How long have you been in the business? Six years. Before, I was a corporate meeting planner. This is very different, because there’s more creativity.
What was your 1st job? When I was 12, I was a newspaper carrier for the Toronto Sun. For the time, the pay was pretty good!
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. I was 8 and my grandmother took me to Florida and I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to go.
How has the business changed since you got into it? People are going back to travel agents rather than going online. They get overwhelmed or frustrated because the information changes so fast. I think our entire society is going back to personal service as opposed to self-service.
Do you have a specialty? Given my background, group travel. Also weddings, Australia and all-inclusives.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? A travel writer or a travel show host.
What was your best FAM? In 2009 I went to Jamaica. It was a Sunquest wedding FAM. It was pivotal because it opened up destination wedding planning to me and I learned a lot. It was a huge turning point in my career.
What drives you crazy? Oh! Travel suppliers who discount at the last minute rather than giving clients incentives to book in advance. It just educates consumers to wait.
What was your biggest individual sale? I did a European river cruise for a couple with some add-ons - $17,000.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? Yes! “This sounds like a good fit for you. Why don’t we avoid disappointment and secure your spot now?”
Do you have any time management strategies? Laughs. No! It’s a daily struggle. I have a 2 year old so my day is very short because I have to get him off to daycare.
How do you cope with jetlag? I try to adapt to the new time zone right away by staying up until the local bedtime.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? I try and provide service above their expectations - things that they wouldn’t expect. I provide tips with their itinerary - voltage info and other tips that might be helpful.
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? Anywhere in the Mediterranean – preferably in a villa. Beautiful view, lots of great food.
If you’d like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@openjaw .com
