WWhat makes a leader truly successful? Is it the experience and unique path they take to reach the top? Or is it the priorities they set in establishing a winning culture? Whatever the formula, Hornblower’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Mike Flaskey, has consistently proven that he can “hit it out of the park” – both in business and beyond. With a career spanning the marine industry, professional baseball, and executive leadership in hospitality and travel, Flaskey’s journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and vision. From the ballpark to the boardroom, his fascinating journey is a story worth sharing!

Early Beginnings in the Marine Industry

Flaskey’s connection to the water runs deep. Growing up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, he was immersed in the marine industry from a young age. At just ten years old, he started working as a mate on a boat out of Oregon Inlet, a role he continued for eight summers until he graduated high school. His early exposure to maritime operations provided him with invaluable experience and instilled a strong work ethic.

By the time he was eligible at 18 years old, Flaskey secured his 100-ton Ocean Operator’s License (also known as a 100-ton Mater Captain’s License), an impressive achievement for someone so young. He later took command of the Crystal Dawn, a 150-passenger vessel that ran three daily trips. His years as a captain gave him firsthand insight into the importance of leadership, customer service, and operational efficiency – foreshadowing the skills that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

Stepping Up to the Plate: Baseball and Leadership

Flaskey’s leadership talents were evident early on, not only on the water but also on the baseball field. He attended Limestone University, where he became one of the first five players to sign with the baseball program under Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry. As a three-year captain, he played a crucial role in shaping the program’s success and was later honored with induction into the Limestone Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

His passion for the sport led him to coach high school baseball and even work as a professional scout for the Montreal Expos. In this role, he sharpened his skills and ability to recruit top talent, which would prove essential for success throughout his career. Like many young athletes, Flaskey initially dreamed of playing in Major League Baseball. However, as reality set in, he pivoted toward a new career path, one that would take him into the world of hospitality, travel, and entertainment. Despite this shift, he credits his time in baseball for teaching him invaluable lessons that he continues to apply today.

Breaking into Hospitality and Travel

Flaskey’s transition from baseball to business began in the vacation ownership industry. He started as a sales professional at a global vacation experience company, quickly proving his ability to lead and inspire teams. He moved up the ranks, taking on roles in recruitment, training, and safety before becoming Regional Vice President and later Senior Vice President of Operations. In 2001, after playing a role in the sale of the vacation experience company, Flaskey was recruited to a major hotel company to serve as a Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales and held responsibility for the Eastern U.S.

In 2010, Flaskey joined one of the largest hospitality companies in the world as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. Competing against established hospitality giants, he knew he had to differentiate from the competition by being “different, better, and special.” He introduced an experiential marketing approach that prioritized customer service and engagement. His innovative vision led to promotions to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and then CEO in 2016, where he oversaw the company’s growth until its acquisition in 2021.

Leadership Philosophy: Culture, Commitment, and Fun

One of the greatest strengths of a leader is their ability to create a culture where people want to work. Flaskey believes in fostering an inclusive, high-energy environment where team members are empowered to grow and succeed. His leadership style prioritizes:

• Commitment and Work Ethic: Success is built on dedication and hard work.
• Leading with Fun: A great workplace culture inspires passion and excitement.
• Investing in People: By knowing team members individually, you can ensure they develop to their full potential.

His ability to project talent is a skill he honed as a baseball scout. Understanding that hiring the right individuals – those with passion, dedication, and the right attitude or “make-up” – is more important than simply focusing on experience.

City Cruises LIVE and Other Strategic Partnerships

Flaskey’s innovative and exciting approach to marketing extends beyond traditional travel experiences. At previous career stops, he developed special events, entertainment series, and an LPGA celebrity golf event that raised over $4 million for charity! His ability to fuse hospitality with entertainment helped redefine the vacation experience. Now at Hornblower, he brings the same visionary mindset to City Cruises LIVE – a new initiative that blends travel with entertainment by hosting exclusive, up-close events with musical artists, celebrity chefs, sports legends, TV personalities, and more! Hornblower is poised to redefine entertainment on the water, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime tourism, and the future looks brighter than ever.

A Winning Future for Hornblower

With his expertise in the marine, hospitality, and travel industries and his commitment to having fun, Mike Flaskey is a perfect fit to lead Hornblower into its next growth phase. With over 25 years of executive leadership experience, he is focused on revitalizing the Hornblower brand and expanding its partnerships.

From the decks of fishing boats to the baseball field, from sales floors to boardrooms, Flaskey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and leadership. Whether captaining a boat, scouting baseball talent, or transforming hospitality brands, he continues to hit home runs in every industry he enters.