This seasoned industry exec loves the outdoors – and her new “family” of over 300 travel agencies! From the thrills of Whistler to the retail challenges of today, meet V.com’s Suzanne Fleming.
Where were you born? In Kitchener.
How long have you been in the business? 25 years, starting in sales with a ski tour operator, Proto Tours. I was with SuperClubs for 17 years and I’ve been at V.com just over 3 months – I’m a newbie!
What’s the best part of the job? Speaking with all the members, getting to know everybody. I have about 325 agency members located from Ontario to Newfoundland & Labrador.
What did you want to be as a kid? (laughs) An investment broker – following in my father’s footsteps. But the travel bug bit me hard.
What was your 1st ever job? Starting as a teller at the Bank of Montreal.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? On a ski trip going down the Extreme Couloir at Whistler – it was on about a 90° angle and there was no going back!
Any guilty pleasures? Red wine.
What’s your favourite airline? WestJet, because they’re efficient and personable and professional, all at the same time. Their staff seem to be genuinely happy and it shows in their work.
Favourite hotel chain? Obviously being with SuperClubs, Grand Lidos were my favourite. But now I’d have to say the Fairmont chain.
What’s on your tablet? On my MacBook I have my Fitbit app, my airline apps, and a couple of those nasty addictive games.
What do people not know about you. That I live in our ski chalet year round.
Any hobbies or interests? Skiing, tennis, bicycling, running – fitness in general.
When were you happiest? Every year I go to Whistler and ski for a week – but never again on the Extreme Couloir!
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Leadership and good people skills.
What’s at the top of your bucket list? To visit all the provinces and territories in Canada. I’ve got 2 provinces and the territories left to go.
What keeps you awake at night? My health.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? On my own personal travel.
What is your greatest extravagance? Travelling first class all the way.
How do you stay fit when you travel? I always take my running shoes with me.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? That it wouldn’t move so quickly! (laughs) Every day it changes!
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? My father. Because he was a great guy and a very happy one. The best dad ever.
Do you have a favourite charity? The Red Cross, for sure. Because the work that they do is admirable, and I don’t think they are frivolous in their spending.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Keeping the consumer engaged in travelling worldwide, with the way the world is shaping up these days.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Retired! And being very active.
