The Challenge: Scaling Group Travel Operations

• JusCollege was growing rapidly but faced inefficient booking processes and event management bottlenecks.
• Students' biggest pain point was "I don't know who my roommates will be", impacting early booking rates.
• Manual backend processes led to revenue leakage and customer frustration.

The Solution: A Multi-Phase ERP & Event Tech Platform

📌 Phase 1: Booking System & UI/UX Overhaul

• Led UI/UX design and wrote product specs for all major features.
• Built a centralized booking system supporting individual and group payments.
• Launched roommate deferral features—students could book without knowing roommates upfront.
• Integrated Stripe payment plans, improving flexibility and conversion rates.

Results:

• Increased early bookings due to roommate flexibility.
• Reduced support tickets by 52% through better UX and flows.

📌 Phase 2: Communication & Marketing Automation

• Integrated Twilio (SMS) and Mailchimp (email) for targeted, automated campaigns.
• Developed an internal messaging interface for admins and users.
• Reduced email volume by 60% while increasing AOV by 17%.

Results:

• Improved LTV by 21%.
• Streamlined workflows reduced churn by 30%.

📌 Phase 3: RFID Wristbands & Mobile POS

• Introduced RFID wristbands for access control and meal/drink redemption.
• Developed a mobile app with upsell opportunities and real-time event check-ins.
• Deployed mobile POS systems for on-site purchases.

Results:

• 96% user satisfaction with RFID system.
• Increased on-site revenue and upsell conversions.

📌 Phase 4: Scalable Architecture & White-Labeling

• Built the platform to support white-label opportunities (e.g., Unity.Travel).
• Supported mergers and acquisitions, including Pollen's $25MM acquisition of JusCollege in 2018.

Key Impact & Metrics

• Revenue Growth: Scaled from $0 to $20M+.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced booking errors by 40%.
• User Satisfaction: 96% post-event survey satisfaction.
• Conversion: Early bookings increased due to roommate flexibility.
• Acquisition: Pollen (UK) acquired JusCollege for $25MM.

Lessons Learned & Reflections

Leading the JusCollege platform reinforced the need to balance scalability, user experience, and operational efficiency. Solving a unique customer problem—the roommate dilemma—was the turning point for adoption and growth. A data-driven and iterative approach helped refine the platform and support an eventual acquisition.