Harvard MBA leaves Wall Street to launch CUBA CANDELA, a Cuba travel business
MIAMI:
Meet Chad Olin, Founder and CEO of CUBA CANDELA, a company that is changing American perceptions and creating meaningful experiences on the island of Cuba with private custom tours for individuals (couples and families).
In the company's founding story, Olin reveals the deeply personal journey of leaving his private equity career in New York City to launch an experiential travel company in Cuba. In search of personal growth and fulfillment, Olin quits his job and follows his passion for travel. On a quest for dense experiences, he is transformed during a profound months-long backpacking adventure in Asia.
A unique moment in history presents itself while Olin is attending Harvard Business School—President Obama announces the normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba. And with that, everything changed. During the subsequent summer spent on the island, Olin is inspired by meaningful encounters with the Cuban people. He connects with the island's spirit of hospitality and is forever changed by the country's warmth, cultural vibrancy, creativity, resilience and sense of community.
Shaped by the transformative power of travel and compelled to share authentic experiences with others, Olin launches CUBA CANDELA. The path is paved with herculean obstacles. Despite many challenges, Olin is propelled forward by a deep trust and rooted sense of purpose in showing the world there is more that unites us than divides us.
A unique moment in history presents itself while Olin is attending Harvard Business School—President Obama announces the normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba. And with that, everything changed. During the subsequent summer spent on the island, Olin is inspired by meaningful encounters with the Cuban people. He connects with the island's spirit of hospitality and is forever changed by the country's warmth, cultural vibrancy, creativity, resilience and sense of community.
Shaped by the transformative power of travel and compelled to share authentic experiences with others, Olin launches CUBA CANDELA. The path is paved with herculean obstacles. Despite many challenges, Olin is propelled forward by a deep trust and rooted sense of purpose in showing the world there is more that unites us than divides us.