ABOUT TEAM TRIP
The Trip Jones Kids' Guides come from a mashup of travel and publishing expertise combined with children's media and entertainment savvy, along with a passion for making a meaningful difference.
OUR ADVISORS
We are honored to be advised by these amazing people who care deeply about creating better global citizens and stronger family experiences, and are some of the most experienced and accomplished experts in the world.
Pauline Frommer
Frommer's Travel Guides, Frommers.com
Sarah Chandler
Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, Univ. of Minnesota
Bill Furlong
Expedia, Cranium Game
Bengt Anderson
National Geographic
Tanya Haider
Sesame Street, Viacom, Nickelodeon
Simon Waters
Walt Disney Co, Hasbro
Jelani Memory
A Kids Co. (now an imprint of DK)
David Blanchard
The Op Games/Usaopoly
Kim Centeno
Blizzard Entertainment, Roblox, Apple
Will Kassoy
Activision, Walt Disney Co.
Doug Alexander
Creative Director
John Simpson
Brand & Marketing
Who We Are
Brent Hieggelke
is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for parenting and adventure. In the travel sector, he founded Second Porch, the first social vacation rental site, which was sold to HomeAway (now part of Expedia). A seasoned marketing executive, Brent has worked with over 10 startups in a wide variety of industries.
His greatest pride is being a dad to three adventurous kids. Morgan is a firefighter/paramedic, Greta is a San Diego-based event coordinator and high school snowboard champion, and Coen is a college senior skilled in skiing and whitewater kayaking. Their shared love of travel inspired the creation of Trip and Jet Jones, a project they’ve refined through family adventures over the past decade.
His greatest pride is being a dad to three adventurous kids. Morgan is a firefighter/paramedic, Greta is a San Diego-based event coordinator and high school snowboard champion, and Coen is a college senior skilled in skiing and whitewater kayaking. Their shared love of travel inspired the creation of Trip and Jet Jones, a project they’ve refined through family adventures over the past decade.
Joel Sayles
is a lifelong musician, songwriter, and producer with a deep passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. He has recorded and produced hundreds of projects across various genres. As a key force behind Lifescapes, Joel helped build a company that produced music for Target and other major retailers, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
He is also a proud father of three and lives in Edina, MN, within the Twin Cities metro area. Balancing music, family, and community, Joel draws inspiration from these connections, fueling his creativity and shaping his work across music and entrepreneurship.
He is also a proud father of three and lives in Edina, MN, within the Twin Cities metro area. Balancing music, family, and community, Joel draws inspiration from these connections, fueling his creativity and shaping his work across music and entrepreneurship.