Tina Callahan. (Source: Tina Callahan)
Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Tina Callahan, a travel designer with Preferred Travel & Company, which is a member of Signature Travel Network.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I started back in 1982 by attending the Wilma Boyd Travel School in Pittsburgh. I always knew I wanted to work in some type of travel job. After graduating, I took a job with Budget Rent a Car at their Dallas headquarters. After getting some experience, I went into becoming a full-fledged travel advisor and worked with many different agencies over the years. I have been in the industry 35-plus years!
How did you build your business over the years?
I have the gift of gab, so every time I was out shopping or doing spa days I would always listen to the ladies talking about travel and then join in and offer my business cards. Once I was established, I had a lot of referrals come my way from that, which was amazing!
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I always service my clients with a smile in person and on the phone. I am all about customer service. I try to go above and beyond to show them that when I am booking their trips they know I am with them from the beginning to the end of their vacations.
What have your greatest challenges been?
I would say the many changes in the industry that I have seen over the years – and I mean world changes such as 9/11 and the COVID pandemic. I did get through them and picked right up where I left off.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
Over the years, building the luxury side of my business. I’ve booked all different travel arrangements, including air, cruises and FIT vacations. Now I have the knowledge to book just about anything to make my clients dreams of travel come true. I love what I do!
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
It’s not all about the travel perks that you here about. You really need to make sure you want to do learn, and build your skills and customer service. Not everything always goes smoothly That is why you are there – to help out for your clients make the best of their vacations even when situations that may arise.
It does not happen overnight. It takes some time to build your clientele and obtain the knowledge of what you are booking and the products you sell. The feeling of putting your first trip together, and the clients coming back and saying they loved it and are already talking about their next trip with you, will be gratifying.
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