Jessie Ford
Current Registered Nurse, Jessica Ford is the CEO of PDP Travel LLC, an award-winning agency built on elite resort and destination partnerships, now supported by a 30+ member team. Her transition from healthcare to travel entrepreneurship has led to industry-wide recognition, with her agency celebrated as one of the leading teams in the travel community. As a Saint Anselm College graduate, she brings the same compassion and attention to detail from her nursing background into curating unforgettable, client-centered travel experiences.
Today, the agency has grown to a team of more than 30 members and is proudly aligned with Sandals Resorts as a trusted brand partner. That relationship has been built through years of consistent performance, immersive product knowledge, and a shared commitment to elevate client experiences. Jessica’s close work with Sandals has led to national recognition, including being selected as one of just three agents to lead a group at two exclusive events in 2025. In addition, PDP Travel maintains a strong presence in family and cruise travel through partnerships with the Walt Disney World Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal Orlando Resort, allowing the agency to serve clients across both luxury and family-focused travel experiences.
She remains deeply committed to philanthropy, continued learning, hands-on product knowledge, and empowering both her team and her clients through transparency, education, and thoughtful growth. Jessica believes in staying visible, knowing your worth, and never undercharging for your value.
As a graduate of Saint Anselm College, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors and spent years caring for patients with compassion and resilience. She brings that same level of care to every travel experience she curates today. She lives in Rowley, Massachusetts, and continues to balance entrepreneurship with a strong commitment to family, proving that reinvention is not only possible, it’s powerful.
In December, Jessie is donating all commissions from new Sandals and Beaches bookings to the Sandals Foundation in support of ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The Foundation, established by Sandals Resorts International, is providing both immediate aid and long-term community support across the island.
To support this initiative and view current offers, book directly through this referral link:
• Saint Anselm College
• Disney EarMarked Travel Agency
• Travel Leaders Network
• American Society of Travel Advisors
• CLIA
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.
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. 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. Our team views challenges as opportunities for growth. It's all about perspective. As we continue to evolve and grow, collaboration within our team and with our travel partners will allow us to keep delivering exceptional service to our clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the heart of my work and my life are integrity, relationships, and purpose. I believe in showing up with honesty, doing the right thing when it’s quiet and unseen, and building trust through consistency and genuine care.