Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Roberts.
Hi Jill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
While watching the Astros one evening, I heard one of the announcers off-handedly say “do they even have travel agents anymore?”. Thank you for the opportunity to say, “yes”, and I am one of them!
I started as an independent travel agent in August 2019. I had been a stay at home mom for almost 30 years never thinking I could do something like this much less owning and running my own business. I wouldn’t say that I am a world traveler although I have traveled both internationally and domestically, but when I have traveled the part that gets me excited is the planning of the trip. I was the family “cruise director” or group leader on several trips of 10 or more. I love being creative and planning stimulating itineraries while paying close attention to details such as pacing, routing and interests of the travelers.
I enjoy helping engaged couples find that perfect resort for their honeymoon and hearing them say that it “was better than we could ever have imagined”; or find the best spot and room category for the girls’ trip celebrating a milestone birthday and having them declare “totally worth it”; or a family vacation to a theme park in which I was able to make their trip stress-free and memorable. This is why I do what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Just as I was gaining some momentum in my business, the pandemic happened which had me questioning if I should continue. I only make money when people travel. I get paid commission by the suppliers, so when no one could travel, I was shut down. Thankfully, I was able to hang on and dig deep into professional training and education, streamline my processes, and eventually travel myself to Mexico 4 different times to familiarize myself with the all-inclusive market. When people were ready to travel again, I was ready to assist them with all the aspects of travel, especially during a pandemic.
Besides learning about destinations and creating personalized itineraries, I now had to add to my knowledge and skills, traveling during a pandemic that seems to threaten our movement every couple of months. Keeping up with the ever changing protocols is an overwhelming part of my job now. Clients want to know “is it safe”, or “should I travel now or wait”. Some days are very challenging, but I am confident now more than ever to assist clients who are ready to travel.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Much of my “job” is getting the word out about the profession, how we get paid, and what we can and cannot do. The message needs to be loud and clear that travel advisors are more important now than ever! It is easy to click on a website and book your trip, but that third party website will not be there for you via text before and during your trip to answer any questions or assist when the plane is delayed, or “what’s the name of my transfer contact again?”. I gladly do more than book a trip. I especially enjoy assisting other busy professionals who just don’t have time to research and plan their own trip. I’m like your own personal concierge.
I’m most proud of the fact that I am making it work even through a pandemic. I set a goal for myself this year and I have met that goal and am striving for the next benchmark. I also have a great work life balance. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, small business owner, recreational tennis player, hospital volunteer with my therapy dog, active church member and cheerleader and supporter of other women running their small businesses through our networking circles.
In my profession, I am known to be detailed oriented in creating personalized itineraries for my clients and assisting them every step of the way even until they arrive home. This year I will be working on a certification that will further set me apart in the travel industry. Even if I haven’t been to a destination, I love the challenge of researching the country or city and creating an itinerary that is sequential, logical and interesting depending on the wants and needs of the client. I also find my own “bucket list” expanding with every new place that I discover through my research. It is the relationships with the clients that keeps me engaged and moving forward even during a pandemic.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have been very blessed to be a part of a wonderful group of women who work in different industries. The support I have gained from them has been monumental especially during this past year. Referrals is the best support I can get. I love that my professional world has expanded by other businesswomen. They inspire me by showing me what it means to run a business. I went into their world and told myself, do what they do.
Contact Info:
- Email: jill@jillrobertstravel.com
- Website: https://jillrobertstravel.com/
- Instagram: jillroberts_travel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillrobertstravel
Image Credits
Melanie Beddow (Mel B Photography)
Madison Carver
