History of Free Spirit Vacations & Events

Free Spirit Vacations is a division of Arko and Associates, Inc. Arko and Associates, Inc. began business in August of 1995 as a marketing company for tourism based companies and has operated with the following mission statement since that time:

Arko and Associates, Inc. is a marketing firm that transcends the typical buyer/supplier relationship and connects people to people for the mutual success of all involved. Through the use of imagination, energy, and experience, Arko and Associates, Inc. provides each "partner" a customized tour or marketing program designed to meet individual needs.

Since 1995, Arko and Associates, Inc. has grown steadily based on the concept of relationship building and working towards mutually successful programs.

As an official tour division of the company, Free Spirit Vacations began in September, 1999. The best tour operational personnel in the industry was solicited and retained by the company. The office staff has over 50 years experience in the industry.

Free Spirit Vacations is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association, the National Tour Association, the Arizona Tour Operators Association, and the Travel Alliance Partners. These organizations are comprised of quality operators who must meet certain performance standards. Free Spirit Vacations carries one million dollars in professional omissions and liability insurance. Safety, service, and customer satisfaction are top priorities.

Sue Arko, President and Owner of Free Spirit Vacations, is on the board of directors for the Travel Alliance Partners, LLC. She has her BS and MS from Arizona State University in Recreation/Tour and Travel. She has over 25 years experience operating companies in the leisure travel market.

Meet our Team

No one on the Free Spirit Vacations team has a traditional title. Free Spirit's corporate culture is one of working together to exceed guests' and team members' expectations and needs in a fun and cooperative environment. We strive to transcend the ordinary and provide guests with extra-ordinary experiences.
While many other people contribute to the success of Free Spirit Vacations, the following are the full time team members.

	Sue Arko— Partner and Friend In addition to conducting tours, Sue is actively involved in producing and conducting special events, including Spotlight on the Southwestern USA and Winter Break. Winter Break has been awarded one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association for two consecutive years (2005 and 2006). She is a Certified Tour Professional and an active member of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, the National Tour Association (serving on the Leadership Committee), the American Bus Association, Cruise Lines International Association, and the Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (serving on the Board of Directors). Sue is a single mom and the highlight of her life is when she is able to travel with her daughter, Jacey.
	Ginger Mace — The Boss. For over 15 years, Ginger has been a marketing professional, even owning her own marketing consulting firm and other companies. With her years of experience in company operations, customer service, and marketing, she is a highly organized and motivated individual who inspires and effectively manages team members, allowing everyone to excel while enjoying their job and interactions with customers and vendors. Ginger and her family moved to Arizona from upstate NY in March 2007.
	Kay Cikity — The Rock. (with Kitty Goofy) Kay has been with Free Spirit Vacations from the beginning. She is familiar with every aspect of the company and is the foundation for all other team members. Her responsibilities are primarily administrative, but if anyone ever has a question, Kay can answer it!
	Bobbie Anger — Quality Queen. Bobbie is a wife, mother, guardian to a physically and mentally challenged sibling, and a retired elementary educator. Her passion to learn has been a driving force throughout her life. Her pathway has been directed by a compassion for human behavior, a nurturing personality, and a strong work ethic. She is driven to continually challenge herself to do her best and help others attain their best qualities as well.
	Sandy Neal — Wine and Culinary Lifestyle Director. "Southern California and I grew up together and it's a wonderful playground. Through family, friends, schools, business, fundraisers, volunteering, organizations, being a Travel Agent and more, I have hosted, entertained, cooked, event planned, wedding coordinated, organized, toured, traveled, moved groups, and just plan ol` had a good time enjoying interacting with people all of my life! My interests are: All Forms Of Travel Around This World, It's Wines & Culinary, Art & The Arts, Golf, Aviation, Photography, and Writing. My hometown of Temecula,California is alive with lush valleys of Wineries....lucky me!"