Our Story
Founded in 2011 as “the next generation in gay travel,” Brand g recognized that LGBT+ travelers were looking for new and more exotic types of travel opportunities. Since river cruising was quickly becoming the hottest segment in travel, it only seemed natural to offer deluxe river cruise tours all over the world – a style of travel we personally love.
Since then, we’ve expanded into deluxe land-only tours, as well as luxury small-ship ocean cruises, both of which have earned us some of our best reviews and most fervent repeat travelers.
Meet the Staff
Jeff Gundvaldson
Jeff joined Brand g in March of 2013 bringing more than 30 years experience in management and customer service, previously as President of RSVP Vacations. Jeff designs vacations, negotiate deals, and spends numerous hours every week making sure that Brand g is a well-oiled machine.
Brian Van Wey
Co-founder since 2011, Brian talents include brand management, marketing and event production. A passionate traveler, Brian has worked in France, Italy and Switzerland, and has operated travel programs in over 70 countries.
Johnathon Gallagher
From Bonnie, Scotland, Johnathon has a wealth of management and customer service experience, and looks after the operational aspects of the trips. Like the rest of the team he loves to get out the office and take on the role of host or cruise director of bigger ship cruises.
James Mayo
James found true harmony in the world of sound design early in his professional career. Since 1995, James has had a role in theatre arts in some capacity. After graduating from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in 2000, James spent seven years as the resident sound designer for a professional theatre company in Salt Lake City bringing a wealth of artistic and technical expertise the team.
Eric Poole
Eric came to Brand g in an unusual way: he won the annual free cruise giveaway in 2016. (He loved the experience so much, he went to work for the company.) A former Fox Television marketing executive and author of two memoirs, Eric handles all the marketing, from ads to social media to blogs and video content. When he’s onboard, Eric also enjoys making sure guests have a great time.
Mike Mumford
Mike joined Brand g in 2023 after having travelled with Brand g several times beginning in 2017. His passion for travel, people, and exceptional service made Brand g an easy choice. Mike spent his prior career in various Accounting, Supply Chain, and Technology roles, and brings a detail oriented mindset to ensure that all of our guests have life changing experiences.
Jeremy Brooks
As Brand g’s newest addition, Jeremy is excited to be engaging with Brand g guests in a full-time capacity. Whether he’s answering your phone calls, responding to your emails, or dancing with you on the sun deck, he couldn’t be happier to have the chance to work and play with the LGBT+ community all day, every day, all over the world.
Troy Bermel – Trip Host
Many of you know him as Brand g’s resident shutter bug and host. Troy is a self-taught photographer with a keen eye and an easy smile. However, when not hosting or capturing the Brand g experience with his photos, Troy is busy working as a landscape designer back in Dayton, Ohio.
Maissie Dubois – Cruise Director
If you’re lucky, you may have this wondrous goddess as a host on your big ship cruise. As a wannabe Cruise Director, Maissie is still in training and often locked in her cabin due to disciplinary issues. However, when HR is not about, she is often known to rock a party. Please approach with caution. #lifechanging
Les Porter – Trip Host
More than able seamen Les started helping out as early as 2018 and is fast becoming the most stable host afloat. As a former actor, Les is known for his role in Mean Girls (2004). In the Summer months, he helps run entertainment and events at a hugely popular LGBTQI+ trailer park in home country Canada. In the winter he can be found in his home city of Toronto.
Lee Gilbert- Trip Host and Vocalist
We are delighted to have Lee not only hosting trips but also provides us with some fabulous entertainment. Lee hails from a Welsh musical family and quickly became a cabaret artiste in South Wales. He is a captivating and multitalented singer and performer with an authentic and rich voice.
Randy Juden – Trip Host
When Randy is not leading a Brand g trip, he is working as a residential realtor in Denver. Randy worked for 20 years as a singer and actor, performing at some of the country’s best regional theatres and touring with musical theatre productions. He continues to do a solo country western show complete with guitar playing, singing and lariat rope tricks. Watch out….he may bring his bullwhips along on trips to keep you in line!