How long have you been in the business? Since 1991 – that’s 20 years!
What was your first job? I worked for a small family-owned agency dealing with the Indian ethnic market – my salary was a whopping $14,000 a year. I don’t know how I survived!
How has the business changed since you got into it? The options on how to do research have changed so much. I remember when if you saw an interesting article about a destination in a magazine you’d have to rip it out to keep and refer to.
Do you have a specialty? Our shop is going to be adventure travel oriented.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? I would like to own an airline. Laughs. Or be a pilot.
What was your best FAM? I just went to Nepal in April and it really made me reconnect with understanding how amazing travel can be.
What drives you crazy? When someone just says “I want to go away” but has no clue where or why.
If you could have a secret weapon what would it be? I think for me it would be the ability to time travel.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? “How would you like to pay for this?”
Do you have any time management strategies? Yes! I come in a bit early every day and take five minutes to go over where I stand. And I prioritize my actions.
How do you cope with jet lag? Sitting in the sun helps with your body clock. In England? I take a little bit of melatonin!
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? By providing the best service – anyone can provide a flight or package. I go above and beyond, such as calling them before they leave and going through everything – I tend to be as excited as they are. And when they come back I call to see how it all went and ask for feedback.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? My motto every day: Live every day like it’s your last day.
If you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick? I’d have to say Russia, because it’s a big enough place that six months would do it.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? I don’t think I could do anything else. I’ve known since I was little that this is what I wanted to do. I get up every day knowing I’m going to have a great day.
