Kerrie Ducey (Photo Credit: Kerrie Ducey)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Kerrie Ducey, a luxury agent with Carlisle Travel Management.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I was in college and struggling to figure out what direction I wanted to take for a career when I saw an advertisement for a travel school. I could immediately picture myself in the industry, so I applied and earned my travel certification.
I was hired for a travel agent position right away, and that was the start of my career.
How did you build your business over the years?
I spent six years working full-time for two large travel agencies, then another eight years as an outside sales agent.
I eventually stepped away as the Internet changed the industry and, more importantly, I wanted to focus on raising my family.
When I recently became an empty nester, I found myself drawn back to something I had always enjoyed. I updated my resume and began looking for the right agency. In 2022, Jerry Saxe at Carlisle Travel Management called me right away, and I joined the agency. I have been rebuilding and growing my business ever since.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
It is important to really get to know my clients and understand exactly what they expect from their vacation. I also make it a priority to be available when they have questions along the way.
From there, I build full-service itineraries that can include hotels, rental cars, excursions, dining and lesser-known places that enhance the overall experience.
I specialize in a handful of destinations that I know very well and continue to visit. That firsthand knowledge allows me to give clients insight they might not otherwise have when planning on their own.
What have been your greatest challenges?
This business requires a high level of organization and attention to detail, so putting strong systems in place early on has helped me handle challenges more effectively. Another important challenge is choosing reputable hotels, tour operators and excursion companies. Those partners need to be reliable because the quality of each part of the trip can make a significant difference in a family’s vacation.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments is creating personalized itineraries that take the guesswork out of what can sometimes be a stressful planning process and make the vacation feel truly special for my clients.
The most rewarding part is hearing from clients after they return from extraordinary destinations and listening to them tell me about their experiences. When they come back to me for future travel and refer their friends and family, that is the greatest compliment.
What tips can you provide to advisors new to the industry?
Be diligent about learning the destinations, tour operators and excursions that interest you, and take advantage of the tools and resources available to help you grow.
I also recommend developing deep knowledge of destinations you have traveled to several times. It is much easier to speak with confidence and enthusiasm when you know a place firsthand, and clients can feel that when you are planning their journey.
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