We were lucky to catch up with Marie DeCosse  recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I created NOMAD Travel Groups out of a deep passion for travel and a desire to make accommodation more accessible and affordable. While working as an international tax specialist prior to the COVID pandemic, I found myself disillusioned with the traditional 9-5 office routine, which clashed with my love for travel. As remote work became more common, I saw an opportunity to blend my career with my travel passion while meeting client needs. Frequent travel revealed the high costs of accommodation, turning a desirable experience into a costly privilege. Determined to address this issue, I set out to develop a solution that would revolutionize the travel industry and make frequent travel more attainable for everyone.

Marie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a CPA and international tax specialist with extensive experience working with both emerging and established companies on M&A transactions, international expansion, and tax mitigation. My career in this field has been driven by a commitment to helping businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and optimize their global operations.

NOMAD was born from my lifelong passion for travel, a passion deeply rooted in my experiences growing up overseas in Madagascar and Bangladesh. These early years abroad sparked a sense of wanderlust that only grew stronger as I explored new and off-the-beaten-path destinations in my young adulthood.

NOMAD Travel Groups is designed to make travel more accessible and affordable by offering flexible and curated accommodation options. We provide a platform that connects like-minded travelers, allowing them to swap homes and enjoy unique travel experiences without the high costs typically associated with frequent travel.

What sets NOMAD apart is our dedication to reshaping the travel industry by leveraging my professional background to create innovative solutions that address common travel challenges. We stand out by combining my expertise in tax and business structuring with a genuine passion for travel to offer a service that is both practical and transformative.

I am most proud of how NOMAD has quickly gained traction and made a tangible impact on the way people approach travel. I want potential clients and followers to know that NOMAD is not just a travel service but a reflection of my commitment to making the world more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our platform aims to turn travel dreams into reality by providing an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional accommodation options.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My co-founder, Ibrahim, is a veteran, father, husband, and seasoned full-stack web developer. He has developed notable web applications for defense contractors and the Army Software Factory. Ibrahim and I met in high school after a district decision shifted students to our school, including him. We bonded over his Senegalese heritage and his high-level sports commitment—at the time, he was playing for DC United, while I was a dedicated tennis player pursuing Division 1 recruitment.

Our friendship has endured through various life events, including his deployment, proposal, and the births of his first and second children. When I pitched the idea for NOMAD, he was immediately enthusiastic. Ibrahim brings the technical expertise that complements my skill set, and I am honored to have him on the team. Beyond his technical prowess, he is a lifelong friend whom I trust and respect deeply. While we occasionally have differing opinions on approaches, we always arrive at thoughtful decisions by integrating our perspectives.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The initial capital for NOMAD was a personal investment, and it has since attracted third-party funding. Although it was challenging to invest so heavily into the early stages of NOMAD, I was confident it was the right decision. To make this possible, I worked two jobs, cut back on personal expenses, and sacrificed sleep to ensure I could provide the necessary capital to develop NOMAD’s MVP. This commitment and effort were crucial in transforming my vision into a reality, and seeing the project grow has been immensely rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wetravelnomad.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetravelnomad/

Image Credits

NOMAD Photographer: Ella Galaty
NOMAD Graphic Designer: Elliott Maxwell Roby