Monday, 23 July 2018
Choosing to start your own travel business is a big decision, but when you are ready, it can be life-changing. Allow us to introduce you to Jake Cassar. One of our newest business owners, Jake is heading into his third month and here, he shares his experience of making that change and finding a new path as a Travel Counsellor.
My name is Jake Cassar and I left school to become a chef with plans of travelling the world. After living in Scotland and England for three years, then Berlin for another year, the travel bug was truly ingrained. I decided to pursue a job in the travel industry, and now 11 years later, this is where I am. Prior to becoming a Travel Counsellor, I worked for one of the world's largest travel groups until I received my 10 year-long-service leave and felt it was time for a change. In those 10 years, I had also become a proud father to my two boys, and was craving a lifestyle that would allow me to work, travel and be with my family as much as possible. No more wasted hours to the office in the daily commute, and no one to answer to and shape my business and targets. These goals really pulled me in to become a Travel Counsellor and work for myself.
In my so far short career as a Travel Counsellor, my biggest highlight would be my first booking, which came from a very important repeat client at the perfect time when I was into transitioning into my new business. It was a luxury, 5-star family holiday to New Caledonia. It was vital to book the client exactly what they wanted so when one of the products wasn’t up to their expectations, I spoke with head office and I was able to turn the situation around to find the ideal solution for my client. I caught up with my client for coffee and he booked another trip with me on the spot!
My biggest advice is – “Why not sooner!” I’m talking as a novice here, but I can see myself on track for a bigger and better pay check than I ever did receive and many more hours of 'my time'. I guess what attracted me was the lifestyle, after enquiring and meeting up at head office I was shown the system and my mind was blown and I made the comment "It's like you have been listening my whole travel agent life as to what I want!". Phenix is and will change the industry and I am so happy to have it at my fingertips!
So, what is my biggest point of difference? It would have to be my social media presence that I have built up over the years. Always asking my repeat clientele to follow my Instagram (@thiswildtime), see where I have travelled and in turn helping to shape their future of travels and gaining the trust that it has been “tried and tested”.
