In an effort to help advisors take their business to the next level, Luxury Travel Advisor spoke with those who appeared on our magazine’s cover over the years. Toy Haas has manned the position of president and CEO at Brownell Travel for over 20 years.
The 130-year-old agency continues to pull in over $100 million in sales. The last time we spoke with Haas, he said Brownell’s success has come from its “laser-like focus and practice of our core values. By basing our business on values instead of products, we have survived two world wars, 9/11, [and] the ‘death of the travel agent.’”
Haas’ personal management tips include:
1. Find the Right Advisors
It all begins with who is on the team. So be very selective of who you select! Ask yourself if this person is someone you will enjoy being around every day, and if the answer is ‘no’ don’t hire!
2. Help Your Team Realize Their Own Talents
Help your team understand their own talents and gifts and [teach them] how to partner with others who have complementary gifts. That builds strong teamwork based on mutual respect.
3. Be Prepared for the Shocks That Come With the Business
Downturns and severe drops (think 9/11 or 2008 financial crisis) are part of the reality. So have a plan to deal with a 25 percent downturn without doing layoffs, and then get the team in on the plan. We learned so much post 9/11 when everyone went on four-day weeks and took a 20 percent pay reduction together. Shared sacrifice builds shared success.
Continue checking out Luxury Travel Advisor for more industry news and Top Management Tips.
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