Starting a franchise business can be a great investment. You get all of the benefits of being a business owner, but with less risk that most entrepreneurs have to deal with. You already know that the business model can be successful because other franchised locations are, and your only job is to run the business. Owning a franchise is a way for you to make sure that your money is working for you and becoming a profitable investment. Across the board (and it’s a big board with
The entrepreneurial mindset is alive and kicking in the US, with one in four Americans running a side business. Today’s freelance economy makes it easier than ever to do something on the side, from making jewelry to freelance graphic design to working as a travel agent. And, with 69% of entrepreneurs starting their businesses at home, your kitchen table is a great place to kick off a fun side hustle that can also bring in some extra money. A home-based franchise may be the opportunity you’ve been
Veronica Persaud has been a travel agency franchise owner since 2017 and has never looked back, growing her business every year due to referrals from past clients. She shares her top three tips for new franchise owners. What team at HQ has contributed most to your growth and why? I love the Support Services team because it feels like they are always there when I need them! Imagine speaking with a client and having access to the chat line at the same time to ask questions –
Husband and wife duo Alexander and Annabelle Valdes took their relationship to the next level when they decided to open a travel agency franchise, combining the skills from their previous careers to manage their business. While both share the load when interacting with clients, Alex usually focuses on the marketing and operations side while Annabelle focuses on the vacation planning side. A Navy Veteran who was stationed on the USS New Orleans and made two overseas deployments, Alex worked as a Senior Director of Sales Operations for
After 30 years on the Police Force and always coordinating group cruises for friends and family, Bryan Villella decided he could plan vacations himself for profit. He started his travel agency business part-time while still employed at the Sheriff’s Office. He eventually was able to retire at 49 with a pension and higher income as a travel agent than in his previously dangerous career. From wearing a badge and carrying a gun as a police officer, to wearing a backpack and carrying a passport, Bryan saw the
Traveling is Jason Katsoulis’ passion and it is in his blood. Makes sense since his father owned a travel agency for more than 40 years. A natural salesman, Jason previously was a real estate agent so he finds that his people, research and selling skills contribute to his business accomplishments. Learn more about Jason and his advice for those interested in learning how to become a travel agent. Jason has found success by focusing on two or three cruise lines. He says it is much easier for
Home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations experiences significant advances in technology, marketing and training Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 14, 2020) – In addition to receiving top accolades confirming its powerhouse status in the travel franchise space, Dream Vacations also experienced another year of double-digit growth because their work-from-home travel agents maximize state-of-the-art tools and resources that are continuously launched by the company, enabling increased efficiencies and value to their clients resulting in increased sales. “From technology that drove results and boots-on-the-ground marketing to interactive training and more,
Brittney Ferguson previously worked as an office manager for a corporate medical company. She decided she wanted to enjoy what she did for a living rather than being caught up in the rat race of corporate America. So, she spent several years researching how to become a travel agent before joining Dream Vacations. Brittney finds that her office-related skills from her previous job has helped in working through the learning process and keeping organized. This has been crucial during the early stages of owning a business as
Carmen O’Reilly was destined to one day become a travel agent and her career path has finally come full circle. Her family owned a travel agency on her native St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, she went to travel school and worked for Delta, and now she is living her high school dream of being a travel agent. Carmen shares her story and advice for others who are interested in joining Dream Vacations. What did you do before opening your franchise? I currently work full-time as
Maggie Billy-Fisher worked in hotel sales for 20 years before taking the plunge into business ownership. Her love of traveling and creating travel packages for her hotel guests sparked her decision to start a home travel business and become a franchise owner with Dream Vacations. Learn more about Maggie and her journey into franchise ownership. How have your skills carried over from your previous career? My customer service skills and experience with individuals and group travel have provided me with a strong foundation to work as a
