Today we’d like to introduce you to JJ Kuykendall.
Hi JJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in 2003 when my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a group cruise alongside friends. It was my very first cruise, and I was instantly hooked!
For that trip, I worked with a travel agent who had been highly recommended. Not only was she wonderful to work with, but during the planning process I discovered something that really caught my attention,. She worked from home! I remember thinking, “How about that!”
About a year later, the company I worked for went out of business, and I found myself searching for a new career. I couldn’t stop thinking about that travel agent and the flexibility of working from home, so I began researching travel companies. It didn’t take long for Cruise Planners to rise to the top of my list.
In 2004, I took a leap of faith and purchased a Cruise Planners franchise. At the time, I knew very little about the travel industry and had only been on one cruise myself. My goal was simple: earn back my franchise investmentand I was determined to do whatever it took to make that happen.
From that point on, I took advantage of every training opportunity I could find. I immersed myself in learning the travel industry, expanding my knowledge, and growing my business.
By my third year in business, I realized that to truly grow, I couldn’t do it alone. I began building a team of talented Travel Associates who shared my passion for helping others see the world. Together, we’ve been able to serve more clients, create more unforgettable vacations, and continue growing the franchise beyond what I ever imagined.
The most exciting chapter of my journey is happening right now. This year, my daughter, Jennifer, officially joined the franchise as my business partner and co-owner of the franchise. Having her by my side is a dream come true. We each bring our own strengths, but we share one vision: helping others experience the incredible world of travel. Watch out, world, we’re an amazing mother-daughter duo, and we’re just getting started!
The rest, as they say, is history. What started with one unforgettable cruise and a leap of faith has grown into a thriving business, an incredible team, and a family legacy. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others create memories that will last a lifetime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like every Travel Advisor, I’ve navigated airline delays and cancellations, supplier disruptions, and industry setbacks such as the Swine Flu. But the greatest challenge by far was the COVID-19 pandemic.
During COVID, I worked harder than ever before, spending countless hours helping clients navigate an ever-changing landscape of canceled trips, rebookings, refunds, and travel restrictions. At the same time, I was losing tens of thousands of dollars in income as the travel industry came to a near standstill.
It was an incredibly difficult season, not just for me, but for travelers and the entire travel industry. Despite the uncertainty and financial hardship, I never considered walking away. My clients needed someone they could trust to guide them through the chaos, and I was determined to be there for them every step of the way.
Looking back, that experience reinforced why I love what I do. Being a Travel Advisor isn’t just about planning amazing vacations; it’s about being there when things don’t go as planned. I’m proud that I stood by my clients during one of the most challenging times our industry has ever faced, and those relationships are stronger today because of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cruise Planners?
From the very first day I joined Cruise Planners, I have felt supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow—both personally and professionally. The exceptional training, innovative technology, and genuine sense of community have made all the difference in my success. What I appreciate most is knowing I’m backed by a company that truly cares about its Travel Advisors and is committed to helping us succeed.
Many people think Cruise Planners only books cruises, but we’re actually a full-service travel agency. Whether you’re dreaming of an ocean or river cruise, an all-inclusive resort, a customized land vacation, a guided tour, a family getaway, or a bucket-list adventure, I can help you plan every detail from start to finish.
I am incredibly proud to represent the Cruise Planners brand. We have earned an outstanding reputation with the world’s leading cruise lines, tour operators, and travel partners, and we are consistently recognized as one of the top franchise organizations in the United States. Our strong relationships also allow us to offer exclusive promotions, onboard credits, special amenities, and other value-added benefits whenever they’re available, creating even more value for my clients.
What truly sets me apart is the personalized service I provide. I don’t believe vacations should be “one size fits all.” Every recommendation I make is thoughtfully tailored to my clients’ interests, travel style, budget, and dreams.
I often joke that I’m a bit of a hand-holder and I mean that as a compliment! I believe my job goes far beyond making reservations. I’m with my clients every step of the journey: before they travel, while they’re away, and even after they return home. If questions arise or unexpected situations occur, they know they have someone they can count on.
I’m not a call center taking orders. I’m a trusted Travel Advisor who takes the time to get to know each client, build lasting relationships, and plan every vacation as if it were my own. Over the years, many of my clients have become dear friends, and that is one of the greatest rewards of this incredible career.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
If you ask me what makes me happiest, the answer is simple, my faith, my family, and travel.
My faith in God is the foundation of my life. I truly believe He has guided my journey every step of the way and has blessed me far beyond anything I could have imagined. Looking back, I can see His hand in every chapter, from taking a leap of faith into the travel industry with little experience, to building a successful business, an incredible team, and now partnering with my daughter. I am deeply grateful for the many blessings He has poured into both my personal life and my business.
Nothing brings me greater joy than spending time with my husband, our family, and especially our grandchildren. They are my greatest treasures, and some of my favorite memories have been made traveling together. I also cherish traveling with our wonderful group of friends. There is nothing quite like discovering a new destination, experiencing a different culture, trying new foods, and creating lifelong memories with the people you love.
That passion for travel naturally spills over into the way I serve my clients. I love sharing my firsthand experiences, favorite destinations, travel tips, and personal stories to help bring their vacations to life long before they ever leave home. My goal is to inspire confidence, ease any uncertainty, and help my clients feel excited and prepared to explore destinations they may have never considered.
There is something incredibly rewarding about watching clients return home with stories of unforgettable experiences, knowing I had the privilege of helping make those memories possible. Every itinerary I create is about more than planning a vacation, it’s about bringing families and friends together, creating meaningful experiences, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Helping others experience the incredible gift of travel isn’t just my career, it’s my passion. I am thankful every day that God has allowed me to build a business I love, serve amazing clients who have become lifelong friends, and make a difference by helping others explore His beautiful world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funcruises4you.com
- Instagram: @j.j.kuykendall
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JJCruisePlanners
