Bobbie Jean Smith
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.
• Graduated 10th in my class, Speciak Wish Award, rated top 10 Travel Agency in Dayton, Ohio, Continental, TWA, USAir and United Airlines for high volume sales. Universal studios.
• Virtuoso, CLIA, AAA
• Special Wish Foundation, Feed the hungry
What 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.
What’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.
What 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.
What 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.
What 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.
