Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Rodriguez.
Hi Olga, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2014, I decided to take my love for travel and Disney to the next level. I was always the go-to person when anyone had a Disney trip question, so why not try to expand on that? I started as an Independent Contractor and quickly realized the company had grown too big for my taste. I wanted to remain loyal to my mission of providing personal attention to my clients. We save so much money and PTO for our vacations, and clients deserve someone who will handle the planning as if it were their own. In 2020 (what a year), I decided to venture independently and started Destinations By Olga, LLC. It was a rough year! I lost all my commission for the entire year and didn’t make a penny! During that time, I continued to service the clients who were supposed to have traveled that year, which helped me build stronger relationships with them. I used the time to train, and slowly but surely, the industry returned. In 2021, I needed a change and moved to Florida. Naturally, I wanted to be closer to my favorite vacation spot and escape the northeast. It has been slow going, and I am grateful for my returning clients’ loyalty to me. I aim to get my name and reputation out to the Florida folks to continue growing and expanding. Today, we are a team of two and service clients from all over the US. We have booked vacations as far out as Europe and as close to home as Disney. As a full-service travel agency, we can do it all!
I’m sure it had its obstacles, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all! I decided to branch independently in Jan 2020 when the pandemic had just started. I spent hours on the phone canceling travel arrangements and fighting to recover my client’s money. I am happy to say that all my clients but two received their money, and those that did not receive credit for future travel. That year, I worked the hardest since becoming a travel advisor and made zero dollars! But we have slowly bounced back as the industry bounced back and are holding steady. My other challenge was moving to Florida. It is an entirely different market from the Northeast, but I hope to continue to grow and gain more clients now that I’m established here in Florida.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am a full-service travel advisor specializing in all Disney products, all-inclusive Caribbean vacations, and cruises. I am most known and proud of the individual and exceptional customer service I provide my clients. This sets me apart because my goal is not to make the highest commission but to provide the highest customer service possible and a vacation tailored to my clients. A vacation does not have to be a luxury 7-day getaway. It can be as simple as a weekend away to a local city. The important thing is that you see it as a time to reconnect with family, escape the rat race of life, and create memories that last a lifetime.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Do not give up, and do not sell to your pocket! If I had given up in 2020, I would have missed realizing how vital a vacation escape is to many. When the industry started to bounce back, all I heard from clients was how much they needed a vacation, and I was there to help! I also learned never to sell to my pocket. What may seem over price to one client, is perfect for another. When I started this business, I would sell as if it was my budget but quickly realized that clients may say they want to stay within budget, but if you provide exemplary service and options, they are willing to stretch that budget a bit, and sometimes a lot more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dbotravel.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/traveldbo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/traveldbo
Image Credits
Photos taken by Olga Rodriguez
