The following Q&A is part of the “Diplomats Hire Diplomats” series, which features stories of Franklin & Marshall alumni connecting, opening doors, and paying it forward across the F&M network.

 

For Gonzalo “Gonzo” Gentou Arbizu ’26, a brief introduction to a fellow Franklin & Marshall College Diplomat grew into months of conversations about travel, career possibilities, and life after college. Now it has led to his first full-time job.

Gentou recently joined the Tynan Travel Company in Dallas, where he works as an operations analyst helping to create highly personalized travel experiences for clients around the world. It all began with a conversation with F&M Trustee Mike Arnold ’08, founder and managing director of Tynan. Gentou’s story shows that having the courage to simply ask to stay in touch can lead to something big.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be mentored and supported by an F&M alumnus like Mike,” said Gentou, who completed a double major in psychology and business, organizations, and society (BOS) at F&M. “Throughout college, and especially right after graduation, you’re still very new to the job market and the professional world. Finding people who are willing to share their experiences, provide guidance, and offer advice can make a tremendous difference.”

Gonzalo “Gonzo” Gentou ’26, seen here leading a class discussion during his senior year at F&M, recently joined the Tynan Travel Company in Dallas. (Photo by Deb Grove)

How did you meet Mike, and eventually land the job?

I participated in a student-athlete panel in October 2025, along with three fellow athletes, where we talked about our experiences at F&M and in athletics in front of the F&M Board of Trustees. It was a wonderful event and, most importantly, a great learning experience.

Mike was there that day, and I remember Lauren Packer Webster [director of athletics and recreation] introducing us right before the panel. Although we only had a few minutes to speak, I was interested in his background and wanted to learn more about his experience. After the panel, I asked for his contact information.

We stayed in touch over the following months, talking about the Tynan Travel Company and the broader industry, and met again during his visit to campus for the Board of Trustees meeting last spring. Given my interest in travel and the opportunities I had to explore different cultures during my time as an international student at F&M, I found our conversations about the industry particularly interesting.

That interest eventually led me to pursue an opportunity with the Tynan Travel Company. After several conversations and online assessments, I flew to Dallas for an in-person interview with Mike and the rest of the team. I really enjoyed the environment, the people, and the work, and I was fortunate enough to receive an offer, which I accepted.

What type of work do you do?

I’m an operations analyst. In my role, I work at the intersection of global travel, relationship management, and logistics. I support different client portfolios by building and maintaining partnerships with suppliers and providers around the world, while coordinating the many moving pieces behind highly personalized travel experiences for ultra-high-net-worth private clients and family offices.

It’s a role that requires a combination of organization, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. What I enjoy the most is that no two days are the same. I’m constantly learning new things and working with people and partners from different parts of the world to make sure each journey comes together seamlessly, while also finding new ways of creating meaningful experiences for our clients.

What does it mean to have the support of the F&M alumni network?

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be mentored and supported by an F&M alumnus like Mike. Throughout college, and especially right after graduation, you’re still very new to the job market and the professional world. Finding people who are willing to share their experiences, provide guidance, and offer advice can make a tremendous difference.

To current students who are looking for career advice or any kind of mentorship, regardless of what your future plans may be, I would encourage you not to be afraid to put yourself out there and reach out to the F&M alumni network. There is always someone willing to share their experience and knowledge with you. Embrace those opportunities, because you never know where a conversation, a connection, or a simple introduction might lead you.