Mark Faldmo (Source: Mark Faldmo)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Mark Faldmo, owner of Blue Planet Vacations.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I am a third-generation travel advisor. I got my start in my family’s business when I was young, starting out with things like mowing the lawn and sorting brochures. When I was old enough, I worked in the corporate travel department assembling and delivering airline tickets.
To get some additional experience, I briefly worked at Mark Travel in their reservations center for Southwest Vacations.
In the late 90s, I transitioned to a travel advisor position in the family business. I worked in various roles, including as an advisor, marketing director and agent trainer, and in supplier relations.
During COVID, we merged with another company, and after some time, I decided that I wanted to own my own agency. I started Blue Planet Vacations over two years ago.
How did you build your business?
Over the years, I have seen many changes and challenges in building a successful travel business. I think the main thing that has helped build my business is relationships – both with clients and suppliers. The ways that relationships are built and maintained have changed over the years, but they are the most important part of my business.
In my new business, I have put a lot into being more focused on clients’ needs and providing more individualized service to each customer.
On the supplier side, those relationships that I have built over the years have been invaluable in building my new business.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I think my love of learning and exploration has made me a successful advisor. I take every chance I can to learn something new. I believe continuous learning is key in this industry because it constantly changes, and those changes seem to be coming faster and faster.
I also think my love of exploration has helped me be a better advisor. When traveling, I always take advantage of the opportunities to see and visit new places and the hotels in the areas where I’m visiting. I love to just wander and drive around in a destination, which has helped in figuring out client logistics and providing different and unique ways of putting together vacation experiences.
What have been your greatest challenges?
With my new business, my greatest challenge is finding new clients and building that client relationship. Starting brand new with no client lists has been a challenge.
In the family business prior to COVID, we had figured out a formula that worked, and we were building our client list like never before and servicing those clients better than we ever had. COVID changed the industry, and my challenge has been to get out of that pre-COVID mindset that worked so well and adapt to new and better ways of doing business.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
Breaking my shell. I am generally an introvert by nature. I think one of my greatest accomplishments is starting my podcast, “Inside Travel Talk.” This project took me way out of my comfort zone. I’m now going on two years and 110 episodes. The podcast has also been picked up by a local radio station and has been a key component in building my new business.
I think another accomplishment is becoming a mentor to several agents. This is also something that kind of takes me out of my comfort zone, but something that I enjoy doing. I love being an advisor and mentor for the frontline agents in my agency.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Be confident! Imposter syndrome is real, but not warranted.
Do everything you can to learn about destinations and suppliers. Take time to experience and explore destinations.
Find your niche and be passionate about it. Don’t try and be all things to all clients. As you build your knowledge and skills, you may naturally branch out to other niches.
Work on building lasting client relationships. Take the time to listen and give that client your full attention.
Follow up with your clients and provide timely information. Relationships with clients and suppliers are key in this industry.
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