Robin Jacobs (Source: Robin Jacobs)

Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Robyn Jacobs, owner of Orca Travel LLC, an independent agency in the Avoya Network.

How did you get your start as a travel advisor?

I opened my independent travel agency in June 2017, after spending nine years as a professional matchmaker. In that role, I was recognized as the top salesperson in my company and helped bring about 26 marriages.

When I was ready for a career change, travel was a natural fit. I had always been passionate about travel, especially cruises, and I realized the skills I used in matchmaking, such as sales, listening and connecting with people, translated seamlessly into helping clients find their perfect vacation.

I like to say that before travel, I matched people with people, and now I match people with their dream vacations.

How did you build your business over the years?

I started by leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit and strong sales background, but I knew early success would also require hustle and dedication. I hit the ground running, investing in education, joining professional networks and putting myself in the right rooms to learn and grow.

My extensive first-hand product knowledge from over 30 cruises before I even started selling travel gave me confidence and credibility from the start.

Awards like the Avoya Top Rookie and Top Closer in my first year validated my efforts, but what really built my business has been putting the customer first, being available to my clients 24/7 and focusing on building long-term relationships. Over the years, those relationships and referrals have been the foundation of my continued growth.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

I believe it is a combination of passion, persistence and people skills. My passion for travel is genuine. I do not just sell vacations, I live and breathe the experiences I offer.

Persistence has been key. I have never been afraid of hard work, and I have learned to embrace rejection as part of the sales process.

Most importantly, my ability to connect with people and earn their trust has set me apart. I do not see clients as transactions. I see them as lifelong relationships, and that is reflected in how I serve them.

What have been your greatest challenges?

The travel industry is ever-changing, and one of my biggest challenges has been navigating those shifts. Whether it was the pandemic, changing supplier policies, or adapting to new technologies and consumer expectations, I have had to continually evolve.

In the beginning, another challenge was learning how to balance being available for clients 24/7 while maintaining healthy boundaries. Like many advisors, I had to find that sweet spot between excellent service and sustainable work habits.

What have been your greatest accomplishments?

Some of my greatest accomplishments have been the recognition I have received over the years. In addition to being honored with both the Top Rookie and Top Closer awards at Avoya’s Mastermind Academy, in 2019, I was recognized as the TravelAge West Trendsetter Runner-Up for the Upward Bound Rockstar Agent Under 40 award.

More recently, I have been invited to speak on panels as a luxury travel expert, which has been another proud milestone.

Beyond accolades, I consider my biggest accomplishment to be the loyal client base I have built. Families, couples and individuals return year after year and trust me with their most important life experiences. I have also consistently sold over $1 million since my first full year in the industry, and that number has grown substantially year over year.

What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?

My biggest piece of advice is to treat every client like they are your only client. Building relationships is everything. Listen deeply, follow through and always put the client’s best interest first. At the same time, do not spread yourself too thin.

Focus on quality over quantity. Invest in learning, including firsthand travel experiences, supplier trainings and mentorship opportunities.

Do not give up in the slow months or when the rejections pile up. Success in this business is built on persistence and consistency. It usually takes three to five years to really build a solid client base, so patience is just as important as passion.

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