Becca and Jay Dill (Photo Credit: Becca Dill)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Becca Dill, owner of The Travel Junkie.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
From a young age, I dreamed of traveling and exploring new places. Our family trips mainly consisted of road trips and camping nearby, with a special exception of visiting Louisiana to see my grandparents. I remember my dad driving through the night to save on hotel costs. Thinking back now, I think this was a great experience for me since it gave me a true appreciation of staying at a hotel or resort.
After high school, I joined the US Navy, eager to see the world. My passion for travel only grew stronger during my service. In 1999, I met my husband, Jay Dill, while he was on temporary assignment in Kansas. When his next posting took him to Syracuse, NY, I decided to join him on our first of a lifetime of adventures . We married in 2002, and both worked at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises’ call center. Our honeymoon on Voyager of the Seas was a memorable experience, and I found myself fascinated by the travel industry as I assisted other advisors with bookings.
In 2004, we enrolled in hospitality management classes at our local community college, initially planning to open a small restaurant. However, our interest in travel remained strong. Life led us to Massachusetts briefly before bringing us back to Kansas. Upon returning, I came across a job opening for an advisor at a local agency. I was initially hesitant about the commission-based pay structure, but when I told my husband about the position, he applied and was hired. A few months later, I decided to apply as well and joined him.
We gained valuable experience working at the agency for a couple of years. In 2010, Jay and I took a leap of faith and started our own agency, The Travel Junkie. It’s been an incredible journey, and we feel like we’re just getting started.
How did you build your business over the years?
We began with just the two of us during the first two years of our business. We both managed travel bookings, with Jay’s outgoing personality making him a natural at networking and promoting our name, while I preferred to work behind the scenes. Balancing full-time jobs with running The Travel Junkie was challenging, but we were determined.
I still remember the crucial moment when we decided to fully commit to our business and leave our day jobs behind. It was a nerve-wracking experience, sitting together in the office on a quiet morning with no phone calls coming in.’ Savor this calm before the storm, it won’t last long,’ Jay said. That very day, he joined our local chamber of commerce and Business Networking International, confidently declaring that he was going to ‘make it rain.’ And that’s exactly what he did!
Our strong customer service backgrounds and genuine care for our clients played a major role in our success. Within two years, our business had grown so much that we needed additional help and hired our first advisor. Lori Stone has been with us for over a decade and remains a cherished member of our team. Over the past 10 years, our team has expanded to 15 agents, enabling us to manage a growing volume of travel requests. We know that our continued success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team of advisors, and we are forever grateful for all they give to our reputation.
Active involvement in local community events keeps us visible and engaged, and our strong relationships with suppliers help us stay competitive in the travel market. We also stay abreast of industry changes and ensure that our clients are well-informed and on top of the latest updates.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
My passion for travel is a cornerstone of my success as an advisor. It fuels my enthusiasm and drives me to offer exceptional customer service. Building strong relationships with my clients is equally important; I strive to communicate effectively and make them feel like friends or family. Sharing in their excitement for upcoming trips that I’ve helped plan is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, being reliable and providing support whenever they need advice or assistance is crucial in maintaining trust and satisfaction.
What have your greatest challenges been?
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic was our greatest challenge. It was an incredibly tough period for everyone in the travel industry, and there were moments when we worried we might need to consider a different career path. Despite the uncertainty, we persevered, and I’m incredibly grateful that we did. Our company not only survived but rebounded strongly, proving that our commitment was worth it.
Another significant challenge we face is managing growth. As our agency expands and brings on more advisors, balancing the needs of our growing team and the expectations of our clients can be stressful. Ensuring that both our advisors and customers remain satisfied requires constant attention and effort.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments is being an owner of The Travel Junkie and seeing our business thrive for over a decade. We’ve created a company that has supported us living our best lives and offers exceptional value to our clients.
It is also a vehicle for our agents to gain ownership of their own schedules and finances, which translates to more freedom to live their lives as they see fit. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness our team’s success and growth. Additionally, having the opportunity to travel to destinations I once only dreamed of is truly exhilarating. I feel like I’m living the dream!
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Discovering what type of travel or destination excites you the most is crucial, as that enthusiasm comes through when speaking with potential clients. Additionally, fostering relationships within the industry is essential. Being able to seek advice and exchange ideas with fellow advisors can be incredibly valuable.
Over the past few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to step out of my comfort zone by attending industry conferences and joining professional groups. Surrounding yourself with other leaders and successful peers is vital for personal and professional growth.
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