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Vocationer Testimonials

People Are Talking About VocationVacations® Holidays!

“I found VocationVacations to be an excellent way to immerse myself in a different world for 2-3 days. My VocationVacation took me to Boise, Idaho for Private Investigating with Mollie Carman and Valerie Agosta of Hanady Investigations. I was a private investigator from minute one! I expected a teacher-student experience but was surprised at my level of involvement in day-to-day cases. I spent time in vehicles with informants, did video surveillance, and actually had a face-to-face meeting with someone being investigated for fraud with the purpose of gathering information! I would encourage anyone to drop the doubt and try a VocationVacation. Since it's only 2-3 days, there's no excuse to not give it a try - it could change your life.” 
Rob Smith, Paulsboro, NJ
Private Investigator Vocationer

“Sarah’s energy, professionalism and encouragement made this a great experience. I came away feeling that I can do this!"
Gretchen Giles, Delray Beach, FL
Chocolatier Vocationer

"If I had to sum up my experiences in the past few months, I'd say that once I learned to confront my fears, everything else fell into place. VV was the catalyst that started this process for me."
Bob Paterno, Dallas, TX
Former Electric/Systems Engineer turned Song Writer after taking a VocationVacation


"I can't tell you how satisfied I have been with my investment in VocationVacations. The onsite opportunity I experienced at Crewest Gallery in LA during my VocationVacation was most inspiring. Spending two days with ManOne, I learned the business behind custom mural rendering. My Mentor, ManOne, generously shared his time and talents, openly relating business experiences and the processes involved with finalizing a job. He shared great ideas for self-promotion. In addition, we practiced actual aerosol painting techniques. My reward was his gift of the canvas we worked on as he interpreted my business name Jabiru.

Since my VocationVacation, I've opened my own studio, printed new business cards, and have a website (www.jabirudesign.com). I have much more confidence now as I negotiate jobs with clients. And as ManOne suggested, I am networking with other local artists. I am also alert to opportunities for promoting myself and remember ManOne's advice that any experience can lead to possibilities.”
Paula Lewis, Oregon City, OR
Muralist/Gallery Owner Vocationer


"My VocationVacation was like going to Disneyland! Learning the cake decorating techniques, including the manipulation and creative design of chocolate, helped me simplify my own existing process. And I had such a wonderful time working with and learning from my Mentors, Jack and Iva, that I was crying when I left."
Margo Hinson, North Hollywood, CA
Chocolatier/Pastry Chef Vocationer


When I saw the massive list of vocations on the VocationVacations website, I crossed my fingers as I scrolled down the list and then yelled in excitement when I saw Private Investigator, my dream job! I could not wait to sign up. Over the years, I had dappled in investigating but I really wanted to see what the pros could show me. I not only wanted to learn, I wanted to share this with my cousin, Carol, who lives in Montana. So Carol and I headed to Boise, Idaho to learn from the best – the Spy Moms, Valerie Agosta and Mollie Carman.

Our adventure was amazing! No fake cases, only real, live investigations. It is not about being nosey and finding out information on people, it is about finding the truth for those who are being duped! That is why it’s my dream job.Valerie & Mollie worked side-by-side teaching us about tracking devices and the information obtained; online background checks; installing a surveillance camera in a child neglect case; and the best was going through the garbage of a suspected cheating spouse and finding incriminating evidence. All of this and much more in just two-days. All I can say is, “WOW – WOW – WOW, what a weekend.”

Valerie & Mollie were the best mentors you could have and lots of fun to boot!Now what, you ask? My ultimate goal after experiencing this great VocationVacation is to become a licensed Private Investigator. Illinois has strict guidelines in obtaining a license but I am well down the path of making that happen upon my retirement from my current career.

Thanks, VocationVacations! What a wonderful way to spend a vacation – learning something new!"
Sue Anderson
Mendota, Illinois


"My VocationVacation experience is one that will stay with me forever. I had the opportunity to learn about and work with Mustangs, two of which were weanlings. Gerry, my Mentor taught me the techniques to work with these wonderful creatures. I came away with confidence that I could adopt and train a young mustang on my own. This is something I've wanted to pursue, but had not been sure that I could do it. Now, I just need to find our retirement property and get started!!! The experience also helped me get to the point of moving past my grief over the death of my own horse, and I'm now deep in the process of finding his replacement."
Susie Brown, San Marino, CA
Horse Trainer Vocationer

"AMAZING!!! What a complete package, from start to finish, including the coaching sessions. I couldn't wait to roll up my sleeves and ‘dig in’ while working side-by-side with Bridgette Raes and her clients. My mentor was so knowledgeable and easy-going, and she encouraged me to ask questions (which I had plenty of!). I had the instant gratification and benefit of her feedback and expertise. Bridgette was extremely informative regarding the financial and start-up aspects of the business too. On top of all that.....she also managed to make it fun! I had a BLAST!! Thank you VocationVacations®! My VocationVacations® was the first, giant step for me toward creating the life I want. It was incredibly motivating and made me see that I CAN do this!"
Lorraine Cestone, Long Island, NY
Style Expert Vocationer


