Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stephen has been privileged to enjoy many premium cabin products and 5-star hotels.
A petroleum engineer by trade, Stephen caught the travel bug in college when he traveled to Asia several times. After 2 years of continual promotions, Stephen quit his safe and secure career path in favor of entrepreneurship.
Stephen’s company, known as Au Points and Awards Consulting Services (AuPACS, pronounced OW-PAX), focuses on building ultra-customized credit card plans and curating points-funded dream vacations for his clients, primarily business owners and even corporations.
To date, Stephen’s clients at AuPACS have booked over $1.5MM+ in luxury points travel aboard products like Emirates first class, Etihad First Class Apartments, Cathay Pacific first class, and more. He also guides his clients through the best credit cards for their situation.
Stephen understands that the subject of redemptions, often known as the most difficult part of points optimization, can be overwhelming. His technical background enabled him to create a data-driven process that helps his clients find the most efficient use of points within their parameters.
When he isn’t building relationships, Stephen is also a third-wave coffeepreneur and owns a product wholesale business.
You can follow Stephen and his travels on Instagram.
Countries Visited: 21
U.S. States Visited: 20
Highest Hotel Status: Hilton Honors Diamond and Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Highest Airline Status: American Airlines Platinum Pro
Favorite Airline Alliance: Oneworld
Favorite First Class: Cathay Pacific (777). Spa lounges, cabanas, classic Hong Kong luxury, and the widest first class seat in the world.
Favorite Business Class: EVA Air (777). Rimowa amenities, pajamas, amazing food, top-notch service.
Best Redemption Value: 25 cents per point flying in ANA First Class
Favorite Type of Points: American Express Membership Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: American Express Hilton Honors Aspire®, Chase Ink Business Preferred Card℠, Platinum Card® from American Express
