In 2020, my world shifted in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Like so many others, the pandemic turned my professional life upside down when my recently earned district sales manager role was "eliminated". At first, JMart Travels was born out of necessity—my personal retaliation against the unpredictability of corporate America. It was a way to take control of my future, shield myself from the whims of others, and create something that couldn’t be taken away by some corporate bean counter or a board meeting decision by people who don't even know my name let alone my story.
What began as a defiant spark has since grown into the most exhilarating and fulfilling challenge of my life. Today, JMart Travels is no longer just an idea. It’s a growing travel agency with a loyal client base, with a healthy amount of family vacations and couples’ getaways that grew unexpectedly to specialize in group travel as well. It’s a business I’ve built from the ground up—piece by piece, client by client, dollar by dollar. But let me tell you: getting here has been anything but easy.
Building a Dream, One Step at a Time
Starting a business in the travel industry, especially during a time when travel was uncertain, felt like climbing a mountain while the terrain kept shifting under my feet. There were many months of research and study before I even spoke a word about what I was planning. This was pretty easy considering for that first year the world was largely on "lock down" which meant plenty of hours at home alone with nothing to do but study and learn and create. In fact it wasn't until Spring of 2022 before I took the ultimate leap of faith and officially launched the business after working for many months setting up the LLC, creating a very basic website, signing on with a host agency, getting certified as a travel agent, building social media pages, and establishing relationships with travel vendors. That infrastructure would prove to be so beneficial as the business started to rapidly gain momentum in 2023.
Side note: it is fitting that the decision to look into creating this travel business was made on a park bench in August 2020 on a visit to Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom with my family. As in on a park bench next to a statue of visionary Walt Disney! The official launch of JMart Travels on social media was on our next family visit to Walt Disney World in March 2022. Is it weird that I remember these pivotal moments?
My first clients were friends and family who trusted me to plan and book their vacations. Slowly but surely, referrals started rolling in, and JMart Travels began to find its footing. But every small win came with its own set of challenges.
From learning how to market myself and the business to designing travel packages that appeal to retirees, families, and solo adventurers, every day has been a lesson. Creating and managing group tours—like our upcoming Alaska cruise or Pacific Coast Tour—has taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of attention to detail. It’s been a balancing act of crafting the perfect experiences for clients while ensuring the business remains financially sustainable. In my wildest dreams never would I have imagined a world where I would take 50 people on a group tour of the islands of Hawaii two years in a row. as part of a business I established. This was a most unexpected and pleasant surprise development in the business. However, thinking back to my days as a teacher 1999-2007 and remembering fondly the memories of leading annual school trips to destinations like Space Camp, New York City, Washington, DC, and even Walt Disney World in hindsight it should really come as no surprise at all. God has been preparing me for these chapters literally all of my life! #Godwinks
As the business continues to grow it has become evident that a public office is needed. While I have a very comfortable home office set up that works well for me to juggle the demands of a very busy full time job and run the growing business, it is not set up for face to face meetings. A few months ago I was approved for financing and have been working with a contractor and a designer to create a separate space where clients can stop in and we can create those dream itineraries together.
In a business where details matter, the business has also grown to a point that I can't keep up with the details on my own as well as continue to do what it takes to continue to grow the business. I have been fortunate to have my dad working occasionally on a part time basis as well as having interns during the past few summers. That has helped me to stay afloat. But as the saying goes, in order to get results you don't have you can't continue to do what you have always done.
Taking the Next Big Step
Now, I’m taking yet another "next big step": hiring help. It’s a decision that’s both terrifying and thrilling. Bringing on a part-time administrative assistant means trusting someone to help carry the load, manage client relationships, and represent JMart Travels. It also means growth—a chance to expand our capacity and continue providing the personalized service that sets us apart. In a world where literally everyone has a travel agent in their pocket through a plethora of travel web sites and apps, the service and details are critical to our longevity in this business. This hiring decision can make or break our future!
While this step feels like a leap of faith, it’s one I know I need to take to move JMart Travels to the next level. Growth isn’t just about adding people or services; it’s about creating a business that can thrive independently, with systems and processes in place to sustain it long-term. My ultimate goal is to build something that doesn’t just support my dreams but helps others achieve theirs—whether it’s employees finding meaningful work or clients embarking on the trips they’ve always dreamed about.
It's worth noting I have also been surprised at how great it feels to give back to my community with funds I've earned in the business whether that's sponsoring local sports teams or donating to charities or participating in any number of local fundraisers.
Last Spring I had the opportunity to coordinate and book flights for 50 local police officers and city officials and their families as they headed to Washington, DC to honor and commemorate the heroic death of my long time neighbor and friend Sgt Heather Glenn. To be able to use my business and industry connections to help in this special way is something I will never forget.
A Peek Behind the Scenes
Running a travel agency isn’t all sunshine and sandy beaches. It’s early mornings, late-night emails, and constant follow-ups to make sure every detail is perfect. It’s managing last-minute changes, learning new software, and navigating the ever-changing travel landscape. It’s also moments of self-doubt, wondering if the business will ever be “enough” to replace the stability of corporate life before corporate America decides they've had "enough" of me.
But it’s also joy. It’s the excitement of hearing a client rave about their dream vacation. It’s the satisfaction of seeing a group trip come together after months of planning. And it’s the thrill of knowing that every success, big or small, is a result of hard work, persistence, and passion. It's being a small part of clients' biggest life moments.
Why I Do This
JMart Travels isn’t just a business; it’s a representation of my values and my belief in the transformative power of travel. Travel has the ability to bring people together, broaden perspectives, and create memories that last a lifetime. It's connecting people to parts unknown in God's creation. That’s why I’ve poured my heart into making JMart Travels not just a service, but an experience.
This journey has taught me that growth—both personal and professional—comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Starting JMart Travels was scary. Growing it has been even scarier. But every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about what I do.
What’s Next?
As JMart Travels grows, I’m committed to staying true to the values that got me here: personalized service, attention to detail, and a deep love for helping others explore the world. Whether it’s planning the perfect honeymoon, organizing a group trip for retirees, or helping a family navigate their first international vacation, I’m here to make it happen.
To my clients, supporters, and friends: thank you for believing in me and my dream. Every booking, referral, and kind word has been a step forward on this incredible journey. To those considering a trip, I’d love to help you create memories that will last a lifetime. And to anyone chasing their own dream: take the leap. It’s worth it.
Here’s to the adventures ahead—yours and mine.
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