What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
I’ve always been drawn to exploring new places. In my previous career, I was fortunate to travel throughout the U.S. and even make a few trips to Europe. As retirement approached, my wife wisely suggested I find a hobby for the next chapter—preferably before I drove her crazy. Since travel has always been one of my greatest passions, it felt natural to turn something I love into a second career.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
One defining moment came after I planned two custom FIT itineraries for two different families. It was exciting, but also nerve-racking—I knew how much trust they had placed in me, and I was on edge the entire time they were traveling. When both families returned thrilled with their experiences, something clicked. That was the moment I thought, “I can do this—and I might even be good at it.”
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Since graduating from The Travel Institute and earning my CTA, I’ve continued to invest in education. I’ve attended conferences with my host agency as well as other travel organizations, and each year my business has grown. Referrals have expanded beyond my original clients to include second-generation and word-of-mouth referrals, which has been incredibly rewarding. Over time, my learning has shifted from understanding travel itself to mastering how to run a successful travel business—and that is where my focus is today.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
My favorite part is hearing from clients after they return. I always make a point to call or meet with them in person to learn about their experience, and so far—knock on wood—everyone has come back with wonderful memories. Travel has a way of teaching us something, helping us notice what we might otherwise miss, and deepening our awareness of the world. The news often shows us the hardest and most troubling parts of humanity, but travel reminds us that kindness is everywhere too. When you go looking for good people, you usually find them—and you realize that people are people wherever you go.
What’s one cultural experience that left a lasting impression on you?
I recently returned from a trip to Athens, Greece, and a Mediterranean cruise, and the experience left a lasting impression on me. Walking through history and standing in places where figures such as the Apostle Paul, the Apostle John, Socrates, and Plato once stood and taught made history feel vivid and alive in a way no book ever could.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
One of the most valuable skills I gained was learning how to ask the right questions. Whether I’m qualifying clients or researching travel possibilities, the way a question is phrased makes all the difference. Using the right terminology and asking with intention helps me uncover the information I need to create better travel experiences.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My advice would be: don’t do it alone. I began my travel industry journey in a cohort that used The Travel Institute materials and ultimately led to taking and passing the CTA exam. Having others to work through exercises with, discuss each week’s lessons, and share the learning process made the experience invaluable.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
Nearly four years into this journey, I’m still learning something new every week—and that keeps me motivated. There are always new types of travel to explore, new destinations to discover, and small or remote places I had never heard of before. Now, with artificial intelligence changing the way we do business, even more possibilities are opening up, from new ways of working to uncovering local experiences that might otherwise stay hidden.
Are there any mentors or peers in the industry who’ve deeply influenced your path?
Yes. Jackie Friedman, who is preparing to retire from Nexion Travel Group, has been a true inspiration. Robbi Hamida, also from Nexion, deeply influenced me as well; he was always forthright, yet incredibly kind, and he passed away far too soon. I’m also grateful for my first instructor, Lisa Gillis, who showed tremendous patience with all of us when we were just beginning. And I’m still connected on Facebook with all of my original classmates, which makes that early part of the journey even more meaningful.
If you could only pack 3 items for a trip around the world, what would they be?
First, my phone—because these days, it holds just about everything. Losing it might be worse than losing my wallet. Second, my passport, at least until it can be digitized like some state driver’s licenses and live alongside everything else on my phone. And third, my glasses, because I wouldn’t want to miss seeing all the beautiful places the world has to offer.
What’s one place on your travel bucket list that you haven’t crossed off yet?
I have a very long list… if I had to choose just one, it would be Italy.
