Success Stories focuses on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here we introduce you to Lindsay Epperly, owner and CEO of Jet Set World His Travels.
How did you start working as a travel advisor?
When I was 19, I went into a travel agency for a brochure, got a job and went home. As a college student, I started attending bridal shows and planning honeymoons, which eventually evolved into writing a business book that supported a full-time income by the time I graduated.
How have you built your business over the years?
As my honeymoon business grew, primarily thanks to referrals, I also became interested in mentoring other travel advisors. I developed a team model with the host agency I worked for. As a result, we recognized the need for a host that provides clarity and consultation to entrepreneurial advisors.
This is what laid the foundation for the company, then known as Epperly Travel, in 2014. Since then, we have grown into the corporation we are today. 5000” company has been rebranded as Jetset World Travel, an amazing boutique agency that we acquired in 2021. About five years ago, I moved into the CEO role to help lead the company to where it is today.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I believe my success as an advisor and entrepreneur is due to meeting people on the ground. I strive to lead from a position of empathy and authority by understanding what my clients are truly looking for, especially when given the honor of planning a special trip. and bring a level of knowledge that enables their trust. I teach the same philosophy to Jetset's advisory team. There is no client problem that cannot be solved without empathy and authority.
What is your biggest challenge?
I've spent a lot of time battling impostor syndrome. From the beginning of my career, I often stayed in five-star hotels, and although I had never experienced anything like that in my life outside of traveling, I was always tapped on the shoulder and told, “You're not worthy.'' I was waiting for you to say that. Here’s the thing – until I decided to grow the business with the model we have now at Jetset, it had never been done before.
We recently partnered with Jetset to launch a podcast called Who Made You The Boss? To address this very subject. I think imposter syndrome is actually a sign that you're doing something right by putting yourself out there, but it's not really talked about in this industry.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Five years ago, I set a goal to double the size of my company and be on the cover of a trade magazine within the next 10 years. Thanks to the decisions we made during the pandemic, we were able to reach that goal in his second year. In fact, our company's size quadrupled and we were able to be named an “Inc.” in 2023. 5000” list. I'm so proud of how we've maintained our integrity throughout the pandemic and stayed true to our vision to be a beacon during the industry's darkest moments. I believe that's why we came out so strong on the other side.
What tips can you offer advisors new to the industry?
When I first started, I was so intimidated by having to learn the entire world as my product. How could I expect to be an expert in any field? Instead, I focused on becoming an expert for my clients. Our focus on relationships brings a new level of customer service to the client experience, and that's exactly where our value as an advisor shines.
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