Wendi Montoya. (Source: Wendi Montoya.)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Wendi Montoya, owner of Travel Hut Group.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
It all started with our kids first trip to Disney World. After we returned home, I missed the excitement of planning and that me seek out opportunities in the travel industry. I had two young kids at home and was craving adult conversation, and working from home was exactly what I needed.
When I entered into this industry, I had originally signed up with a large host agency. At a Funjet show in Houston, I spilled a lady’s drink. After apologizing profusely, we talked for a long while. She offered me a job and the ability to work in her storefront. I jumped at the opportunity. After eight years, I made the tough decision to leave and take the needed steps to open my own an agency.
How did you build your business over the years?
When I started in the travel industry in 2002, we were still in the midst of 9/11. Friends and family had lots of questions and concerns. Honestly, it was not hard to find clients with the amazing pricing that we were able to offer at that time. It was $450 per person for a weekend in Mexico.
When COVID reared its ugly head, I spent lots of time on hold with suppliers working to get clients trips rebooked. I made the most of this time and took a long look at our agency and where we could make some updates. After much reflection, our name, All Inclusive Travel Hut, was changed to Travel Hut Group. We wanted clients to see our agency as more than just all-inclusive vacation agency. We had agents who were focused on Europe and luxury vacations, so the rebranding started.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
Having a passion for the travel industry is key. Beyond that, you need to understand that this is a sales job, and you will need to get others excited about your travel services. Being a good listener and taking the time to hear every detail of a client’s vacation vision will ensure the client is happy. A happy client is a repeat client.
Giving first-hand advise is something that clients are looking for. Be personable, ask about their families and their past vacations. Not only does that show interest in the clients, it also will give you an idea of where they have been and what their vacation style is.
What have been your greatest challenges been?
Leadership is something I struggle with. It is tough having agents in other areas. I am constantly looking for better ways to get everyone together and feel included.
Feeling overwhelmed is another tough one for me. There are lists all over my office and those help. I just returned from a Travel ALLIES event. There is so much useful and impactful information that we learned.
Now, I am working on implementation. I am thankful every day for the opportunity to sit in a room with these powerhouse travel industry leaders. I will forever be indebted to VIP Vacations President Jennifer Doncsecz for the opportunity to learn and grow my leadership skills.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
Can I tell you how much I love our agents that work for our agency? Most of them I have known for 25-plus years. I trust them and I value their feedback and opinions. During COVID, I started a training program. While it will always be a work in progress, it helps our new agents establish a firm foundation for their start in the travel industry.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
The world is big! Find your niche and specialize in destinations that interest you. When you are excited about a destination or experience it is easy for the clients to see your enthusiasm and get excited about their travel options.
Invest in yourself. If you have an opportunity to attend a fam – do it! If you have the opportunity to meet with a wholesaler, tourism department official or DMC – do it!
Invest in your business. Don’t get the cheap business cards from Vista Print. Instead, instead go to a local printshop and order upgraded cards. How can you expect a client to come to you with a great budget if you offer them cheap cards?
Create professional website and make sure the wording on the site sounds like you are talking to a friend rather than a robot spitting out information.
Find another agent that you can buddy up with and learn from each other. I am so blessed to have met my best friend Renee Dunkin at a local travel event. She owns an agency 20 minutes from me. We don’t see each other as competitors – much to the contrary. We take our agents on fams together and have local meetings with suppliers together with both our agencies in attendance. Find your ‘tribe’ and grow in this industry together.
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