An Inviting Host

Name: Sandy Keel

Agency name and location: Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Franchisor/Host: Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

Former career: I’ve been very blessed to be in this industry since high school. When others were off to college, I went to travel school.

Why I chose my franchise network: Before I joined Cruise Planners in June of 2015, I was with another host agency that had a glass ceiling, so I switched to Cruise Planners and I’ve never looked back. I felt I could increase my income and provide a more customer-focused model for my clients by becoming an independent agent—and I wouldn’t have time limits on my interaction with each customer.

With Cruise Planners, I have never felt any restrictions on how I run my business. And when I need assistance I pick up the phone and reach someone who walks me through the process.

The other reason I chose Cruise Planners is its affiliation with American Express Travel. It’s a huge benefit for me as a business owner to have a brand name behind me.

My biggest challenge starting out and how I solved it: I am technologically challenged, but Cruise Planners’ CP Maxx is so user-friendly [it helped me overcome those challenges]. It’s a database, accounting system, marketing tool and booking engine all rolled up into one system. The mobile app is a huge plus for most of my techy clients. They have the opportunity to access their profiles and keep in contact with me as well.

My greatest challenge right now: In the travel industry, there is always something to learn. Cruise Planners makes it easy to keep up with ongoing training. When I first joined, Cruise Planners advised me to finish up their training academy online before I went for my franchise training in Fort Lauderdale. My first thought was that I didn’t need this training because I was already an experienced agent. However, once I started, I was amazed at the content on how to run a business. The opportunities are limitless! The annual convention is fun, educational, fun—and did I say fun?! This is an amazing learning opportunity for agents who are serious about growing their business.

What I dislike about the travel business: The public’s lack of education as to what a travel professional is and does can sometimes be frustrating. As agents, we need to continue to share our stories and passion with others and help them see the value of using a travel professional.

What I like best about it: As St. Augustine is thought to have said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”