A new year is the perfect time for reinvention. For refocusing, and making adjustments. It’s similar to the start of an athlete’s season, in which goals are set, skills are sharpened, and infinite possibilities await.
That makes Crystal Walker, a retired track sprinter, the perfect feature for our first Pinnacle Agent Spotlight of 2016.
Starting in her teenage years, her athletic talent brought her to competitions in Norway, France, Australia and even to Athens, Greece for the 2004 Olympics.
Crystal’s adaptability and competitive spirit proved to be assets even after her decorated track career. In 2008, she had the opportunity to travel to Gambon, Africa where she finished in the top six as a contestant on Season 17 of Survivor.
Post Survivor, Crystal wanted to keep travel in her routine, and help others understand that the world is within their reach. She launched her travel agency, CW Elite Travel Agency, in 2011 with the help of KHM Travel Group.
“My biggest obstacle was building clientele,” says Crystal. “I had to constantly keep reinventing myself. I overcame this by becoming knowledgeable about the areas of travel and establishing trust with my clients.”
Now, she works with clients from all walks of life, from budget-minded travelers to the ultra-lavish, luxury spenders.
Crystal also always keeps her clients thinking about their next trip. She researches vacation trends and deals during popular travel times, like spring break and wedding season, so that she can promote them months in advance.
That way, she can lock in the best value for her clients, and curate the trip of their dreams without worrying anything is sold out or unavailable.
“Being a former athlete that has traveled and still loves traveling, I am able to give my clients a true and honest opinion on where they would like to go and if it’s a realistic vacation for them. If it is, we move forward; if not I offer an alternative, just as nice but slightly more cost effective,” says Crystal.
Her tenacity helped her reach KHM Travel’s Pinnacle Elite level in 2013. She says that earning commission is rewarding, but she still also gets a thrill from hearing clients’ glowing reviews.
One of her most notable bookings was a honeymoon in Costa Rica for her college suite-mates that didn’t go exactly as planned. During the trip, the couple’s hotel lost electricity, among a few other snags.
“This couple was so amazing,” she says. “It made for a memorable honeymoon for them. They spent more time posting pictures on social media, but completely shared their experience with us. All in all, they had an amazing honeymoon and would not trade it for the world.”
Crystal’s dynamic attitude propelled her to track stardom, through a stint as a reality TV personality, and now through more than four years as a successful travel agent. It should come as no surprise that her advice for new agents is to never become complacent.
“The game is constantly evolving, and so should you,” she advises.
Thanks to Crystal for sharing her story with us! We are always fascinated to learn about the paths that have lead our agents to their travel careers.
Whatever your background is, we can help you become a travel agent all-star! KHM Travel Group is a host travel agency that has helped people around the country build travel businesses from the ground up.
Want more info? Fill out the form on the right side of the screen or call 1-888-611-1220 to receive our free information packet in the mail.