Jacob Courtade
Director of Business Development
Toronto, Canada · Member since Jan 2006
42Published Articles
19.7KArticle Views
As the 38th registered Trend Hunter, Jacob has always been ahead of the curve. His passions lie in exotic travel and the discovery of cultural experience. His favourite destinations in the past few years include Prague, Iceland and the Dead Sea. He continues to take the opportunity to travel and visit exotic hotels and destinations, and spent August touring central and eastern Europe.
Featured Ideas
Lavish Lavatories
The Upper House Luxurious Bathrooms Impress on Many LevelsLuxury Bathrooms — Boutique hotels are incorporating luxury bathrooms with high-quality finishings and unique features.Conveyor Belt Advertising
Airport Baggage Carousel as Marketing Medium for BojanglesAirport Advertising — Opportunities exist for businesses to utilize airports and their infrastructure as advertising mediums.Boutique Hotels Trending Cheap
aloft by StarwoodCheaper Alternative Boutique Hotels — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop budget boutique hotels that offer unique experiences and amenities at lower prices.Biggest Property Development ever in the US
CityCenter on the Las Vegas StripLuxury Condominium Development — Opportunity to disrupt the real estate industry by creating innovative luxury condominium projects like CityCenter.Urban Mansions
Migration From The SuburbsMigration to Cities — The trend of wealthy families building mansions in urban areas highlights the growing movement towards living in cities and away from suburbs.Sleep with the Fishes
at Jules' Undersea LodgeUnderwater Tourism — There is an opportunity in the travel and tourism industry to offer unique underwater experiences, such as underwater hotels or restaurants.Post-Olympic Fame
Shawn Johnson Performing at Democratic ConventionCelebrity Branding — Opportunities for businesses to leverage the increasing celebrity status of athletes and public figures to enhance their brand image.Healthy Office Snacks
Toronto Start-up, Fruit4Thought, Wants You to Choose FruitRise of Healthy Office Snacks — Businesses that offer easily accessible and affordable healthy snack options to offices can tap into the growing demand for health and well-being in the workplace.In-Room iPods
The Upper House Ditches Paper DirectoriesIn-Room iPods — The trend of providing in-room iPods in hotels creates opportunities for enhanced guest experiences and personalized services.Social Media for Social Good
Canadahelps Launches Great Canadian Giving ChallengeSocial Media Fundraising — Using social media platforms to raise funds for charitable causes presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the fundraising and nonprofit sectors.Dedicated Luxury Hybrids
Lexus Launches the 2010 HS 250hLuxury Hybrid Cars — The release of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h marks the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid car, creating an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the luxury car market.Electric Cadillacs
GM Releases Cadillac Converj Details (UPDATE)Electric Luxury Cars — Opportunities for disruptive innovation in the luxury vehicle market by creating electric cars with long range and high speeds.Q&A with Jacob
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I love to learn little bits of new languages all the time. The more languages I can understand in this world, the more new and exciting culture experiences I'll be able to appreciate.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
Graduating with two undergraduate degrees instead of one.
How do you define cool?
Objects, styles or attitudes held that are desired (but probably not yet attained) by those whom I greatly respect.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
Forcing myself to expand my sources of information. Whether this is by learning a new language, reading a magazine or website I wouldn't normally read, or meeting new people.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
The huge demographic range of Trend Hunters that is drawn to the site, and as a result, the wide variety of new and exciting trends that they write up.
What is your favorite trend?
I have tons. An example would be Airplane Lighting For Your Home. I love airplanes.
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
Keep it short, get to the point, and pepper in a bit of humor where appropriate.
How do you reset to be creative?
I change my sources of information to ones I haven't read in a long time, if ever.
What inspires or excites you?
Travel, travel, travel! Meeting new people, experiencing things that are different, and exploring cultures that are exotic (to me).
Predict something awesome for 2020?
International air travel is free thanks to advertising.