Breckenridge Grand Vacations: Family-owned company is Colorado’s Top Workplace
Breckenridge Grand Vacations is widely respected within the timeshare industry (vacation ownership industry) as one of its most successful independent developers. Their four resorts are located in Breckenridge, Colorado, rated as one of the top ski destinations in the U.S.
But it is not just for skiers; with heavy tourism year-round, there are almost more things to do in the summer than in the winter. With 70% of their owners coming from Colorado, BGV has implemented a very popular Day Use program, which gives owners the exclusive right to use the property’s amenities throughout the year.
Located about 75 miles from downtown Denver, there is no shortage of people who want to work and live in Breckenridge. “Because we are a home-grown, family-owned Summit County business,” says Mike Dudick, CEO, Owner and Developer of BGV, “we understand the needs and challenges employees face. Our company fosters a culture of bottom-up leadership that develops and supports employees through training and development programs and encourages a work-life balance. As a result, more than 20 percent of our employees have been with us longer than five years and over 35 employees have been with us for a decade or longer. We have a distinct competitive advantage in being independent: We are agile and can make decisions to the betterment of the vacation experience almost immediately.”
From a property management perspective, it is not uncommon for guests to track snow into the units. During March 2019, they had seven feet of snow in seven days, creating serious problems. But because they live in a high-alpine environment, the team understands the nature of how the weather impacts the resort’s interiors and exteriors. They excel at comprehending what needs to be done and continue to deliver a fantastic vacation experience, no matter what weather cards they are dealt.
Continues Mike, “We have a saying that we are the best in sales because we are the best in service. Our sales success starts with the service we provide to our guests. Every day we strive to deliver grand vacations to our owners and guests with the optimum in service and smiles.
“We consistently win ARDA awards for top sales performers. Because we have a competitive and generous pay structure for our sales team, we attract high-end talent from throughout the industry. They seek us out for both the compensation and lifestyle we can provide. Our priority is to ensure that our associates can enjoy the many benefits of this way of living so they can share that joy with our customers.”
Who’s Running the Show
Mike Dudick, CEO/Owner/Developer – After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1988, Mike moved to Breckenridge, owning a publishing business prior to joining Breckenridge Grand Vacations in 1998. Since becoming CEO in 2015, Mike’s visionary leadership style has positively impacted the company and the community. As BGV expands, he remains devoted to maintaining the company’s family-oriented culture and a strong commitment to customer service.
Mike Millisor, Owner/Developer – Raised in Akron, Ohio, Mike fell in love with Colorado on annual family vacations. After graduating from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, he headed to Breckenridge for a ski vacation and decided to stay. Early in his property management career, Mike recognized the value of shared use real estate and how it was a good fit for families. His commitment to creating quality vacation experiences that families can share for a lifetime is the cornerstone of Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ success.
History
Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) was built by brothers Mike and Rob Millisor and friend Mike Dudick upon the belief that their company’s success would be determined by the positive impact it imparted on their owners, guests, employees and community. As the largest year-round employer in Breckenridge, BGV strives to maintain the family feel of a small company. Multiple ARDA award winners in sales categories, they believe they are successful in sales because they excel in service. The company has embraced the Net Promoter methodology company-wide and consistently exceeds industry averages with its high customer satisfaction scores. The Denver Post recognized BGV as the 2018 #1 Large Workplace in the state of Colorado. Their mission statement is “Our Family Commitment: Always Grand Vacations!”
Employee Benefits
Breckenridge Grand Vacations strives to hire, train and support excellent people and provide them with an unmatched employee experience. BGV offers an extensive benefits package including health insurance and employer-match 401 (k) plan, paid vacations, annual bonus, employee recruitment bonuses, planned workforce housing, tuition reimbursement program, and recreation and ski pass programs. Their annual Wellness Fair provides employees with free lab work, flu shots, and health screenings. Employees can develop and advance via an internal Leadership Coaching Plan.
Julie Howsmon is an Integrated Marketing Assistant. She shares her personal story. “Breckenridge Grand Vacations provides me with more than just a job. I have a career that allows me to grow professionally and enjoy a balanced life. I’ve received three promotions within a year and am lucky to work for a company that truly cares about every employee.” Josh Stuhr agrees. He is the Resort General Manager of Grand Timber Lodge. “When I first started with BGV, I never imagined spending the better part of a decade with the same company, but eight years later, I could hardly imagine working anywhere else.”
Philanthropic Endeavors
Giving back has always been the cornerstone of their mission. Founded in 2016, the BGV Gives Program was established to facilitate and further extend Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ philanthropic reach and impact in Summit County and the surrounding area. Inspired by the late BGV Owner/Developer Rob Millisor, this charitable program honors his example of service to others by supporting the local nonprofit community. BGV is humbled to continue Rob’s legacy of giving through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, volunteering and in-kind donations on behalf of those in need, with a primary focus on health, human services and education.
BGV is the proud winner of ARDA’s 2016 ACE award for Philanthropy. With guidance from the BGV Gives Program Manager Deb Edwards, BGV is committed to growing their local contributions and inspiring fellow community members to give more, by providing resources and opportunities to help others in need.
“In addition to creating the right environment for employees, we encourage giving back to the community by providing every employee with up to three paid days of time off to volunteer per year,” adds Mike Dudick. “Without the support of the local community, BGV would never have been able to achieve the level of success that has created four incredible properties in Breckenridge.”
To learn about employee benefits and how you can be part of this company, go to: www.bgvjobs.com
