Independent Vacation Specialist + Alaska Certified Expert
Heather Schreader wants you to take a week or two off work. To unplug and relax onboard a luxury liner or pick a destination and hang out with the locals. This new travel agent is building a business making dream vacations come true, and she’s got one waiting just for you.
But Heather has a history of exceeding customer expectations and creating experiences that they’ll remember a lifetime. This New York native moved to Tennessee from Lockport in the mid-90s and worked, at what was then, Opryland USA Theme Park in the Park Attraction Sales office as a Convention Group Coordinator until the close of the park in 1997. After some time off and the birth of her first child, she went back to work with Intercontinental Hotels Group and worked at the Holiday Inn, Nashville Airport, holding various positions including Catering Sales Manager, Director of Catering and most recently Director of Sales & Marketing.
After a 21-year tenure, Heather left the hotel industry in pursuit of a fresh start. After much thought and a little intervention from a friend in the travel industry and the support of her husband of 21 years, Schreader purchased a franchise: Dream Vacations, a brand under World Travel Holdings.
Heather immediately immersed herself in the industry, learning all she could about how it worked, what success looked like, and most importantly, the impact travel had on the quality of people’s lives. “Nearing the end of my career at the hotel, I just didn’t feel like I was making a difference in people’s lives anymore and I really wanted to do that,” says Schreader.
While Schreader enjoys booking all types of travel, her passion lives with travel ventures that incorporate a fundraising component. “There’s a few different ways you can use travel vacations to generate income for an organization. Consider a 50/50 Raffle. An organization would sell raffle tickets to individuals, giving each ticket holder a chance to win a dream vacation. Fifty percent of the gross sales from the raffle tickets will go towards paying for the trip while the other fifty percent goes back towards the organization. Or an organization can partner with a supplier putting together a group trip in which the supplier partner gives back to the organization. These are some unique ways to both raise funds and awareness for your organization while also have a great time as the planner. “
But growing a business isn’t easy, especially in the travel industry, when many people question whether travel agents are still relevant. Online booking sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Kayak, are just a few of many resources available to would-be vacationers looking to get away.
“Travel agents give you that personal touch. Sure, you can book a trip online, but there’s a big difference in the experience you’ll get. And if you’re like most, your time is limited and giving this task over to someone who knows the best deals, locations, times of year to travel to those areas, and what to do when you get there, yeah, I say travel agents are still relevant.”
Schreader’s travel business is poised for growth. She’s taking the skills that made her a top producer in past sales positions and applying them to her business model. But she admits that she’s had to get used to the slower pace. “The hotel business was nonstop,” recalls Schreader. But the grind is still there. She advises new business owners to set aggressive goals and get out every day, even if they work from a home office. Fill the calendar with activities that will have a direct impact on your business.
Ultimately, Schreader wants to be recognized as a trusted advisor in the travel industry. And she’s well on her way to doing just that.
Connect with Heather: Website | Family Cruises | Luxury Cruises | Facebook | Twitter
Member Spotlight by Jacqueline Hayes, Crayons and Marketers