• Meet the Karell Team

    Welcome to the staff page, where you’ll be able to gain some insight into the lives of the Karell Team and match faces to the voices you’ve probably heard on the phone! Just browse the links to your right where you’ll find each staff member’s picture and a brief biography.

    Norman Pieters

    I was born in the Belgian Congo and emigrated to South Africa with my parents while still a boy. Educated in South Africa, I began my career in travel management in 1973 in London. My early positions included a European Tour Manager and managing a touring company in Australia. I returned to South Africa in 1976 to pursue my love of travel, culminating with the opening of my own agency in 1982. In 1988, I fulfilled my lifelong dream when I emigrated to the United States with my wife, Cathy, and my young son. I am proud to say that I became a United States citizen in 1994. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than creating programs which allow people to see and feel the heart of Africa. For me, the work I do becomes that much more meaningful when I am able to give both the client and the agent that special sense of this great continent.
    You may e-mail me directly at norman@karell.com.

    Cathy Pieters

    Hailing from Brecon in Wales, my family and I moved to South Africa when I was only 3 years old. I, too, have spent many years in the travel industry, including a position with British Airways and Rosebank Travel, one of South Africa’s most respected agencies. Along with Norman, I was responsible for all quality control functions at our own agency, and have continued this commitment to quality assurance at Karell Travel. It gives me great pleasure to ensure that the programs we create on your behalf are known for their excellence to detail, and that our agency has been instrumental in opening the heart and soul of Africa to so many American travelers. Although I am not part of the reservations process, I look forward to making sure that the programs and quotes which are designed for you are flawless in every detail.
    Please email me at cathy@karell.com


    Hugo Molina

    Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, I came to the United States and settled in Miami almost 25 years ago. Along with my wife and 4 children, Miami has become our home, and Karell Travel is my home away from home. I thrive on the challenge which each day brings here at the agency, and I love helping our clients – no matter what the request may be! I’ve been with the agency since 1990, so you can probably guess that I love what I do. I am proud to be one of the reasons that Karell Travel has become such a driving force in opening up travel to South Africa. It’s personally gratifying that I am part of making the great continent of Africa a viable and meaningful tourist destination.
    Please feel free to e-mail me directly at hugo@karell.com

    Ralph Balkin

    If you hear a smile in my voice when I pick up the phone, it’s because I am already having a great day! In 1976, I made the big decision to emigrate from South Africa – Johannesburg to be exact – with my lovely wife. We settled in Miami, raised two gorgeous girls and began a lifetime of making wonderful memories. As a former agency owner, I traveled extensively to Europe, sailed on many cruises and, of course, spent time re-visiting South Africa enjoying many safaris. Since coming to Karell Travel last year, it has been a wonderful experience to get back to my “roots” and sell Africa after being a corporate agent for so many years. I have talked to people that I grew up with and had the joy of renewing old friendships and making new ones. It will be my pleasure to help you plan a perfect holiday. I can’t wait to meet you!
    You can email me at ralph@karell.com

    Gloria Gomez

    As a child, I called Bogotá, Colombia ‘home’. After receiving a degree in accounting at the age of 22, I began my career working in Colombia. In 1984, a vacation brought me to America, the land of my dreams. I fell in love with this country and remained. I married and had a family. I’ve been working with Karell Travel since 1993, and they have become part of my extended family. My responsibilities include assisting with document preparation and delivery, document review for quality and accounting functions. No detail is too small to ensure your perfect holiday! I can describe my relationship with Karell in four words: (I love this company!)
    Please email me at Gloria@karell.com.

    Ali E. Çakmak

    I was born in Turkey’s capital city Ankara, where I was raised by my parents with my brother until 2001 when I emigrated to US to complete my college education and have the “American” experience. It was a big change moving from a large urban city to the small town of Troy, Alabama, but after earning my degree in Graphic Design, I moved to Miami, Florida where I worked for Apple computers and pursued free lance design work. Shortly thereafter, I began working with Karell Travel as their in house Graphic Designer, where I have been able to fulfill my goals of fully applying my design skills and knowledge. While I am still relatively new to the travel industry, I bring with me a creative outlook based on my own life and travel experiences. For any feedback on our website and travel brochures/materials, please feel free to email me at ali@karell.com

    Craig Pieters

    In 1988, at the age of 4, I emigrated from Johannesburg, South Africa to America with my parents Norman and Cathy. Although I now call the U.S. home, Africa will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to helping you discover Africa’s wonder, something I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand countless times. Whether you’re looking to experience a wild game safari or visit some of southern Africa’s most spectactular cities, I would love to share my knowledge with you as you plan your trip. If you have any questions or need help in any way, don’t hesitate to call or email me at the following address: Craig@karell.com

    Yvette Polo

    I was born in Puerto Rico and moved with my parents and siblings to Miami.  Shortly after graduating from High School I started working in the Travel Industry but took time off to dedicate myself to my children.  I knew that after a career of 12 years in a reputable agency, I wanted to continue in the Travel Industry and wanted to be employed by a company with a friendly, family oriented ambiance. I did not think that such an environment existed in companies in this day and age until I came to Karell Travel and it is indeed my pleasure to be part of this team.
    You can reach me at Yvette@karell.com

    Lissette Casal

    I was born in Spain, just a few months after my parents arrived in the country. Shortly after, we emigrated to Puerto Rico where I lived for the next 20 years before relocating to Miami,FL where I currently live with my husband and am lucky to have most of my family close by. In my mid 20’s I started in the travel business and had my own agency for over 14 years. I later sold it to pursue a totally different career path but after a few years away I was lured back into my passion, travel. I was very fortunate to join the Karell family in February of 2008. My goal is for clients have the most memorable experiences on their travels to Africa and throughout the entire planning process.You can reach me at Lissette@karell.com