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Ben Knosby
CEO // Lucid Travel
Professional Background
Ben Knosby is a highly innovative entrepreneur and the CEO of Lucid Travel, an advanced travel management software designed specifically for universities, sports teams, and event directors. Under his leadership, Lucid Travel has flourished from a simple web form into a robust, fully customizable management platform, currently utilized by over 150 universities and more than 10,000 teams across various sectors. Through Lucid, Ben has simplified and streamlined the way colleges and universities manage their travel policies, requests, and receipts, proving essential in today's dynamic travel environment.
Lucid Travel offers unique solutions tailored to the distinct needs of its users. For colleges and universities, Ben's vision allows institutions to create customized travel links that incorporate their specific policies and procedures, ensuring a seamless experience for their travelers. This innovative platform also provides access to aggregated rates from top travel providers, along with exclusive deals that can save users up to 50% on travel costs.
Event directors significantly benefit from Lucid’s offerings, as the platform simplifies the hotel booking process without the need for complicated room blocks. By employing Lucid, event directors can also earn revenue on hotel reservations, adding a valuable financial incentive. Every room booked through their personalized co-branded travel link results in a $10 earnings, providing a win-win situation for both the user and the organization.
Ben's commitment to improving the travel experience extends to sports teams, who now enjoy the ability to browse deals from over 40 providers and book accommodations instantly. Gone are the days of continuous communication with hotel managers or dealing with complex room blocks. With Lucid, teams can share a dedicated travel page with their members, coupled with exclusive deals worth up to 50% off.
Education and Achievements
Ben graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. NCSU played a pivotal role in shaping his career and igniting his passion for engineering and entrepreneurship. After earning his degree, Ben began a successful career path, applying his technical acumen to various roles within the biopharmaceutical industry.
His early experiences include several key positions in data science and technology at prestigious firms including Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Biogen Idec, and Merck. At Merck, he participated in the Leadership Development Program (LDP), serving as an Analytics Product Manager and later as a Capital Project QA Manager. His responsibilities in these roles involved spearheading project strategies and managing data analyses, which laid a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Furthermore, Ben has held positions such as Managing Partner at Lucid Solutions Inc. and New Business Development at Engineering For Kids, where he utilized his engineering background to foster growth and innovation in diverse business environments.
As a committed professional, Ben has also contributed his insights and expertise as an Advisory Board Member at Credit Union Travel, where he continues to foster collaboration and innovation in the travel sector.
Personal Life
On a personal note, Ben lives in the Charlotte, North Carolina area with his wife and their adorable baby girl, who was born in April 2020. His passion for sports remains strong, as he has enjoyed an active childhood filled with ice hockey and golf. With a blend of professional ambition and personal fulfillment, Ben Knosby represents a modern entrepreneur dedicated to making a significant impact in the travel industry while balancing the joys of family life.
