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Whitney Hodges
Independent Travel Agent
La Crescenta,KY
Summary
Driven and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of success. Demonstrated ability to increase sales by 90% within the first year at a previous position and successfully launched a home-based business. Passionate about fostering growth and success for both individuals and businesses. Organized and dependable professional multi-tasker. Passionate about the quality of care put into the business needs as helping others and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others can often be the result. Quick learning and willing to complete any and all training and certification requirements to ensure excellent performance, hard worker, skilled at multitasking. Seeking a position to leverage these strengths and contribute to a dynamic team.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Business Owner/ Independent Travel Agent
Self Employed- Host Agency Archer Travel
2021.07 - Current
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Achieved consistent growth in annual revenue through strategic planning and execution of sales initiatives.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
- Maintained ongoing training and certifications to increase business success.
- Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting via tax professional and accounting logs.
- Secured long-term sustainability of the business through prudent financial management practices such as cash flow optimization, cost control, and strategic investments.
- Enhanced company profitability by reducing overhead costs and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers.
- Delivered exceptional results under tight deadlines by prioritizing tasks effectively and delegating responsibilities appropriately.
- Planned and booked client events such as weddings, honeymoons, friend cruises, birthday celebrations, trips, and family reunions.
- Ensured clients data and security needs were secure and confidential through effective filing and firmware protection.
- Maintained knowledge of travel advisories, updates in airport procedures, travel trends, and exchange rates.
- Inbound and Outbound client communication via email, interpersonal meetings, and phone calls.
- Wrote and published articles and blogs as necessary to increase online interest in my company.
- Maintained up to date websites to promote company online.
- Published a book promoting the local area s a tourist destination entitled "How Expert Guide to Ashland, KY," which is available on Amazon and Kindle.
- Cultivated strong online presence, managing social media platforms to engage with customers and build community.
- Maintained regular communication with vendors to negotiate rates for clients.
- Mastered conflict resolution, maintaining harmonious internal relationships and ensuring focus on common goals.
- Increased customer satisfaction with personalized service offerings, addressing specific needs and preferences.
- Built robust network of industry contacts, leveraging relationships for strategic partnerships and opportunities.
- Streamlined operational processes, significantly reducing overhead costs and improving efficiency.
- Advised clients on best practices for international travel such as visa requirements passport processing procedures.
- Conducted thorough research on destinations, accommodations, and attractions to provide well-informed advice to clients.
- Provided timely assistance to travelers in need, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients.
- Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Asked open-ended questions to better ascertain client needs and determine best international travel offerings.
- Monitored currency exchange rates.
- Consistently fostered business growth by delivering first-rate travel advising and itineraries to develop valuable client relationships.
- Created promotional materials to increase visibility and attract larger market share.
- Implemented automated office systems, optimizing client, and data communications as well as records management.
- Maintained accurate records of client bookings to ensure proper billing and commission tracking.
Travel Manager
Christie Cruise and Travel Masters
Ashland , KY
2016.04 - 2019.04
- Conducted regular market research to stay informed on emerging trends and offered innovative solutions accordingly.
- Coordinated complex multi-city itineraries that catered to individual preferences while maximizing group cohesion.
- Streamlined booking processes for increased efficiency, implementing a user-friendly online reservation system.
- Increased office sales by 90% within my first year.
- Negotiated competitive rates with vendors to provide cost-effective travel options for clients.
- Managed budgets and monitored expenses to ensure financial objectives were met consistently across all bookings.
- Enhanced travel experience for clients by researching and recommending unique destinations and activities.
- Resolved unforeseen issues during trips swiftly, minimizing disruption and maintaining client satisfaction levels high.
- Established strong relationships with industry partners, leading to exclusive deals and offers for clients.
- Implemented effective communication strategies, providing timely updates on itineraries and changes to clients.
- Created comprehensive pre-travel documentation packages, equipping travelers with essential information before departure.
- Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of travel industry trends, regulations and best practices to better serve customers.
- Provided customers with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Asked open-ended questions to better ascertain client needs and determine best international travel offerings.
- Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Recommended travel insurance plans to customers to reduce uncertainty and risk of financial loss.
- Implemented automated office systems, optimizing client, and data communications as well as records management.
- Monitored currency exchange rates and advised customers on best time to purchase foreign currency.
- Consistently fostered business growth by delivering first-rate travel advising and itineraries to develop valuable client relationships.
- Wrote regular travel related articles for the local newspaper which increased the interest of the business in the local community.
- Wrote online blog articles regularly increasing sales outside of the community.
