If you’ve been considering a career reboot, you’ll love this uplifting tale about travel industry veteran, Joanne Miller. Morphing her 27-year-career into a home-based business with TravelManagers, she’s switched out increasing rents and inflexible commitments, for a business that works around her family life.
Feeling the pulse of the industry slowly springing back to life in July 2021, Greystanes-based Joanna Miller was contemplating her next career move. To prepare for international borders and the kickstart of our beloved travel industry, she wanted to ensure that she was in the best possible position to take advantage of the reboot.
Post-pandemic cost-basis analysis
Despite her confidence that the industry would eventually recover, there was still uncertainty around the circumstances and timing under which it would take place. Miller felt reluctant to continue with the traditional retail model she knew so well. The cost and risks associated with being locked into a retail lease felt too risky, so she began investigating home-based options instead.
“I could see that the cost-benefit of the home-based model was exactly what I needed to reinvent my business,” she explains. “After weighing the pros and cons of several companies, TravelManagers quickly became the obvious choice.”
‘Peace of Mind’ seals the deal
Pairing her astute industry experience and concerns for the bounce-back rate of the industry, Miller was impressed by TravelManagers. In particular, the effectiveness and transparency of TravelManagers’ financial protections won her over. She considers what they offer unparalleled in the Australian travel industry.
A robust consumer promise
This is no surprise to Chief Operating Officer Grant Campbell, who explains that TravelManagers ‘Peace of Mind’ consumer promise is backed by a dedicated Client Trust Account. This account is externally audited every three months, with the results published on TravelManagers’ website.
“TravelManagers also holds Travel Agent Client Trust Account Insurance (TACTAFI) underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Corporation. This protects the client trust account in the unlikely event of fraudulent or dishonest activity,” Campbell adds.
Once Miller’s interest was piqued, she reached out to TravelManagers to express her interest in joining. She was highly impressed by their response, especially with the clear pathway laid out should she wish to proceed. Once on board, she quickly enjoyed the empowerment of being able to choose her own hours, which she fits around her family commitments.
Operating with confidence important in today’s climate
With over 27 years of experience in the travel industry, Miller places great importance on being able to provide her clients with confidence in what she offers them.
“For my clients and I, financial security is paramount, especially knowing that my clients’ funds are safe with the Peace of Mind promise. It’s also priceless to be able to share with clients the trust account auditing and existence of TACAFI. Many clients are even more cautious since the pandemic, so it is hugely advantageous to be able to talk them through the multiple levels of protection that are in place thanks to my association with TravelManagers.”
Maintaining integrity throughout the pandemic
Grant Campbell shared that TravelManagers’ Client Trust Account was maintained throughout COVID’s disruption to the travel industry. This included the 3-monthly independent auditing and payment of the TACTAFI premiums despite the near-halt of all travel bookings in 2020. These actions have ensured the client trust account’s integrity and maintained the Personal Travel Manager’s faith in the company’s commitment to this asset.
Campbell concluded, “We’re delighted that Joanne recognised the unique benefits offered by our ‘Peace of Mind’ consumer protections and joined TravelManagers. Her corporate sales and retail travel background and her experience managing award-winning agencies is a welcome addition to the TravelManagers family.”
To find out more, visit travelmanagers.com.au
