Transitioning to a new job can have its stressors, but if you seek out positions that align with your skillset and find something that captivates your interest, leaving law enforcement for new career opportunities can be easier – and more exciting – than expected.
“For over 25 years, my … passion was cruising [in my spare time] and I liked it so much that I would charter a bus from Orlando to take a group of family and friends for a week-long cruise every year,” says Bryan Villella Sr., a former deputy sheriff. “This got me thinking that I should look into doing this professionally instead of working with an agent.”
If you, too, have a love for cruising, relaxing or simply visiting new places, and you’re considering plans for a post-law enforcement career, this is an opportunity that can thrilling, fulfilling and allows you to take advantage of expertise you already have tucked away in your back pocket.
Trading In a Badge for a Boarding Pass
When Villella started working part-time as a travel agent in the Dream Vacations family, he was still a full-time deputy sheriff as well.
“After several years, my business was growing so rapidly that I decided to retire from law enforcement to sell cruises full time,” he explains. “I like to say I hung up [my] badge and gun belt for a passport and backpack.”
Because he was living in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area on the Southeast Florida coastline, Villella was located near several cruise terminals, as well as Dream Vacations’ headquarters. This prime location allowed him to immerse in the cruise sector and embrace franchise resources while also building important connections in the industry.
“I participated at HQ co-sponsored events like parades and Make-A-Wish runs,” he notes. “It gave me the opportunity to mix and mingle with the senior staff on a regular basis. Those are relationships that are valuable and everlasting.”
His networking extended even further, resulting in a week-long safari in Africa.
“This was such an amazing experience for me as I have a deep love of animals. To see them in their natural habitat was a dream come true,” he adds.
Since becoming a travel agency owner, Villella has had the opportunity to travel to far-off destinations that have truly expanded his horizons, including Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, Poland, Italy and Asia.
“My clients enjoy following my travels through Facebook and use my expertise to plan their own dream vacations,” he says—all as a result of leaving law enforcement for new career ventures.
Planning With Purpose
There are many different skills that Villella has been able to bring with him from his past career as a government worker.
“As a deputy, I would have to go to court and testify. I would have to set the stage for the jury in such a way that they could visualize in their mind what I had witnessed at the scene and feel the emotion,” he says. “I use that same energy to explain a destination to a client, so they can picture themselves in that location enjoying the highlights that each destination provides. Sometimes I have to catch myself as I am speaking so much about the destination that they have to interrupt me and ask if they can just provide a credit card and book it before we have even … [discussed] the price.”
In addition to sharing his love for exploration with new cruise passengers, seeing the excitement in his clients’ eyes is one of his favorite things about travel advising. But aside from inspiring travelers, he also utilizes skills like problem-solving in high-pressure situations, attention to detail, trustworthiness, strong communication and planning skills, situational awareness and network-building, all of which are useful in both law enforcement and learning how to become a travel agent. Law enforcement professionals give back to their communities by keeping them safe – now’s an opportunity to help them see the world.
Those who own a travel franchise with Dream Vacations also enjoy benefits that include exciting travel opportunities (both for fun and for work), a flexible schedule, the ability to work from anywhere, opportunities for networking and vast amounts of resources at their disposal. Plus, a proven business model makes it easy to dive right in and start selling dream vacations.
Get Started on Your New Career Journey Today
From problem solving and communication to integrity, planning and situational awareness, there are many qualities that overlap between officers of the law and travel agency owners. When leaving law enforcement for new career paths, consider that you, like Villella, are already equipped with everything you need to launch a travel franchise of your own. Plus, special discounts for community heroes make it even easier to get started.
Ready to learn more about franchise ownership with Dream Vacations? Watch our video tour today to take the first steps of your new travel journey!