Thanks to my experience with Vocation Vacations in 2005, I am pleased to report I have taken the plunge and now work as a full-time professional photographer!
Dan Chaffee, Kansas City, MO
Photographer Vocationer


"I have a passion for taking a different look at my life (yes, even at 70 years old!) because of my VocationVacations experience. I thank your organization (and my dear wife who arranged it for me) for giving me this opportunity for a lasting birthday memory."
Jim Franklin, Port Townsend, WA
Brew Master Vocationer







"My VocationVacations® was an incredible career-immersion experience! My expectations were vastly exceeded in terms of the quality of the interactions and the "all access" way I was welcomed onto the Brave Street television production team. Not only did I not expect to have so many immediate hands-on opportunities, I was also genuinely thunder-struck with the way every single person on the team welcomed me into the fold as if I were a Brave Street lifer! My VocationVacations® gave me the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the reality of a television producer, to ask the questions I had been dying to ask in every informational interview, and gave me the tools and knowledge to further my career exploration. I can think of no better gift for the new graduate, the retiree, or anyone contemplating a mid-life career course correction. VocationVacations® is the best career ‘speed-dating’ money can buy!"
Sue Burton-Kirdahy, Boston, MA
Televison Producer Vocationer


"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank VocationVacations® for the experience of a lifetime! My experience with Gerry Thompson and the Kiger Mustangs at SpringWater Ranch in Oregon was better than I could have imagined…The four days I spent with Gerry Thompson and his horses could not have been more perfect. Watching him work with the horses, learning about the history of the Kiger Mustang, and receiving personal riding lessons all helped make the experience unforgettable. His experience and knowledge is extensive, and his way of working with the horses is as much "therapy" for the human as it is for the animal! The trail rides in the beautiful Oregon mountains were safe, yet challenging… I never expected to be able to ride that well in such a short time. I was exposed to everything from the routine of feeding, grooming, tacking and riding to discussions about breeding, trailering and endurance racing. I would recommend this VocationVacation to ANYONE who has an interest in horses - whether they’re a novice wanting to find out if they would like to own a horse or an experienced owner who just wants to go to the "next level" of companionship with their horse. Now I know that someday I WILL have a horse of my own. Thank you again for the wonderful experience."
Connie Madison, Roseville, MN
Horse Trainer Vocationer (a gift from her husband)


"….I had a great time on my VocationVacations® at Stone Wolf Vineyards. Linda did a great job of getting me involved in all aspects of the projects they were working while I was there. I would highly recommend the Stone Wolf trip to anyone that is interested in a Vintner VocationVacations®."
Andrew Mason, Redmond, WA
Wine Maker Vocationer


"VocationVacations® rocks! What a great way to possibly work your fantasy job plus get a vacation. I loved every minute of my trip. I had an awesome time doing my Wedding Coordinator ‘job.’ I learned so much to help me in the future with my plans. The whole process was simple and fun. My mentor Mary Dann was fantastic! She was so attentive to me and made sure I really worked to get the most out of my experience. I really felt part of her team, and she taught me some of her tricks. I've been telling everyone about it and look forward to doing another dream vocation."
Ricky Bradford, Mobile, AL
Wedding Coordinator Vocationer


"It was the best gift I’ve ever given him."
Gail Haskett, Vancouver, WA
Gave VocationVacations® Brew Master package as a gift to her husband, Steve


"VocationVacations has helped me make the move from being a happy enough international banker to a really, really happy dog trainer. I still can't help but smile when I say that...There's just no way I would have had the imagination or the courage to make this shift had it not been for the experience of VocationVacations and the encouragement of the Mentors and the Career Coach I worked with through VocationVacations."
David Ryan, Rye, NH
Dog Trainer and Dog Daycare Owner Vocationer


After spending two days with my VocationVacations mentor, I decided to pursue my dream job as a concierge. I did it! I’ve now transitioned from the music industry to the hospitality industry. This is an example of what a VocationVacation can do to help pave the way.
Corazon Chacon, New York City
Hotelier Vocationer


I see the starting point for my dream now and the process necessary to get it going!
John Lenzi, Bronx, NY
Restaurateur Vocationer


I found my dream job on vacation!
Toni Cory, Mt. Pleasant, IA
Dog Daycare Owner Vocationer


I had one of the best days of my life. It ranked right up there with my wedding day.
Matt Berberich, Lombard, IL
Brew Master Vocationer


They always say to do something you truly love instead of going through life just making a living.
Gynna Bayle, Torrance, CA
Wine Retailer Vocationer


Like many people, I went down a different career path than what I originally dreamed. I always thought I'd be in TV or write for a newspaper.
Jennifer McGilloway, West Chester, PA
TV Producer Vocationer


Becoming a baker seems doable to me now!
Lea Chadwell, Winston-Salem, NC
Baker Vocationer