Founded in 1992, CruiseOne has become a leading travel retailer in the country. Although CruiseOne’s franchisees come from many different social and professional backgrounds, they all have one thing in common — a passion for travel and a commitment to succeed.
A perfect example is Trapper Martin, owner of a CruiseOne franchise with partner Shane Smartt based in Rockville, Maryland. By his own admission, Martin’s franchise is having by far its best year — in fact, he’s up over 80 percent. In our Q&A with Martin, not only do we find out his secret to success, but he also shares helpful advice with potential franchisees.
How long have you owned your CruiseOne franchise?
Almost four years.
What were you doing before becoming a franchise owner?
I was and still am a district manager for restaurant chain. Prior to working in the corporate world, I owned two restaurants in a small town in Colorado. I am at the point now where I am busy enough to do this full-time if needed or in need to continue to bring on associates to handle the extra business.
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Why did you choose the CruiseOne franchise?
I had actually joined a private tour on a cruise ship with another CruiseOne agent that I had met on the ship and picked her brain probably to the point of annoyance. Once back stateside, I started to research various franchises and CruiseOne by far had very positive owner reviews about support and systems, etc.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I work full-time Monday through Friday, but my job does allow for some flexibility to be able to handle client calls during the day during emergencies etc. I generally keep later “office hours” of 3-10 p.m., six days a week. Let’s face it, it can be a seven-day a week job, but I love it so that makes it enjoyable.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your franchise?
Really just making the decision in my head if this was something I wanted to take on at the time.
Where did you research or get advice about starting a franchise?
Reviews found via Google, but I also talked to four franchisees as well.
What is your secret to success?
You have got to love what you do first and foremost. But knowledge is the key to success in this business. It gives you confidence to answer any of your client’s questions. Always be willing and eager to keep learning and doing as much research as you can. I have been up double digits each year of business but am having by far the best year so far this year. I am up over 80 percent.
What would you do differently if you had to do it all over?
Hmm, I honestly am not sure if I have any regrets. I guess I would work on getting all my financial information to my bookkeeper much faster. I am sure she would appreciate that.
Where do you see your business in five years?
I hope to be operating my franchise full-time and continue to be successful by still focusing on higher-end vacation packages as the years progress. Additionally, I would like to see our franchise have 10 associates up from the four we currently have.
What advice do you have for others looking to own a franchise?
Do your research and make sure that whatever franchise you select, you are doing it because it is something you love and could see yourself successful in, even if you don’t have experience in that field. Don’t choose a franchise based on cost alone.
Would you recommend others be franchisees? Why?
As related to CruiseOne, yes. It is a great organization that continues to move forward and evolve the tools that we are using. The support staff, if needed, is great and very responsive. Being part of World Travel Holdings provides lots of pricing advantages and influence with our travel partners.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have lots of loyal clients that either were already friends or have become friends that love to travel often. Our working relationship is so close that four of them often just text me the ship and sail date to book in one sentence and it is done. It has become a running joke that has actually spread that practice onto others doing it as well.
Where can people find out more about your CruiseOne franchise?
Visit the website here.
Where can people find CruiseOne on social media?
