2025 Dream Vacations & CruiseOne National Conference Shines Spotlight on Top Travel Advisors—Madson & Associates Receive Franchise of the Year

Kevin and Donna Gott Take Home 2025 Rookie of the Year Honor

 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 13, 2025) – It was a star-studded and touching evening filled with laughter, tears, and awe at the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® annual awards ceremony hosted by Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager and  Joelle Delva, vice president of operations. The interactive and engaging ceremony featured mesmerizing performances thanks to the wonderous talent onboard the Star Princess.

 

The Franchise of the Year Award was re-named the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award in memory of a beloved franchisee who passed away in September 2021. She led by example, inspired many, and left a legacy in our network. Under the leadership of franchise owners Amy and Michael Madson, Madson & Associates was recognized as this year’s Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year. 

 

“This award is more than a milestone—it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much this community means to us,” said Amy Madson. “Dream Vacations has been our home for so many years, and it’s where our passion for travel turned into a lifelong mission to help others do the same.”

 

Madson & Associates, led by franchise owners Amy and Michael Madson, has become one of Dream Vacations’ most inspiring success stories. Amy began her career in hospitality, working in theme parks, restaurants, hotels, and family entertainment centers with a specialty in training and operations. She and her husband, Michael, launched their travel agency 23 years ago while continuing to work full-time. Over the years, they have grown their business from original host agency Cruises Inc. to a thriving Dream Vacations franchise with a talented team specializing in river cruise, land, and custom travel.

 

A passionate mentor and respected leader, Amy serves on the ASTA Central Florida Chapter board, helping coordinate local events for travel professionals, and is an active member of both CLIA and ASTA. She has served as a certified spokesperson for Dream Vacations, a member of the IT Committee, and both a prior and current member of the Training & Events Committee.

 

Madson & Associates Dream Vacations has achieved Circle of Excellence honors every year since 2021 and continues to be recognized for excellence in sales, marketing, and engagement. Amy was also the recipient of the 2024 OPAL Award for Outstanding Performance and Leadership, reflecting her dedication to mentoring others and elevating the advisor community.

 

Based in Orlando, Fla., Amy and Michael lead by example—escorting groups, exploring new destinations, and maintaining a deep commitment to client satisfaction. Their business has evolved from serving short contemporary cruise clients to curating luxury and small-ship travel experiences, earning a reputation for exceptional service and trusted expertise.

 

Dream Vacations is also proud to recognize Kevin and Donna Gott as the recipients of the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, honoring a new franchise owner who demonstrates exceptional growth, engagement, and commitment to service excellence.

 

Based in Livermore, Calif., Kevin and Donna bring a lifetime of leadership and dedication to their travel business. After serving more than 30 years in law enforcement, the Gotts have channeled their shared love of world exploration into helping clients discover the joy of travel. Since launching their Dream Vacations franchise, they have quickly distinguished themselves through outstanding customer care, community involvement, and a passion for creating meaningful, memory-making experiences for their clients.

 

“Travel has been our passion since the day we met,” said Kevin and Donna Gott. “After three decades of serving our community, it’s an incredible feeling to now serve people in a different way—by helping them explore the world and build memories with their families. This award is such an honor, and we’re grateful to be part of a network that shares our belief that travel is one of life’s best investments.”

 

The onboard ceremony honored departmental awards where advisors were recognized for their sales, marketing, public relations, social media, IT, and more. The ceremony also recognized those who served the network by participating on the advisory council, those with milestone anniversaries, and top-producing advisors, and more.

 

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its advisors and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.

 

Photo Cutline: From L to R: Last year’s FOY winner Jamie Margolis Ross, Moms at Sea, a Dream Vacations franchise;  Franchise of the Year (FOY) winner Amy Madson, Madson & Associates, a Dream Vacations franchise; Michael Madson, Madson & Associates, a Dream Vacations franchise; and Debbie Fiorino, COO, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne (Photo Credit: Paul is Everywhere).

 

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their advisors the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide advisors with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.