Deborah Brewbaker (Photo Credit: Deborah Brewbaker)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Debra Brewbaker, a travel advisor with Carlisle Travel Management.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I got my start because of a problem I wanted to solve. My husband and I take annual group dive trips, and year after year we ran into frustrating flight schedules, tight connections and unnecessary stress. I kept thinking there had to be a better way to plan the travel around these trips. I also noticed that the nondiving spouses and partners often felt like an afterthought, even though they were part of the overall experience.
That pushed me to start looking into the travel industry. I wanted to create better logistics and a better experience for the whole group.
My first steps were not perfect. I tried a multi-level travel marketing company and realized it did not offer the support or education I was looking for. Then I joined another host agency that provided access to tools but very little guidance. It felt like being handed a book in a language you do not understand and being told everything you need is in there.
Eventually, I attended a free virtual conference that featured several host agencies. During one session, Carlisle Travel Management Vice President Tricia Lenington spoke about Carlisle's philosophy of supporting advisors and helping them succeed. That stood out to me.
After doing more research, I connected with Tricia and later spoke with Jerry Saxe, president of Carlisle Travel Management. We talked about my local dive shop, my idea for coordinating group travel, and what I wanted to build. From that point forward, I felt like someone had opened the door to an entirely new world.
What made the difference was not just having tools. It was having people who answered questions, offered ideas and gave me the freedom to build a travel business in a way that fit my life.
How did you build your business?
Group travel through our local dive community became the foundation early on and remains an important niche for me.
Travel Leaders Network leads have also played a major role in helping me grow. Many of those travelers are already motivated. They know they want to travel and are actively looking for guidance. Of course, not every inquiry turns into a booking, but many have become lasting client relationships and annual trips.
I have also been intentional about not relying on family and friends for business. I want to be excited for their travel plans without making every conversation feel like a sales opportunity. If they ask for help, I am always happy to support them, but I have focused more on building relationships organically.
Throughout all of this, I have maintained a full-time career outside of travel. Balancing both is not always easy, but if you genuinely enjoy helping people plan meaningful experiences and work through the details, it is possible to build steadily over time.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I have honestly struggled with this question because I think many advisors spend more time noticing what they still want to improve than what they already do well.
If I had to choose, I would say curiosity, responsiveness and persistence.
I do not pretend to know everything. I ask questions, research options and keep going until I find answers for my clients. I also genuinely enjoy understanding what travelers want and helping shape the trip around the experience they are hoping to have, not simply selling a destination.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges has been learning through real experience while balancing travel advising with a full-time career.
One experience that stands out was coordinating a school group trip with about 30 travelers, with multiple airlines, individual traveler details, payments, baggage logistics and constant communication. When I first took on the opportunity, I imagined repeat business and exciting growth. What I actually received was an intensive education in project management, communication, expectations and organization.
It stretched me, and I am grateful for it. Every challenging booking has made me better at anticipating issues and creating smoother experiences for future clients.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment has been continuing to grow.
Every booking teaches me something new. Every client interaction improves my process. I do not expect to ever know everything about this industry, and I think that mindset has helped me keep building.
I am proud of creating a business that has grown steadily while maintaining a full-time career. I am also proud of building relationships that bring clients back again and again. That tells me the work is making a difference.
What tips can you provide to advisors new to the industry?
Ask questions. Someone knows the answer to the question you are afraid to ask.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that successful advisors are not successful because they already know everything. They succeed because they stay curious and keep learning.
Find people who are willing to share knowledge, ask for help when you need it and do not let not knowing something stop you from moving forward. You learn this business by doing it.
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