Travel Agent Magazine
30Under30 Where Are They Now?
Traevel Agent Magazine
August 10, 2015
By Joe Pike
As we prepare to introduce our eighth annual 30Under30 class — the next wave of rising stars in the travel agency business — in our August 24 issue, Travel Agent has reached out to some of the past winners to see how they have been faring. We’re happy to announce that this sampling of alumni has only good news to report, being some of the most successful agents to win the award since it was first introduced. From two agency owners to a 28-year-old manager and others promoted to high-profile positions, we highlight some travel industry representatives who best demonstrate just how far this prestigious honor can take an agent. These agents, as you will discover in the pages ahead, also have insights and observations to share that neophytes and industry veterans alike may find beneficial.
Jen Mitchell - Class of 2010: It seems as though Jen Mitchell would make the perfect fit in just about any business that requires high-quality customer service. Luckily for the hospitality industry, she chose travel.
Since being named one of Travel Agent’s 30Under30 agents in 2010, Mitchell has grown her business in luxury travel exponentially. In 2013, she decided it was time to start her own business and thus opened a concierge agency in Naples, FL.
Mitchell tells us that this concept of customer-focused business has been met with great enthusiasm. There is a real demand for this kind of service in Naples, she says, as clients crave that extra time and attention. Jen Mitchell Travel is a member of Virtuoso.
“By starting my own business I now see the travel industry from so many different angles,” she says. “As the head of a growing company I wear several hats handling marketing, website updates, event planning, relationship building with vendors and, of course, booking travel. This multi-faceted world is new to me — but it’s so much more exciting.”
And why was 30Under30 recognition so instrumental to her career?
“I think it’s great for the self-esteem especially for young agents in the business,” says Mitchell, noting that her sales volume has doubled since winning the award. “The hardest part of this business is getting up and running. To be recognized early on not only makes you feel good, but it gives you visibility in the industry.”
