Our Story
Several years ago, CEO Mark Heyman, his husband, and their two teenage children visited Vermont on vacation. When the Owner (a male) approached the group, Mr. Heyman’s spouse began introductions, stating that they had a reservation for the next two nights. The Owner offered them no welcoming greeting, handshake or smile and only asked, “Where are the wives?” Mr. Heyman’s spouse responded “It is just us four.” There was a long uncomfortable pause. Then, with no smile or welcome, the Owner turned around and walked into the house as they followed behind.
Inside, the owner pointed to an open book and asked them to sign in before escorting them to their room. Upon entering the room he asked, “Will you all be staying in the room?” Confused by his question, Mr. Heyman’s spouse simply responded that, yes, they were. Avoiding all eye contact with us, he mumbled something and left.
During the stay, the Owner and his wife made the family feel ignored and unimportant. At one point, Mr. Heyman told his family he wished that there were some way to know whether privately-owned accommodations are welcoming to families like theirs; if there were, it would save everyone the uncomfortable and humiliating encounters that they had just experienced.
Have you ever experienced a vacation that was almost ruined due to an uncomfortable and unwelcoming encounter? This was the case for co-founders Joel Boyd, Mark Hayman, and family.
When Joel and Mark brought their two teenage children to Vermont for vacation, their stay at a local B&B was marred by the attitude of the Owner, who asked them uncomfortable questions about their family structure and made them feel unwelcome at his establishment.
Throughout their stay, the family felt ignored and unimportant, leading the family to wish for a way to know if privately-owned accommodations are welcoming to families like theirs.
Unfortunately, Joel and Mark’s experience is not unique. Many individuals and families have experienced discrimination and discomfort when trying to find accommodations that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Joel and Mark founded Liberty Locator to ensure that you and your family can spend your hard-earned dollars with businesses who share your values and make you feel welcome.
Full Story
Why “Liberty Locator”?
Merriam Webster defines liberty as the power of choice. Dictionary.com defines liberty as the freedom or right to frequent or use a place.
As school children, we were taught the Pledge of Allegiance. With our hands over our hearts we recited this pledge, which ends with these words — liberty and justice FOR ALL. Unfortunately, many want to compromise our liberty, and that is where Liberty Locator comes in: We connect consumers with businesses committed to providing anti-discriminatory service because they value diversity and inclusion.
What Liberty Locator Means To Us
Because discrimination towards all types of minorities occurs in every community and in every state, we wanted to find a way to avoid that discrimination and direct people to inclusive businesses. Liberty Locator is our response to the disappointing and uncomfortable reception we experienced in Vermont. It is a service that helps businesses identify themselves as anti-discriminatory and welcoming to everyone. From now on, consumers won’t have to worry if a business values them. With Liberty Locator, consumers can find businesses that will treat everyone with integrity and respect.
What Liberty Locator Means For You
In today's world, where social justice and equality are at the forefront of many people's minds, it is essential to choose businesses that share those values. By doing so, you can help make a difference and support a more inclusive society.
For Businesses:
With Liberty Locator, you confirm your business’s commitment to welcoming consumers regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition or disability. It confirms your commitment to making the market industry a better place to shop in, by choosing to honor the very people who help your business thrive.
Not only is inclusivity the right things to do, but it also makes good business sense. When businesses prioritize inclusivity, they attract a wider customer base and create a welcoming and positive environment for all.
For Consumers:
With Liberty Locator, you can ensure you are spending your money with businesses who appreciate you. Every Liberty Locator business member and their employees are committed to ensuring that you have a safe and welcoming experience.
By supporting inclusive businesses, you are not only advocating for equal treatment for all, but you are also supporting businesses that will provide you with a positive and enjoyable experience.
