Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Thomas.
Daniel moved from New Zealand in 2007 to become GM at the John Hancock Observatory where he lead the rejuvenation of the brand, boosted attendance and financial performance, and drove innovation in Chicago’s ferociously competitive tourism market with the creation of the world’s highest skating rink.
Daniel leads the team at TimeZoneOne and is based in Chicago. He works with TimeZoneOne’s clients to come up with marketing strategies to increase revenue, deliver great results and true ROI for their businesses. With over twenty years’ management experience, Daniel has improved marketing, brand positioning, the customer journey and significantly increased visitor numbers and overall performance at many businesses. Some of TimeZoneOne’s key clients include the Illinois Office of Tourism, The Magnificent Mile, Chicago Wolves and Epsilon.
Since arriving in the US, Daniel has become fully immersed in the Chicago tourism industry. He is on the Board of Directors of The Magnificent Mile® and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and has co-chaired The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. He believes his pragmatic approach and willingness to challenge the status quo has helped him transform Chicago businesses into success stories.
Before moving to Chicago, Daniel held senior management positions at Air New Zealand and SKYCITY Entertainment Group. He was part of an Air New Zealand team that successfully integrated two airlines, redeveloping internal culture and branding in the process. At SKYCITY, he turned the Sky Tower business round in only 18 months, transforming it into one of the top earning visitor attractions in New Zealand.
Daniel was elected to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Great Towers in 2005 and is their current Executive Director. Daniel believes there is always a way to make things work better. He’s an optimist, with a realist’s unflinching eye for over-complicated, impractical ideas. He can deliver powerful business strategy that works on the frontline to grow business and improve your customers’ experience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a small business owner and entrepreneur there are always struggles but I believe it is how you look at it.
The glass is either half full, or half empty. I don’t have much tolerance for people who think it is half full – I like solutions. As someone who grew up in a pretty middle-class family, we’ve had to work hard for every reward. No family money, handouts or help, so I would say there have been many struggles along the way.
Those ethics of growing up in family businesses are what continue to drive me each and every day.
An example:
Someone once told me I could not turn around the numbers during the winter time in Chicago, I proved them wrong and created the world’s largest synthetic ice skating rink 1,000ft above the city.
Another was when my family cautioned me about becoming a high school dropout. I did it the hard way admittedly, but I got out there and made a name for myself and caught up on the education later.
It’s a mindset. A discipline. An attitude. And, ultimately a destiny that you have the power to steer in any direction that you want.
I see any challenge or obstacle as an opportunity.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At the core, we solve problems and tell compelling stories for our clients. Our sweet spot is tourism, retail, sports and adding value to businesses that want boundary pushing creative.
We’re creative communication experts and our integrated approach offers you stronger results and better ROI.
We do:
Strategy.
Creative.
Digital.
Content.
The TimeZoneOne Difference
- Focused on Your Results and ROI
We deliver integrated strategic direction, effective creative, stronger results, and better ROI. We offer proactive service, to become a true extension of your team. - Fast, Nimble, and Cost-Effective
Our integrated approach is proven to deliver fast, cost-effective results. We achieve big things in tight timeframes. Our combined offices mean we operate 20 hours a day, 6 days a week. - Extensive Experience with Government, Travel and Tourism
Clients include Illinois Office of Tourism, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Panorama Mountain Resort, and Christchurch International Airport. Our team also has experience with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand. - Fusing Travel Marketing and PR
Travel trade marketing and PR will be handled by local experts with unparalleled industry experience and networks in Australia and New Zealand. - Travel Trade, Airline, and Business Relationships
Our strategic partnerships will work to your benefit. We have extensive connections with travel trade, airlines, tour operators, hotels, attractions, and associations. - Seasoned Communication Professionals
You’ll be working with seasoned professionals with proven travel trade experience and a track record of strong results. The team you’ll meet are the people you’ll work with on a day-to-day basis.
My recent most proud moment was David going up against Goliath and winning the Illinois Office of Tourism’s public relations business. We worked hard at that pitch and proved that you need to be talking to media in a customized way like we do consumers. That proudness continues because the team are getting phenomenal YOY results!
What were you like growing up?
I was pretty hyperactive as a child (I am sure a real challenge for my Mum – yes, I am a kiwi and spelling that the English way…) and loved to be busy. Very social and I got bored very easily.
I was always interested in aviation as a kid and that ultimately drove me to work for an airline for 12 years and learn that business inside out.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago is a true global city with a small town feel. It is the true cross-roads of America when it comes to business, diversity of people, neighborhoods and in so many respects, is a melting pot of the world.
It has a little bit of everything you could imagine and is America’s best kept secret!
As an entrepreneur, I feel it is a city that is okay with failure, allows you to take risks and the humbleness of the people make you strive to be world-class in everything you do.
There is very much a motivator and a DNA in this city that is alive and makes you want more. As Daniel Burnham once said “Make no little plans” – he would be proud to know that is alive and well in this city he has such a passion and vision for.
DISLIKES:
Politics is broken in this city and state and as someone who is fascinated with American politics, I tend to pay more attention than most. I won’t go into the specifics, but let’s just say that if politicians had to run their duties and responsibilities like a business, there would not be many of them left.
Contact Info:
- Address: 65 E Wacker Place
Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60601 - Website: timezoneone.com
- Phone: 3123637093
- Email: daniel@timezoneone.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/timezoneone
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/timezoneone
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/timezoneone
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