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In 2007, Juliet Walters, Geoff Knowles and John-Eric Hernandez, three people with an unbridled passion for Catalina Island joined forces and created a company called Catalina by Design. Our main focus was to make travel to the island affordable as well as showcase some of the in-depth beauty this iconic island offers. Catalina seen through a native’s point of view can suggest a wide array of alternatives. It certainly offers adventures for everyone.
The owner, Juliet Walters, after 7 years of meeting planning on the mainland and Catalina, decided to concentrate on her first love, Catalina Island. With a desire to sell people on its many charms and varied appeal, her vision lead her to create a company that not only focuses on customer service but ultimately presenting new ways to showcase a timeless destination.
Her background in the hospitality industry included 18 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation in international sales where she cemented her reputation of client integrity and creativity! Finally with many vendors on the island encouraging her to personally open her own company due to her client/vendor customer skills, Catalina by Design was born.
John Eric, the island’s favorite son, grew up on Catalina. In the words of Ron Doutt, Former president of the Santa Catalina Island Company, John Eric is a local boy done good. His winning personality, strong sales skills and excellent work ethic, he lends valuable credibility to Catalina by design.
Geoff Knowles, the architect of Catalina by Design has directed the company thru the vision process and has added invaluable assistance in securing a strong financial foundation for the company.
Michael Bronfenbrenner, our visual consultant, helps us and our clients with video, photography and logistics. He began coming to Catalina in 1983 and hasn’t stopped since. His archives contain over 10,000 images of the Catalina landscape and the events that occur there.
Finding the right travel partner can be a challenge. It is our commitment and goal to ensure that your island experience and expectations are more than met. We feel confident that our business expertise and varied backgrounds will play an integral part in choosing Catalina by Design.
