Stuart Woodford from East Sussex joined thetravelacademy after 20 years spent in commercial radio. When his father died of cancer last year
he decided it was time to make a change, so he quit his job, sold his house, and went on an incredible journey around the world. It was this
journey that made him realise just how passionate he was about travel and he saw thetravelacademy as the perfect opportunity to build his own
travel business from home.
“When my father passed away I decided I had to change a negative to a positive,” says Stuart. “I’d had enough of working in radio. My father had
always loved travel, as did I, and I wanted to see the world and travel to many of the places that he had been. So I sold up and went on a life
changing journey for three months.”
“After 41,590 miles in the air, 21 flights, 7 hire cars, 31 hotels, 2 major train rides, 2 white water raft rides, 2 snow mobile adventures and
whale watching, I returned home to the real world knowing that travel is where I wanted to spend my career. I found out about thetravelacademy
franchise and knew it was for me.”
Since joining thetravelacademy programme Stuart has watched his travel business go from strength to strength and has established a loyal client
base; “Every time we beat our previous best month’s booking revenue we receive a framed certificate. I have got seven so far. Not bad for a beginner!”
“I am so much happier now,” says Stuart. “I am doing a job I love whilst enjoying the freedom and flexibility of working from home. I can
provide a unique service to my customers because I am available outside of normal working hours. I am supported by a fantastic team at Travel
Counsellors. Enthusiasm and determination are everywhere within the company. It really is very inspiring and I really do believe that attitude
is everything.”
Stuart is provided with all the technology he needs to tailor make trips and can search through literally hundreds of suppliers in a matter
of minutes to find the best options for the customer.
“Obviously I have to work very hard and it was difficult starting as self employed when you are used to being on a salary. But being able to
say you love your job is something very few people can say – I am proud that I can. It is so rewarding to see so many happy faces and hear so
many positive words before and after my customers have travelled. I am proud that I followed my passion. I am looking forward to the future
and making my business even more of a success.”