Jessie Ford
Jessica Ford is the founder and owner of PDP Travel LLC, a thriving travel agency known for its personalized service and industry expertise. After a successful decade-long career in nursing—spanning emergency care, coordination, and leadership—Jessica made the bold decision to pivot toward her lifelong passion: travel. Drawing on her innate drive, attention to detail, and deep empathy developed through healthcare, she built PDP Travel from the ground up. Today, the agency has grown to include over 30 team members and proudly holds Disney Earmarked status, a prestigious designation awarded to top-tier travel agencies.
Jessica’s transition from nursing to entrepreneurship was fueled by a powerful mindset shift: that confidence follows action. That belief has led her to industry recognition, including being one of just three agents selected out of hundreds to present at the Sandals Social Media Boot Camp. She is deeply committed to continued learning, hands-on product knowledge, and empowering her team and clients alike through transparency, education, and strategic growth. Jessica believes that staying visible, knowing your worth, and never undercharging for your value are keys to long-term success in the travel industry.
A graduate of Saint Anselm College, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors, and spent years serving patients with compassion and resilience. She brings that same level of care and professionalism to the travel experiences she curates today. Based in Rowley, Massachusetts, she continues to balance the demands of business ownership with a strong commitment to family life, proving that with passion and persistence, reinvention is not only possible—but powerful.
• Saint Anselm College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion. I grew up traveling and always had a deep love for it. After starting my career in nursing, I realized the toll it was taking on my mental health and made the decision to pivot back to what truly inspired me—travel. That passion, combined with hard work and dedication, helped me quickly rise in the industry. Today, I lead a travel agency with over 30 team members, and we've earned prestigious recognitions like Disney Earmarked status. I was also honored to be one of three agents selected out of hundreds to present at the Sandals Social Media Boot Camp.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was, “If you don’t ask, it’s a no anyway. Put yourself out there—don’t wait for the perfect moment, take the leap and grow as you go.” I received this while considering a shift from nursing to entrepreneurship, and it completely changed my perspective. It reminded me that confidence often follows action. Embracing that mindset helped me push past fear, take the leap, and ultimately build a thriving travel business from the ground up.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the travel industry is: stay committed, stay visible, and know your worth. Invest in yourself, show up consistently, and never underestimate the value you bring—don’t undercharge for it. Take the time to truly understand the products you’re offering and become an expert in your field. Education is the foundation of everything, and continued learning is key to long-term success. Self-belief paired with strategic visibility can open doors you never imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the travel industry right now is navigating client concerns around rising flight prices, as well as finding the right market fit for the specific experiences we want to sell. On the backend, technology glitches can occasionally disrupt workflow. However, these challenges also present opportunities—by staying adaptable and working together as a team, we continue to evolve and grow. Collaboration allows us to overcome obstacles more efficiently and keep delivering exceptional service to our clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me—both in my work and personal life—are balance and transparency. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being. I also believe in being transparent in all business endeavors—building trust with clients, team members, and partners is at the core of everything I do.