Dawn Cooper
Where were you born? In London, ON.
What was your 1st job? Working at the Ingersoll Cheese and Wine Factory when I was 14. I’ll never forget wearing a stupid 1800s costume in the awful heat.
How long have you been in the business? When I was 15, I started working at the Service Ontario booth on the highway. Since then, I’ve worked for airlines, a hotel, car rental firm. I’ve taught English in Japan – you name it!
Tell me about your 1st airplane ride. I was 4. We flew to SFO and apparently I shouted, “We’re going to crash! We’re going to crash!”
How has the business changed since you got into it? Airline commissions went away – agencies have gone online – sales reps seem to have gone the way of the dodo.
What was your best FAM? That would be a toss-up between Iceland and Dubai.
What drives you crazy? Those who are not prepared with any details or information – either clients or co-workers.
What was your biggest individual sale? A $70,000 safari for 1 person.
What’s the 1st thing you do when you get into a hotel room? Turn on the air-conditioning.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? “And your credit card number is?”
Do you have any time management strategies? Save 1 hour every day to read emails and respond. “Getting Things Done” is a really good book.
How do you cope with jetlag? I start adjusting to the other time zone in advance and drink lots of hot water and lemon on the flight.
What do you do to keep you clients loyal? Excellent customer service – qualifying the customer. Start planting the seeds early for next trip. Provide nice little surprises for them on the road such as flowers in their room.
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which 1 would you pick? Mauritius. I would go tomorrow.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? Something in a not-for-profit association, in the field.
If you or someone you know is a front line travel agent in Canada and would like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@gk.openjaw.xyz.
