I’m also proud of my advocacy work for the visually impaired and my continued service on advisory boards. Here is my biography.

After more than 30 years of global experience leading complex transformations in financial services, travel, and retail, I'm excited to share my professional biography. My work has spanned strategic growth, product development, M&A, and global implementation—all with a focus on helping companies scale and evolve.

James W. Lakin is a visionary executive and accomplished entrepreneur whose career spans over three decades of transformative leadership across multiple industries. Known for his entrepreneurial grit, financial expertise, and unwavering ethical foundation, James has launched, scaled, and sold several successful businesses—from expanding a single donut shop into a multi-location enterprise to building a national travel guide company and leading a prominent real estate brokerage. As President of McGrew Color Graphics, he achieved the company’s first multi-million-dollar sale, driving growth that led to its acquisition by General Mills. Beyond his business ventures, James has dedicated his time to board leadership in corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and community.

Lara Barlow is a seasoned executive leader with 25 years of experience in digital media, publishing, marketing, business transformation, and operations management. She has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, optimizing business operations, and leading high-performing teams in small to mid-cap companies across the digital publishing, media, and travel industries. As a former vice president at TVO and general manager & acting COO at Travelzoo, Lara has successfully led strategic turnarounds, expanded global partnerships, and executed digital-first initiatives that increased engagement and revenue. Her expertise spans fundraising, governance, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships, making her a valuable asset to companies looking to scale and innovate. With board experience at 360°kids, an international MBA in marketing and strategy from Schulich School of Business, and leadership training from Kellogg School of Management and the Richard Ivey School of Business, Lara is well-equipped for governance roles. She is fluent in English, proficient in Spanish, and has international experience across Europe and APAC, strengthening her ability to lead global business initiatives. Lara is now seeking corporate board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise in business transformation, operational strategy, and digital growth to help organizations scale, innovate, and achieve sustainable success.

Viet Tran is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the travel, hospitality, and immigration industries. As CEO of Trans Global Travel & Immigration LLC, he has successfully driven business growth through strategic planning, sales leadership, and customer-focused solutions. With expertise in optimizing operations, building high-value partnerships, and mentoring sales teams, Viet has established himself as a leader in international travel and mobility services. His ability to navigate complex markets, foster strong client relationships, and implement innovative strategies continues to shape his success in the industry.