Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Williams.
Trevor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Book and Bag Travel started from my desire of traveling the world and wanting to help create those experiences for others. I was always the go-to person for vacation planning for both family and friends. After finishing my MBA in 2017, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but didn’t quite know what type of business to get into. The same year in June 2017, I met my current mentor Samantha Hammond, who owns a travel agency in New York City. She talked to me about the business and her love for travel and trained me how to build a successful travel agency from ground-up. After getting married in December of 2017, I decided romance travel would be my focus area. Over the past year and a half, I helped create many magical destination weddings. Those couples usually return for anniversary trips, babymoons, or just because of trips. I also help plan group trips all over the world. I contribute most of my success to being genuine and honest with my clients.
Most destinations and resorts I sell; I’ve personally visited myself so I’m able to get realistic expectations to my clients. My clients also like the fact I’m flexible with payments and available around the clock for them. In just under two years of business, I’ve been named Top 30 Under 30 by Travel Agent Magazine, 2019 Tops Sales Producer, and 2019 Rockstar Rookie of the Year. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in highly sought after conferences like the Romance and Travel Forum, where distinguished agents from around the country come together to discuss the trends and learn new information in the romance and travel industry. I’ve been fortunate enough to close almost $1 million in sales, with several new and repeat clients. I also have had the opportunity to help other agents start selling travel, and train others on growing their business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building this business has definitely not been a smooth rode. I put a lot of hours into the business when initially starting it. There is so much to know about the travel industry, and it’s always changing. Initially, I started my business while working a full-time job. I was uncertain if I could replace my income and what to really expect. After realizing that it was nearly impossible to do both, I had to let go of my full-time job because I wanted to invest more into growing my business. My first couple of months were tough because a lot of people wasted my time, and I had a lot of cancellations, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I remember from February 2017-April 2017, I didn’t close one single booking and had a total of 3 groups cancel (about $8K in commission). I was miserable and wanted to give up. Then the beginning of May, I closed one sell that literally made up for those three months. This business is tough because people always want to price compare. I always remind my clients of my ability to create experiences over saving a few dollars.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Book and Bag Travel – what should we know?
My travel agency focuses on romance travel, but I also book group travel. I niched more to this market because I enjoy creating experiences for my clients that last a lifetime. Typically, I send clients to destinations or properties I’ve personally had the opportunity to visit. This makes the experience more personable, as my contacts at the various locations await my guest with added perks. I’m most proud of where I am currently in the business. I literally started it from scratch with not much knowledge of being a travel agent. I’ve made many connections that have aided in my success, and created experiences that clients tell others about. I think what really sets me apart is that I’m realistic. Many people see me traveling, etc. and always ask “how”. There’s a lot of hard work that goes behind every visit I make.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to give a major shout out to my family and friends. They literally advocate for my business, like its there own. When I made the decision to launch, they supported everything about it 100%. Whether it was reposting on facebook or Instagram or traveling on my group trips, they were just as vested as myself.
There is one person in particular that I must say have been a mentor, friend, advocate, and voice of reasoning for me in the travel business and even in my personal life. Samantha Hammond took me in as a travel agent in 2017 as she was just launching her agency, and she hasn’t stopped supporting me since. I credit the growth and success of my business to her. I would be nothing in this industry without her!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookandbagtravel.com
- Phone: 3468018138
- Email: info@bookandbagtravel.com
- Instagram: travelntrev
- Facebook: Book and Bag Travel, LLC
Image Credit:
Topoptics Photography, Articulate Photography
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