Sue Pechtel
Where were you born? In Victoria.
What was your first job? I was a secretary in the Department of Environment. I didn’t last long though!
How long have you been in the business? 40 years – I started with Blaney’s Travel. I was trained by awesome staff.
Tell me about your first airplane ride. I believe it was to Hawaii with my family when I was 16. It was quite a big deal at the time.
How has the business changed since you got into it? Obviously computers – 40 years ago the airlines kept track of bookings on a huge blackboard. Imagine!
Do you have a specialty? I’m a jack of all trades, but increasingly premium leisure, cruises, the luxury product.
If you could have any job in the business what would it be? Teaching agents.
What was your best FAM? A long time ago, at least 30 years, I did a FAM to China and it was a real culture shock and eye opener. The most amazing trip.
What drives you crazy? Sked changes!!
What was your biggest individual sale? A gentleman and his guest to Africa, costing about $80,000. I’m working on another big one for him right now.
What’s the first thing you do when you get into a hotel room? I do check out the washroom. And look for a safe.
Do you have a magic sentence to close the sale? I usually say, “So? Do we book it, Danno?”
What’s the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked? I’ve had a lot of weird ones, but here’s the strangest request. A fellow, single traveller, wanted me to book a surprise trip for about $5,000. He wanted all his docs in an envelope that he would open only when he got to the airport. So I sent him to Hawaii. When he got home, he told me I have excellent taste! (laughs)
Do you have any time management strategies? No, I wish I did. I work too hard.
How do you cope with jetlag? Not a problem, I stay up late and next day I’m good to go.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? The consistency of my work and anticipating their needs before they do. I have a large core group of clients – luckily I’ve never had to advertise.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? “Never assume a client can’t afford something. Appearances can be deceiving.”
If you had to spend 6 months in a destination, which one would you pick? Italy - I love the food, the wine, the country.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? Selling something, for sure. Probably real estate.
If you’d or someone you know who is a front line travel agent in Canada would like to be featured in Up Front, please email martha@gk.openjaw.xyz
