How long have you been in the business? 25 years. I started at Quarter Deck Travel in White Rock, BC. My mother’s friend owned a travel agency and I begged and pleaded to work there.
Tell me about your first airplane ride. I was 12 and we went to PVR and Mexico City and had a great time. I remember we missed our connection in SFO and had to hang around the airport forever.
How has the business changed since you got into it? The technology…I remember looking up fares in a book and everything took so long because everything was by phone.
How do you enjoy being a home based agent? It’s perfect for me with my kids as I can go on a field trip at 3 in the afternoon and do my paperwork at 9 at night.
Do you have a specialty? I’m starting to focus more on cruises and multi-generational travel.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? I would love to be a motivational speaker, helping people to be positive and look on the best side of things.
What was your best fam? To Beijing and Hong Kong. I got to climb the Great Wall on my birthday – it was fabulous.
What drives you crazy? People who don’t volunteer but who love to complain. We all have to give a little something somewhere to make things work.
If you could have a secret weapon what would be it be? I would love to read people’s minds and know what they’re really thinking.
How do you keep up on industry affairs? I subscribe to about 6 travel trade magazines, attend seminars and webinars and of course read Open Jaw every morning. I love Ivanna, the cartoon – I really believe you need humour in your day.
What was your biggest individual sale? I was lucky enough to sell a Category A cabin on a Holland America cruise – about a $100,000 sale. And the best part? They booked it again two years later.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? Not really – I’m not very hard-sell-pushy – because I’m friends with my clients we come to mutual agreement to go ahead with the sale.
Do you have any time management strategies? Yes, I write down all the things that have to get done, so even if I’ve had a crazy busy day I can see what I’ve accomplished.
How do you cope with jetlag? Not very well! I try to grab some sleep when I can. I’m looking at Melatonin for my next trip – I hate that spacy jetlag feeling.
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? I put myself in their shoes and try to make sure every last detail is done for them on their trip.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? Always treat people like you would want to be treated – because I’m a firm believer in karma.
If you had to spend six months in a destination, which one would you pick? Europe –I love all the history each country has to offer.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? I would work to become a motivational speaker and try to help others.
