What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
This industry has always been in my blood. Being 3rd Generation, following in the footsteps of my Legendary Grandpa (Stan Pollard) and Father (Gary Pollard) I always knew this was the path for me. A defining moment would be me at a young age always having an intrigue as to where in the world my Grandparents were off cruising or exploring so when the right opportunity came along to join the family business I jumped onboard and the rest is history.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
Being in this career for 15 years now, there are too many “This is what I’m meant to do” moments. Everyday brings a new challenge, but they are all fun. We create memories for our clients! If one had to stand out it would be the first trip I booked for my then future in-laws, clearly anyone would be nervous which I was but I got to show them my passion and my travel knowledge as I sent them up on a memorable trip to Italy. From setting them up in some of the best hotels, using my amazing DMC’s to give them the VIP treatment and show them another way to travel! Not only did they allow me to marry their daughter and welcome me into their family with open arms, but they STILL rave about their trip to this day!
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
I have gone from being a front line agent to taking more of a leadership role and into management. Still dealing with my clients daily, I have moved more into a running the business day – to – day operations which would allow Ambassador Tours to keep thriving!
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
I love being able to use my first hand knowledge, when it applies, for my clients trips. That way they can know that where they are going to stay at, cruise on, eat, and explore are all places that I have been and can give them all my “inside” information on.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
All of my trips I try to do “as the locals do” but my favorite would be wandering around the streets of Sicily, seeing the Nonna’s on their balconies talking then finding a great little place to grab something to eat and drink!
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
Time management has been the biggest skill that has impacted my career.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My advice would be to be ready for everything. Clients today have all these new tools, like AI at their disposal and we have to be there help them navigate everything that can be extremely overwhelming!
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
There are a few, obviously my Father (Gary Pollard) is my biggest mentor who clearly has influenced my path in all facets. I am very proud to not only work next to him, but to be his son and carry on his legacy in the travel world. I can say the same thing for my Grandpa, the Legend Stan Pollard who still at the young age of 95 wants to talk work and new ways to try and sell trips to clients! I have a strong group of travel peers who are also “Generational” in this industry who know who they are, whom I look up to and look to for advice when needed!
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
Comfortable Shoes, my iPhone (for the camera) and a lightweight jacket
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
Argentina.
