Bobbie Jean Smith, Owner on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Travel Agency

Bobbie Jean Smith

Owner, Bobbie Smith Travel

Lakeland, FL

1Article published
1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Member Virtuoso, CLIA, AAA

Her Story

About Bobbie

My agency now is home based and I’m solely the owner, operator and manager. I do business travelers and Personal Travel. I’ve survived the 9-11 turmoil and the most difficult was Covid. That was 2 1/2 years of trying to stay alive in the industry. I did it with a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears.


Her Interview

Ten minutes with Bobbie

01What do you attribute your success to?

Working hard and being dedicated to my clients. Being honest with them and letting them know if something is good or bad places to visit. Focus on my own business and striving to always make it better. I’m not one to compete against other agencies. I don’t work 9:00am-5:00pm. I’m available all hours of the week, seven days a week.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

To always work hard and dedicate yourself to the customer. Customer Service is very important. Be a professional at what I do and be honest with the customer at all times.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Be willing to change. There’s not two days in the travel industry that are the same. Everyday in the travel industry you should be learning something different. Dedication to your job and clients. Focus on your job and paying attention to each trip you plan for your client. Detail and research is very important.


04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Rebuilding my business and working to get new clients. After 9/11 and Covid hit I had to make many changes in my business. Covid was 2 1/2 years before travel started to come back. I’ve survived both 9/11 and Covid, but the changes that had to be made were a struggle. I didn’t think I would make it through Covid. I’m now still doing travel and my business is doing well. I’d like it to be doing better and start growing it a little more.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Doing a great job at trying to give equal time to both. My business is very important as well as my personal life. I feel I can manage both very well.

Her Content Hub

Articles by Bobbie

Professional Agency. Not only do business travel, but personal travel for families, groups and meetings.

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