Vista-ExplorUS

The concession business continues to change and demands more resources — both investment and expertise — that only a company with greater access to capital can provide. Vista and ExplorUS have cooperated for years in industry organizations and have developed a mutual respect. Together, the companies are much stronger, both financially and operationally. Additionally, Vista’s minority owners, CVF Financial, by the terms of their investment funds, needs to sell its stake. Warren Meyer is taking the opportunity to sell a majority part of his equity as well.

The ExplorUS family of companies manages concessions at nearly 80 locations in 19 states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over its nearly 30-year history, the company has grown to provide a range of visitor hospitality services, working with agencies that include the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, multiple State Parks, and city, county, and municipal agencies.

ExplorUS is owned by Stephanie and Peter Nolan and their family.  The Nolan family has owned ExplorUS since 2019 and purchased the business from the Ortega family (founders). The business is nearly 30 years old.

Yes, Warren will continue to be an owner, executive, and board member of the company. He will focus on business development and agency relations.

Both companies have shared values: collaborating with agency partners to build strong relationships, serving visitors so they have memorable experiences, and a commitment to its employees. Both operate in the same marketplace, centered on operating public recreation concessions. ExplorUS’ portfolio consists of a greater focus on lodging, retail stores, and full-service and quick-service restaurants while Vista is more focused on campgrounds and day use. In addition, the two companies share many of the same agency partners, including the USFS, NPS, California State Parks, Michigan State Parks, Army Corps of Engineers, BLM, EBMUD, and Los Angeles County, which will help make this transition easier. Lastly, ExplorUS has a larger revenue base and does business in Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. Combined, the new entity will become one of the largest concessions companies in the country.

ExplorUS will focus on looking for counter-seasonal business that grows the company and provides more opportunities for year-round employment.

ExplorUS loves the Vista name and appreciates the reputation that it brings with it! The Vista name will not change right away and maybe won’t change at all. There has been some discussion about potentially keeping the Vista name for Forest Service locations.

Again, there will be a focus on driving additional reasons for people to visit our locations during off-peak times outside of summer vacations. There is a huge opportunity to grow the business in this regard. The ExplorUS locations have been a popular destination for weddings and other events historically, and we see this trend continuing if not expanding.

Yes, in the coming months, departmental meetings will begin and communicated through HR and other company leaders.  In addition, a three-day virtual joint planning session will be held September 23, 24 and 25th for approximately 2 hours per day. More information will be forthcoming.

An internal calendar will be available mid August once Bill and Kirk have had an opportunity to align. In the meantime, stay on your current budgeting timeframe.

The exact date depends on our agency partners approving the transfer of contracts, but we are planning for December 31, 2024.

On the closing date, which is targeted for December 31, 2024, Vista employees will work their last day with Vista and will officially start with ExplorUS on January 1, 2025.

The Vista Human Resources team will transition your employment to ExplorUS and will be coordinating the process of offer letters. Fortunately, ExplorUS also uses the Paycor platform, so we anticipate a familiar process.

On the closing date, which is targeted for December 31, 2024, Vista employees will work their last day with Vista and will officially start with ExplorUS on January 1, 2025.

The Vista Human Resources team will transition your employment to ExplorUS and will be coordinating the process of offer letters. Fortunately, ExplorUS also uses the Paycor platform, so we anticipate a familiar process.

Yes. It is important to continue business as usual. Nearly 100% of all employees will continue to have opportunities with ExplorUS. There are a few positions that will change, and those employees will be notified of the change at least six months in advance of the change.

In order to drive consistency throughout the organization, “like” job functions will take on the same job title. However, your job responsibilities will remain very much how they are now.

Today, nothing changes. As we develop the operating plan, we will communicate any reporting and team changes.

Each department (HR, Finance, Operations, F&B, etc.) will be communicating with the Vista team as often as needed but at a minimum of once/twice per month through the current peak season. Calls will be scheduled via Teams.

While the technical answer is “Yes,” ExplorUS will honor everyone’s seniority date with Vista for purposes of time-off accruals and healthcare benefits eligibility. All benefits will undergo a review.

No.

Yes, and we are pleased to announce more options and a matching 401(k) plan! Our current medical plan is under review, and the results will be communicated several months prior to December 31, 2024, to allow for plenty of time to evaluate the options. ExplorUS is committed to a seamless transition with no waiting period for healthcare benefits.

Because you are technically ending employment under the Vista name and starting as a new employee under ExplorUS, your sick leave balance will not carry forward. You will immediately begin to accrue sick leave (in states where mandated) once you are onboarded.

Your current unused PTO will be paid out with your final paycheck with Vista.

Yes.

6720 W 121st Street, Suite 200
Overland Park, Kansas 66209
Phone: 913-361-0171
Fax: 913-730-7570
goExplorUS.com

No.

Yes. One of the best perks of being a part of a larger company is that there are more opportunities to move about the country and to find new opportunities.

Yes, we will post these on the website which is being created now and expected to be online soon. We anticipate more winter work opportunities with the combined company and increase in year-round locations.

The org structure will be shared as the Vista team is onboarded into their respective departments.

While it is our sincere hope that employees decide to remain with the new company, we realize this change may not work for everyone. Anyone may opt to resign at any time.

With any major company growth, change is inevitable. As we grow, more opportunities are created as more inputs from a diverse population are gleaned. The goal is to examine each company’s procedures, systems, etc., and to implement the best solution for the broader company.

We will continue to strive to maintain a compliant, safe, and fun workplace for all.

Specific plans will be shared as we determine any changes.

The companies share several of the same systems. We will consolidate the best of both companies.

Both the Vista and ExplorUS HR teams are working closely together to define the HR-related processes for the merger. We will communicate to all current Vista employees the necessary steps as they are outlined and expect to begin those communications in October 2024.

Yes. Continue to act in the same manner as you would prepare for the 2025 season and plan to recruit and hire as needed.

Management in Training (MIT) continues.

ExplorUS has implemented the Next Step Program through Cornell University. The program runs 10 weeks online and provides for certification in Servant Leadership. Eight to ten entrants are allowed each year.

We believe both programs serve their own purpose, provide enriching experiences for our staff, and should continue. As such, the MIT application/nomination process will open as usual on August 15 and close November 15. More details on the Next Step Program will be forthcoming.

We are excited for this merger. For more details, see the FAQs we have put together. Warren will be leading these conversations with our agencies.

We will hold off on a press announcement for several months so as to not impact current outstanding bids. We will definitely plan an announcement in January 2025 if not before.

Please continue with business as usual.

More information will be provided by the August/September 2024 timeframe.

You may contact Beth Hale or Michelle Villasenor in Human Resources at any time. They will do what they can to assist you and provide clarity to the degree it is possible. Additionally, Warren is available to talk through any concerns you may have.

ExplorUS is diligently working to shop the best plans for our teams over the next several weeks and we anticipate that with increased buying power, they will only get better. While we consider adding a broad array of benefits from year to year, fertility treatments have not been offered in the past and likely will not be in 2025. Once we have signed contracts, we will get summary plan descriptions and details out to you prior to open enrollment in January.

ExplorUS has a myriad of incentive plans available. We will be providing details on those programs over the coming weeks.

We expect the Paycor Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to be established by early to mid-November which will allow anyone to apply online. You will receive notification as that time approaches with detailed instructions on how to apply.