- Kept up to date rapports of office sales, client data, and commissions to report to the supervisor and business owner.
- Communicated with local businesses to manage any office needs such as monitoring inventory of supplies and brochures, technical related support, and promotional needs.
- Ensured up to date certifications were met.
- Maintained ongoing training to keep up with industry standards and location knowledge.
- Built up customer rapport with follow up calls, emails, and post-travel post cards.
- Ensured all business and client needs were met and finalized in a timely manner before exiting for maternity leave in April of 2020.
- Worked remotely during the beginning of my maternity leave to ensure safety needs were met for all clients traveling during that time frame.
- Spent an extensive amount of time and resources studying business success models and travel related knowledge before deciding to work remotely as a more permanent means of business.
- Communicated with office staff and ensured that everyone was trained and was operating effectively before hiring a new agent to continue business functions ensuring a well-implemented and seamless transition.
Auto Travel Counselor
AAA Club Alliance
Russell , KY
2010.06 - 2018.09
- Improved client retention with exceptional customer service and timely follow-ups on inquiries.
- Developed custom itineraries for members based on their specific preferences and requirements.
- Handled member complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain a positive reputation.
- Managed approximately 70 incoming calls, emails, and faxes per day from customers.
- Prepared detailed documentation for international trips, including passports, visas, and insurance policies.
- Provided emergency roadside assistance information to members experiencing travel difficulties or breakdowns.
- Communicating with clients and employees via inbound and outbound email and call taking.
- Leading motivational staff meetings.
- Assisting in organizing, planning, and co-hosting community events such as travel presentations, AAA Pet Days, and Safety Events.
- Promotion of office sales and events online to assist in boosting memberships and sales.
- Reviewed existing resources regularly for accuracy, updating relevant materials as needed to reflect current offerings accurately.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient route planning and travel recommendations.
- Established trust with clients by maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive personal information.
- Educated members on safety precautions while traveling, resulting in fewer incidents reported during trips.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay informed about changes in travel regulations and procedures.
- Exceeded monthly sales goals consistently through proactive outreach efforts targeting potential new members.
- Won awards for credit card and travel insurance sales within the company.
- Assisted in the training of new hires on office practices and technology related tasks.
- Created promotional materials to increase visibility and attract larger market share.
- Responsible for opening and closing the office, ensuring all sensitive items were stored away via file and safe and all transactions were settled at the end of the day.
- Assisted in bank and Brinx Security transactions for upkeep of office tills and deposits.
- Monitored currency exchange rates and advised customers on best time to purchase foreign currency.
- Developed loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.
- Asked open-ended questions to better ascertain client needs and determine best international travel offerings.
- Helped customers with passport and visa applications.
- Followed up with customers to increase customer satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Therapy Via Music Performance And Psychology
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, KY 2001.05 -
Skills
Customer Service
Secretarial Logging and Filing
Business Development
Staff Management
Customer Relations
Promotional Marketing
Event Planning
Team Building
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Works, and Excel Applications
Employee Training
Sales
Content Creation- Creative Displays, online promotion, and Journalism
Accomplishments
- Researched and booked new travel destinations for an array of clientele and vacation types which were so widely embraced that the agency was named #BestLocalTravelAgency Ashland Daily Independent Newspaper- Readers Choice Awards 2018.
- Awarded North America Destinations Specialist For AAA Allied Group
- Provided clients with incentives for referring new customers, resulting in a 12% increase in incremental new business for AAA Allied Group/ Mid- Adlantic.
- Marketed travel deals, special promotions and valuable discounts to clients through email, phone call, and monthly newsletters, which helped to boost sales volumes by 90%.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop client data and financial tracking spreadsheets.
Software
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Excel
Quickbooks
Microsoft Publisher
Picsart
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Certification
IATA
Interests
Singing
Guitar
Drumming
Painting
Mixed Media Art
Digital Marketing
Content Creation
Themed Event Planning
Volunteering
Writing
Performing (local live music events)
Timeline
Business Owner/ Independent Travel Agent
Self Employed- Host Agency Archer Travel
2021.07 - Current
Evolution Academy- Travel 101
2021-07
HIPAA
2021-06
Travel Manager
Christie Cruise and Travel Masters
2016.04 - 2019.04
IATA
2016-04
Anti-Money Laundering Competion
2015-06
Auto Travel Counselor
AAA Club Alliance
2010.06 - 2018.09
Driver's License
2006-06
Bachelor of Arts - Music Therapy Via Music Performance And Psychology
Kentucky Christian University
2001.05 -
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