November 30, 2022
A passion project in retirement that turned into a thriving business: Two reasons why and the how: 

First, a little background: After twenty years of trading risk arbitrage and equity derivatives in downtown manhattan, the time had come for chapter two, or no chapter at all; the latter option was not appealing. My dad said, "what about being a travel advisor? You love to travel, have a great client list and have been to +60 countries. We use an advisor and it makes all the difference in the world?" I love the idea, but where do you begin?

With Wall Street clientele, the appeal of Virtuoso as the luxury leader in travel helped me narrow my search for a host agency on this very site. The other requirement was a real education; only GTN had both. The year-long program was vital to my success. One could launch without the education on the back of my extensive travel and business experience, but aren't your odds of success drastically higher if you are a true expert? Doesn't that take immersion and mentorship? Would I have done more damage to my budding travel reputation with the finance clients I hoped to convert to travel clients had I not? Would I get more than one chance from those clients?

Fast forward to December 2021, I am in GTN's top producers club (top 30) in my first full year of business! I am invited to the Virtuoso ultraluxe community, attended Belmond's signature Bellini event for 10 USA advisors in Sicily and was on a top producer retreat with GTN. Without education, it would not have unfolded this way and certainly not this quickly. 

The second reason is: In real estate, the most valuable metric is location, location, location, but at a host agency, it is culture, culture, culture. The collaboration and support amongst advisors in our community is the silver bullet and goes hand in hand with the educational foundation of GTN. Imagine how much the collective mindshare benefits our clients. I was not expecting instant responses to questions or requests for advice yet opening up the browser to 7 responses in thirty minutes is common. It's another level of vetting and advocacy, but it only happens if the culture is there. We are not competing like local real estate agents who might compete for a listing in town. Our clients are worldwide, an enviable difference, and it means we are not competing so let's help each other win. We share tips, insights and experiences on our internal system in discussion groups that pale in comparison to snarky online forums. We travel together, 14 GTN advisors and I are just back from 12 days in Tanzania, and as a result, we grow together. It's made all the difference in professional growth inspired by culture and education. What more can you ask for?

Stuart Marra

Kathryn Tolliver

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been working with GIFTE for the last six months and when they said they were starting a Host agency I knew this would be a better fit for me. I have been very happy with my previous host, but GTN has a different mind set. I believe they truly are focused on helping each of us build our businesses and unique brands. They support and nurture the entrepreneur in each of us and provide information to increase our business capability. This is a team focused and supportive organization. I believe that in the long run, my business will be stronger for this decision. They have been very responsive to all of my questions and needs thus far.

Judy Jay

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I am so excited about joining the GTN host agency. I have had a relationship with 2 other host agencies but this host agency is where I belong. I have been involved with the GIFTE team for a couple of years and have found that they have opened my eyes to taking my agency to the next level. I know that being a member of GTN will support my growth and development in the travel world. I highly recommend giving GTN a call and learning about their program and the vision for the travel industry.

Jennifer Round

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

As a branch member of GTN I think their approach to the host model is one that any potential member will find unique. The GTN team is committed to ensuring that travel professionals promote themselves and become successful entrepreneurs as opposed to the traditional host model of worker bee for the betterment of the host agency.

Lisa Rossmeissl

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

While Gifted Travel Network is new to the hosting world, I have worked with it's founder and know that the thought process and business process behind its creation is ideal for us travel professionals. GTN cares about the agent and their success as an entrepreneur. This year I finally went on my own separating from a store front. After endless hours of research to find myself the best fitting host I was so elated when I heard Meredith Hill(founder of Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs) and Vanessa McGovern were going to start one, I knew I had to be in. Highly recommend this for those agents wanting full support on all aspects of their travel business.

Lisa Fletcher

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been working closely with the GIFTE team for a couple of years now and, when I heard they were going to venture into the Host Agency model, I was one of the first to join! It is a leap of faith joining a host at the very beginning, but everything that I see, hear and feel enforces my belief that they have my best interests at heart and want to make it possible for myself, and all of the GTN family, to succeed in our businesses - even higher than we even imagined possible. The marketing support is original, creative and refreshing and the plan is to have a stellar training and mentoring program in place for 2014. I highly recommend scheduling a call with a member of the GTN team to see if this might be the step YOU need to take your travel business to the next level - and beyond!