Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Vickie S. Everhart, chief experience officer and owner of York, Pa.-based Krouse Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
After 14 years in the publishing industry, I did a lot of soul searching and decided that the corporate grind provided an existence, but not a life. I left that career and enrolled in a travel and tourism degree program. While pursuing my degree, I sold printing part-time. A printing client asked about my studies – and then he offered me a job. This was a motorcoach company, which wanted to create a tour division.
It was during this employment that I met Bill Krouse at Krouse Travel who offered me a job at their agency. I became the manager at Krouse Travel and worked to expand their regional tour business and develop their retail travel business. After the Krouse’s retirement, I became chief experience officer and owner.
How did you build your business over the years?
To be part of the Krouse Travel team applicants must be caring and enthusiastic. Skills can be taught, but not the ability to care. And, with our host model, we are very selective about who we invite to be part of the team. This is our “secret sauce.”
And, on a personal level, I am a strong believer in building relationships – not with an agenda, but to foster relationships where we can support each other and cheer each other’s successes. This is true with client relationships and B2B relationships.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
Success is a long-term goal and requires hard work. Those who succeed are committed. Providing the best customer service is the first priority; money is not the driving ambition. When clients feel respected and cared for, they become lifelong clients. We have the honor of working with our original clients’ children and grandchildren.
What has been your greatest challenge?
The Pause. During my 30 years in the travel industry, I’ve witnessed many challenges to the survival of our industry. But the Pause was unlike anything we had experienced before. Those of us who survived learned that we are much stronger than we imagined.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
The awards and recognitions have been great, but the thing that provides the most satisfaction is watching our team grow and have their personal successes.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Become a lifelong learner. When faced with a decision, always choose the high road. It might not be the most lucrative decision, but it’s the best way to do business. And travel!
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