The new Vice President of Operations for the boutique independent travel company talks travel and trends
Congratulations on your appointment to Vice President of Operations at Personal Travel Management. What are you excited about for this new role?
I’m genuinely excited to step into this new chapter with Personal Travel Management. It’s a well-established boutique host agency with a strong reputation and a supportive, family-like environment that really resonates with me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be working alongside 35 veteran agents whose experience I deeply respect, and I’m backed by a top-notch support team that makes day-to-day operations not only efficient but enjoyable. I’m also thrilled about the opportunity to reconnect with Ensemble Travel Group. Their tools, perks, and overall support system offer fantastic value to both our agency and our advisors. The potential for growth at PTM is another major highlight—I’m looking forward to welcoming a few professional, like-minded agents to the team in the coming months. There’s real momentum here, and I’m excited to be part of building something even stronger.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to become a travel advisor?
To be honest, it all started back in 1986. I was going to school in California and found myself missing home—my friends, my family, and Canada. I remember thinking, Where do Canadians hang out down here? Naturally, the answer was Disneyland! I ended up taking a job at the Penny Sleeper Inn in Anaheim, and I haven’t looked back since. Travel and tourism is the only industry I’ve ever worked in. I’ve done it all—front desk, corporate agent, leisure manager, call centre manager, trainer, sales—and every role has taught me something new and valuable. This industry has filled my life with meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, and a deep sense of joy. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in supporting independent travel advisors—helping them grow their businesses, expand their product offerings, and build sustainable success. Whether it’s brainstorming new consumer events, exploring corporate travel opportunities, or improving everyday efficiencies, I’m passionate about helping advisors thrive. With many years of experience in the industry, I bring a depth of knowledge and insight that I love to share. But more than that, I see myself as a cheerleader for their success. I genuinely want to see each advisor reach their full potential. I’ve also learned that no two agents are the same—so I take the time to understand their unique needs. A cookie-cutter approach doesn’t cut it. Personalized support and encouragement go a long way.
What have been some of your greatest career achievements to date?
One of my greatest career achievements is seeing the growth and success of so many agents I’ve had the privilege to mentor over the years. Watching them achieve their goals and build thriving businesses means the world to me—it’s truly the most rewarding part of what I do. I’ve also been very intentional with my career path. Back in the early 2000s, I made the decision to shift my focus to supporting independent agents—long before host agencies were as common as they are today. It was the best professional choice I’ve ever made. I saw the potential early on, and now, seeing how far the model has come and how bright the future is for independent advisors, I feel proud to have been part of that journey from the ground up.
What do you wish everybody knew about travel advisors?
I wish more people truly understood the resilience, tenacity, and drive that travel advisors bring to their work every single day. Their deep knowledge, constant learning, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their clients is nothing short of inspiring. Being an expert travel advisor isn’t just about booking trips—it’s about dedicating time, energy, and often personal investment into learning the ins and outs of destinations, products, and the ever-changing travel landscape. It takes passion, education, and an ongoing quest to make the world more accessible, enriching, and joyful for others. The value they provide is truly priceless. Behind every seamless itinerary is an advisor who has poured heart, soul, and years of expertise into making it happen.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
That’s a tough one because there are so many things I love—but if I had to choose, it would be the incredible travel experiences I’ve been fortunate to have and the lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way. There’s nothing quite like exploring the world and connecting with others who share the same passion. I also get so much joy from watching the success of agents I’ve mentored—seeing them reach their goals and grow into confident, thriving business owners is truly fulfilling. And, of course, I love that this industry is ever-changing. It’s challenging, dynamic, and incredibly rewarding—but it definitely keeps me on my toes! There’s never a dull moment, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
What destinations and types of trips are you booking right now?
At the moment, I’m not actively booking trips myself, but I’m closely connected to what our advisors are working on—and it’s incredibly exciting. Since COVID, travellers are approaching travel with much more intention. They’re no longer waiting for “someday” to take that dream trip—they’re doing it now. Bucket list adventures are being prioritized earlier in life. Adventure travel is booming. Many of our advisors focus solely on this niche, and demand is at an all-time high. We’re also seeing a beautiful trend of families wanting to share the world with their children at a younger age—introducing them to new cultures and customs through immersive travel. Travellers are booking further in advance and often have multiple trips planned at once. Trip durations are getting longer, also, gone are the days where seven nights was the norm. Small group, customized tours are incredibly popular, especially for multigenerational families and those traveling with purpose. Looking ahead, I see travel becoming even more personal, meaningful, and transformational. And that’s something I’m truly excited about.
I keep hearing that women who are 50+ are travelling as much as millennials. Is this the case with your clients as well? What’s their average age range?
Absolutely! I’m definitely seeing a strong trend of women 50+ embracing travel more than ever. They’re not waiting around anymore—not for the perfect time, not for a travel companion, and certainly not because their partner doesn’t want to go. They’re saying yes to adventure, to new experiences, and to themselves. Our supplier partners have really stepped up in this space, creating thoughtful, well-paced itineraries that cater beautifully to this demographic. The inclusion of solo-friendly options, like waived or reduced single supplements, has made travel more accessible and inviting for women traveling alone. They’re welcomed, supported, and inspired—and I absolutely love that. It’s such an exciting time to see this group taking center stage in travel. Their average age range tends to be mid-50s and up, but what unites them is a strong sense of curiosity, independence, and a desire to make the most of every moment.
Do you have any other insights to share that other advisors may find interesting?
Keep being curious—that’s where the magic happens. Stay open to learning, evolving, and exploring new ways to serve your clients. And never forget the deeper message: travel is good for the soul. In a world that can feel heavy at times, we have the privilege of focusing on what’s good. We get to inspire joy, connection, and discovery. As travel advisors, we’re not just booking trips—we’re curating experiences that will live in our clients’ hearts forever. That’s powerful. That’s meaningful. And that’s why we do what we do.
What do you do to grow your clientele?
I always suggest to my advisors: keep it simple. Start by getting clear on where you want your business to go, then work backwards to create a plan. Let your friends and family know what you do—your circle wants to see you succeed! Ask them to pass your name along to their own circle. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful when it comes from a place of trust. Establish yourself as the expert. Share your wins, your experiences, and those behind-the-scenes moments that show your dedication. Post in real time when you save the day for a client. Share when you attend supplier training or events—these moments highlight the time and effort you put into being the best resource for your clients. Consistency, visibility, and authenticity go a long way in growing a loyal client base.
What’s your best piece of advice for new agents?
Keep going! This industry is rewarding, but it takes time, consistency, and heart. Stay curious, keep learning, and never stop showing up for your clients. Let people know what you do—share your journey, your wins, your training, and your passion. Position yourself as the expert, and don’t be afraid to ask your circle to share your name with theirs. The more visible you are, the more trust you build. Look for mentors to guide you—those who’ve walked the path and can offer insight, encouragement, and perspective. Their wisdom is invaluable as you build your business. And most importantly, remember that you’re not just booking travel—you’re curating experiences that will live in your clients’ hearts forever. Stay focused on what’s good in the world, lead with purpose, travel as much as possible, and let your own experiences continue to inspire the work you do.
Do you have anything to add?
Just a reminder that we’re in one of the most inspiring industries in the world. Travel has the power to connect, heal, and transform—and we, as advisors, get to be part of that magic every day.
Stay passionate, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Celebrate your wins, keep learning from the tough days, and never lose sight of the incredible impact you’re making—one trip at a time.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle.
And I’m so proud to be part of a community that leads with heart.
