How long have you been in the business? Close to 30 years!
What was your first job? I booked accommodation and sightseeing at Mountain Travellers in Jasper – for about $12,000 a year.
Do you have a specialty? In a smaller community like Brockville you need to know the full range of your suppliers. But we have great success with our Merit hosted group departures which are often themed (golf, ski, longstay or special interest such as World War II).
Whom do you admire most in the business? I really do admire the owners of Merit, Michael Merrithew and Louise deGrandpre, because they’re a young, outgoing, very successful couple – we all feel this way!
If you could have a secret weapon what would it be? Being able to see exactly what the client on the other end of the phone is looking at!!
How do you keep up on industry affairs? We go to Open Jaw once a day (and I’m not just saying that!), suppliers’ websites, online training sessions and presentations.
What was your most memorable fam? I just came back from a wonderful ski fam in Chile.
What was your biggest individual sale? Three segments of an around the world cruise with business class air to Dubai. About $60,000.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? I use “I can put that on hold for you – you’re under no obligation but prices are never guaranteed until you book.”
Any time management strategies? Writing everything down.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? We touch base with the client the minute they get back. And we do an Open House which works well in a community like this.
If you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick? I love the culture, diversity of Italy, and its wine and food.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Never judge a book by its cover.”
