More and more people are stepping away from corporate life to follow their dreams, seeking out business opportunities that can allow them to make the money they need to survive while enjoying more freedom and control over their life-work balance. One of the best industries for this is the travel sector, where it’s easy to start your own travel agency – and to enjoy the many benefits of working in the field.
Those searching for alternative careers for project managers need look no further. Susan and Erik Essert are Dream Vacations travel agency Franchise Owners who jumped headfirst into the travel realm after Erik quit his corporate project management role at 40.
“My husband Erik and I always loved to travel and really wanted to be entrepreneurs as well—[we said,] ‘perfect, let’s buy a travel agency,” Susan says. “We knew we would be home-based and that would give us great flexibility for our growing young family; we were pregnant with our second child when we purchased the franchise in January of 2017.”
Whether you’re hoping to learn how to make money as a retiree or simply want to try something new before life passes you by, working with Dream Vacations ensures you have all the tools you need to get started doing what you love—just like Erik and Susan.
Building Connections Through Travel
The Esserts have been together for more than 17 years and are based in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Susan has been operating the business for nearly nine years now. Erik has always been part of the business but started working with her full-time in January of 2024 after leaving his corporate job.
“We are a dynamic duo,” she says.
With five associates in the Cincinnati area, one near Indianapolis, Indiana, and another in Florida, they have been able to put all their minds and skillsets together to create a flourishing franchise. A “people person” with a background in sales, Susan is typically in the spotlight, working directly with clients to help plan their ideal vacations, while Erik handles behind-the-scenes organization of the sales and commission payments, as well as marketing and advertising.
As a travel agency owner, Susan has enjoyed the feeling of camaraderie she and Erik have developed with not their clients, fellow Franchise Owners, and representatives from travel suppliers like hotel chains or cruise lines.
“Many are very much friends and confidants,” Susan notes. “They are there to share information and updates on the products but also assist with issues and problems that might arise. Having these people as go-tos is a great feeling—knowing we can depend on each other and work together as opposed to being competitors.”
Another important relationship is the one with built with clients.
“Smile when you are talking on the phone. The positivity comes through to the client on the other end,” she adds. “I had a client [say] she could hear my smile through the phone. I loved that and it has stuck with me. We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can control how we respond to it.”
Alternative Careers for Project Managers In Action
With ample chances for connection that extends beyond the ordinary, owning a travel agency is one of the best options for those looking for fulfillment in their career. But it also happens to overlap with many of the talents already mastered by a competent project manager.
When working in a project management role, adaptability is key. This can be especially convenient in the travel agency business as it allows owners to pivot from one task to another with ease, while also embracing the ever-changing nature of the travel industry. Other skills that connect these two positions include workflow organization, data-oriented attention to detail, budgeting, strategic planning, leadership and an improvement mindset.
One of the biggest perks of owning a travel agency is being able to be your own boss. Aside from the benefits of being able to travel for familiarization and networking, Susan and Erik appreciate being able to do their job from anywhere while also designing their own flexible schedules.
“Working from the airport, cruise ship, an amazing all-inclusive resort or your home office is great,” she says.
Another benefit is the vast toolbox of resources that Dream Vacations Franchise Owners are afforded access to. Franchise training and support are key, but only one part of a business model that’s positively first-class.
“The Dream Vacations branding and name have been helpful for brand recognition,” Susan says. “The backend system has been crucial in keeping our bookings and records in order. We really appreciate the Travel Planner Travefy site that we have been given access to, and we utilize that daily for making very professional looking, customizable itineraries and a credit card authorization form.”
With so many resources available for you, you can put extra thought and energy into your clients, their needs and ways to grow your business.
Embark On a New Journey With Dream Vacations
While seeking out alternative careers for project managers, remember that you may already have the tools and talent necessary to tackle business operations—even if your previous job wasn’t part of the travel field. With a customer-centric approach, quality leadership skills and detail-oriented adaptability, plus the perks and benefits to consider, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you get started.
Watch our video tour and speak with a member of the Dream Vacations team today to take the first steps toward launching your own travel agency.
