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Born into the world of retail is the best way to describe me. I remember from a very young age sitting at the dinner table with my parents and two older brothers discussing…luggage. It wasn’t until 2006 when I joined our family business that I became hooked on retailing. I started working at our Cherry Creek store location and after a year moved into our corporate office. I have handled everything from being on the sales floor to engraving to a Regional Manager.
In 2015 when my Dad mentioned getting back into the luggage industry, I knew it would be a lot of work in addition to my current responsibilities, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get back to the roots of our family-owned business. The Paradise Baggage Company was born in April 2015, and I have loved every second of getting the business up and running. We are surrounded by amazing people like Ray, Mike, Tim, PK Matt and my uncle, Dave. They are all so professional and true travel experts. I learn something new from them all the time! And I think it goes without saying but the most influential “teacher” has been my dad, Pete Paradise. I had no idea the impact those family dinner conversations would have on me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for them to lead me to where I am today.
Pete’s Comments: Where do I begin, watching my “little girl” mature into a mother, wife and successful business owner in an industry that I spent most of my adult life enjoying. And I get to be involved with her almost on a daily basis. Jenni has a natural way with customers, and it is rewarding to watch them become friends, spread the word and participate in store events. Jenni has an eye for product and a solid business sense that shows in the displays and selections in the store. Sue and I are proud parents (and grandparents).
I started in the luggage business in 1977 when Sue and I purchased the Atlas Luggage Company. We were Denver’s trunk and custom case makers, a business that is now owned by Sue’s sister and brother-in-law, Les and Randy Sabey. We learned a lot about case making, materials and the talented labor needed to make quality cases. With an appreciation for best-of-class luggage and business cases, we started Colorado Baggage focusing on quality cases made by the leading manufacturers of the day.
I have been in love with the luggage business ever since and have never compromised our appetite for quality goods. Over the years we participated in many luggage trade associations, and it was only natural that we get back into the luggage business when Jenni suggested we open a luggage store and repair facility on South Broadway. I am very proud of Jenni’s store and her mission to provide outstanding customer service, quality luggage, and accessories in a relaxed shopping environment.
My travels are now retirement related and I prefer to carry-on, usually with a Rimowa or Tumi piece and a Tumi backpack. When we travel to the east coast for extended stays, we pull out the checking pieces (Tumi, Rimowa and/or Briggs and Riley) and pack up for every possible condition. Favorite places to visit on the east coast: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Those same checking pieces have accompanied me to China, Germany, Scotland, and Italy. Good luggage is like a good friend; they stay with you through lots of life’s adventures.
I have worked with the Paradise family since retiring from public education in 2007. After 32 years as a principal, teacher, and coach I have fully enjoyed being part of the luggage business. I am “Uncle Dave” (to Jenni) and the father of three adult daughters and four grandkids. I enjoy my semi-retirement working part-time, supporting the Broncos and Colorado Rockies and traveling.
My wife Lisa and I have traveled north to Alaska; backpacked Italy; traveled the south pacific to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia all in the past two years. I love meeting people, talking about travel and helping you with what works best in your journeys, whether for business or pleasure. I will work with you to understand your needs and will go the extra mile to help you find the perfect travel accessory.
Jenni’s comments: Uncle Dave might be semi-retired, but he has taken on the Herculean responsibility of working with our vendors on warranty issues to ensure our clients get the benefit of the doubt on any repair needs. His “Customer first” attitude helps solve warranty issues in the debate of airline damage versus manufacturer responsibility. In addition, Dave shares his travel knowledge and experiences with customers to help them find that right piece to make their travel more enjoyable.
I am the ‘”old guy” in the back of the luggage store surrounded by tools and sewing equipment older than me. I started repairing luggage at Meek's Luggage in 1963 where I worked for 40 years before becoming part of Colorado Baggage. I was the lead repairperson at Colorado Baggage while they were located at 24th and Curtis. I joined Pete and Jenni when they opened the new Paradise Baggage. My wife and I don't travel a lot, but we do enjoy an occasional trip to Vegas to visit friends and try our luck.
Jenni’s Comments: Ray doesn’t give himself enough credit about his career in repairing luggage, handbags, golf bags, musical instrument cases and anything that involves leather, sewing, riveting or gluing. He is respected as one of the most talented luggage and leather goods repairman in the country. Other luggage repairmen often call Ray for those most difficult repairs and reconstruction of valued family heirloom pieces.
I entered the luggage industry in 2010 at Colorado Baggage. Little did I know then that I would fall in love with this segment of the retail industry and never look back! I worked my way from being a sales associate to becoming a store manager. Now, at Paradise Baggage, I handle web support and share my passion for baggage with our wonderful customers.
I love working for a family-owned company that is so deeply committed to the customers we serve and the brands that help us on our journey’s. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many wonderful places in my life. I have visited many states in the USA, as well as Argentina, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean. I also lived in Venezuela for a couple of years while I was in high school. I have always loved to travel and look forward to visiting more! Some places I really want to visit are Yellowstone National Park, The Lego House in Billund, Denmark, Japan and to go back to Venezuela someday.
Jenni’s Comments: Mike is our Web Coordinator, Sales Professional and everything in between. Mike is a luggage encyclopedia. He surprises us daily with how much he knows about luggage and the details he can retain from each collection. He has a true passion for all things travel. Aside from his endless luggage knowledge he also excels at every task thrown at him. Mike runs our website and has spent countless hours to give our customers the best experience online, to match the outstanding service we offer in person. We are so lucky to have him on our team!
I began working at Paradise Baggage a couple of years ago, right before the Pandemic threw a wrench into the travel industry. Even though that might not have been a good time to start, I quickly realized I’d landed in a good location to begin enjoying my semi-retirement lifestyle! This is a great bunch of people to work with! I have been living in Denver for over 60 years and get energized working with people from all over the world, not just the Denver area. My travel adventures have taken me to Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and to Scotland where my wife and I tied the knot. I’m looking forward to working with new customers to help make trips and travels fun, easy and organized with good luggage and accessories.
Jenni’s Comments: Tim joined our Paradise Baggage team right before COVID started in 2020. To say that he is adaptable would be an understatement. He supported all of the changes we had to go through during that time and all the while, did it with a smile on his face. With Tim’s years of experience in sales, he can talk to anyone and has a sense of humor to keep you on your toes. Tim always has the best suggestions for nearby coffee, bread and pizza shops. If you have the pleasure to meet him, ask him about the Trompeau Bakery!
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