Do you know where to find the best sushi in Manhattan or late night caviar in Los Angeles? What's the best way to fly from Boston to Kuala Lumpur in maximum comfort? How does one really get their hands on a Birkin bag? No?

Well chances are Glenn Bean does and the former Whitney Institute and Bermuda College graduate has now translated that kind of niche luxury knowledge into a business after leaving the Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDOT) in New York, where he worked for 20 years.

Mr. Bean is the sole proprietor of US-based VIPDistinct — a personal VIP concierge service offering premier travel bookings, event planning, home and errand services and corporate support.

According to the company's mission statement it "specialises in lifestyle creation, luxury recreation and personalised service". The company promises to get you what you want, when you want it, in a "fast, consistent and reliable manner".

Mr. Bean, 46, credits his time with the New York BDOT with preparing him well for his new business. He left the office in November 2007, well before Government's decision this year to close it in favour of outsourcing its services.

"I worked for the Bermuda Department of Tourism for close to 20 years. I worked my way through the 'company' from assistant sales manager to director of sales and marketing, global," he said. "I have a tremendous knowledge of the hospitality industry, specifically luxury travel and event planning. I know the travel infrastructure intimately and, most importantly, how the channels of distribution operate — travel agents, tour operators, airlines and the like. In my business, it is critical in understanding travel habits and trends so that I can position my service appropriately."

His time with tourism also allowed him to build a solid network of industry contacts to use when branching out on his own. "I deliberately and very quickly contracted the services of premium event planners, travel providers and exclusive hospitality providers," he said. "So in essence, I have an extensive and talented team, brimming with experience and expertise."

Relocating to Atlanta, Mr. Bean — who has a BBA from Acadia University in Canada and an MBA from California's Pepperdine University — launched VIPDistinct last year. "Atlanta is a great city to start a business," he said. "Not too large to get lost in the noise and not too small to not have an audience."

Through the new business and his time at BDOT, he has had dealings with clientele ranging from diplomats to celebrities and feels well placed to serve the needs of his target clientele.

"In today's economic, social and political environment, most people are either short of time or stressed from their environs. I help alleviate those issues," he said. "For confidentially's sake, I prefer not to disclose any celebrity names (he has worked with) at this point; but suffice it to say that when you deal with celebrity clientele, it's about super serving egos. And, quite frankly, that's the fun part. A challenge, but great fun."

Mr. Bean is determined to meet the needs of his clients — however unusual they may be. He counts among his most challenging tasks to date, having to organise a party in Jamaica without a site visit. "My comfort level was challenged but I harassed the service providers to the point that the service was delivered with second-nature execution and, in the end, I had thrilled and satisfied clients," he said.

And the most unusual? "I am going to be very diplomatic about this — having to deliver personal paraphernalia to a client staying at the Four Seasons for a safe encounter," he said.

Mr. Bean has yet to have had any clients from Bermuda but he feels his services could be of interest to any busy local. "I would love to service my home community," he said. "They certainly can call VIPDistinct for travel services, US ground transportation or simply for planning an overseas party. And of course family travel is big. I can create memorable experiences for all of those who know they deserve it."

For more information on the company visit www.vipdistinct.com.