Name: Candie Steinman

Agency name and location: Dream Vacations, A CruiseOne Company, Fort Myers, Fla.

Franchisor: Dream Vacations, A CruiseOne Company  

Former career: Secondary education/insurance claims

Why I chose a travel career: I went to work for the agency that booked my honeymoon. I was obsessed with cruises and travel and it was all I could talk about. So I jumped in and never looked back!

Why I chose my host/franchise agency: The agency I worked for in Minnesota went out of business suddenly, and I had clients who wanted to cruise. I reached for the Little Black Book [a list of host agencies published by travAlliancemedia] and talked to a few host agencies. I decided on Cruises Inc. and was in training two weeks later. In 2012, my husband, Dick, and I decided to purchase a franchise with CruiseOne. The move allowed us to add associates to our agency. We are excited about the transition to Dream Vacations [a new CruiseOne franchise brand].

My biggest challenge starting out: When I started with Cruises Inc., my biggest challenge was getting known in Florida, where we moved to from Minnesota in 2007.

How I solved it: We started a travel club in our community. We also took a group by bus from Fort Myers to see the new Oasis of the Seas. In fall 2010 we were voted “Rookies of the Year” by Cruises Inc. We are still looking for cost-effective ways to let our community know we sell cruises and have great experience and customer service.

The greatest challenge right now: We decided to specialize in river cruises and groups. The groups are beginning to materialize, but we can always do more!

What I like best about the travel business: I love when I hear from my clients that they have had the time of their lives on the trip I put together for them! I also love all the wonderful people I have met in the travel industry. The CruiseOne staff is wonderful and they are great mentors. I have met incredible industry leaders, like Kristin Karst of AmaWaterways, who opened up my eyes to the magical world of river cruising.

What I hate about it: I do get tied down in paperwork, especially working with groups. But, you just get through it and the rewards come when everyone has a great time.

Why I love what I do: I recently traveled with two of my groups - a women’s group on the Norwegian Sky and a river cruise from Paris to Normandy on Avalon Waterways with a group of returning passengers. It is a fantastic life! I love what I do!