Meet Some of Expedia CruiseShipCenters Newest Franchise Owners

Franchise ownership can be a natural fit for a variety of backgrounds and interests

Expedia CruiseShipCenters Tustin opened it's doors in April of 2016. Photo credit: Anthony Wang & the Tustin Chamber of Commerce.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise owners each have their own unique story and path that led them to franchise ownership. Their reasons for choosing a retail travel agency vary from the desire for a change of career, a balanced lifestyle of travel and business ownership, to simply a desire to earn income on their own terms "" on a schedule they can dictate. There's a common theme amongst our franchise owners: they're natural leaders with a passion for travel! Last year we welcomed 31 new retail travel agencies to our family spanning throughout the United States and Canada. In 2017, we plan to open a record setting 40 new locations including our first ever locations in Utah and Wisconsin! Meet a few of our newest franchise owners who joined our team over the past year.

Rob Henderson - Tustin, CA

Franchise owner, Rob Henderson's entrepreneurial spirit is limitless, after opening his first business in the early 80's - a wall covering installation business - he founded a stone and tile care company in China and served as CEO of three small manufacturing companies and a contracting firm. In between opening and running businesses over the years, he and his wife Michelle, enjoy an active lifestyle and traveling the world which led them to consider a business opportunity that would allow them to maintain their income, lifestyle, wealth and equity goals.

He discovered the Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise opportunity through a past MBA classmate who opened a location years prior and the rest is history. Rob opened Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Tustin late April of 2016 and is thrilled to be able to share his lifelong love of travel with his community.

Barb Gossack - Wilsonville, OR

Franchise owner, Barb Gossack, has explored a variety of careers in search of the perfect fit. In January of this year, she opened our only location to date in Oregon state. With a wide ranging background including experience working as an American Airlines flight attendant, occupational therapy, and real estate. When she discovered the Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise opportunity, she knew it was the perfect fit where she could combine the highlights of her past careers together into one new adventure. Barb brought Expedia CruiseShipCenters to Oregon state, in January of this year. Today, she's able to help her community plan spectacular vacation experiences like she has enjoyed with her daughters.

Katie Powell - Naperville, IL

Franchise owners Katie and Mitchell Powell relocated to Illinois with their two sons after living in the Southern US while Mitchell served on Active Duty in the army as a helicopter pilot. Before opening Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Naperville, Katie ran a company specializing in promotional products. Initially learning of the Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise opportunity when researching franchises online, they found the perfect business with a proven business model where they could interact with customers while enjoying flexible work hours and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Katie and Mitchell have opened the first Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Illinois in October, 2016!

Tracey Codd - Punta Gorda, FL

Franchise owner, Tracey Codd, is a mom of three and has worked in the travel industry for years. After initially joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters family as a Cruise Sales Manager at her local Center she saw the potential of translating her passion for travel and helping her clients plan spectacular vacation experiences into her own business and opened her own location in Venice, FL. Fast forward one year, Tracey opened her second location in Punta Gorda in February of this year and is on schedule to open her third location in The Villages this summer! Tracey's infectious personality has helped her to network in her community and help to build her team, her customer base, and in turn, her business.

Now is the perfect time to launch your travel franchise

Are you ready for a career change? The Expedia franchise opportunity sets franchise owners up for success with our training, support and proven system "" no industry training or experience is needed. There's never been a better time to join the travel industry with a retail franchise. Unlike many retail businesses, the cruise industry has not been diminished by the rise of consumers shopping online.

Cruise Lines International Association, notes in their 2017 Cruise Travel Report that most cruises are sold by travel agents, not through websites. In fact, up to 82% of cruisers opted to book their vacations using a travel agent. The thriving cruising market, as well as consumer trends towards personalized service, have allowed Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchises to have viable, profitable businesses that reflect their owners' passion for travel.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters is gearing up for expansion

Expedia CruiseShipCenters has more than 230 travel franchise locations open or under development in North America, and has a goal of 500 operating locations over the next five years.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters has more than 230 travel franchise locations open or under development in North America.

In our 30th year in business, we're on course for explosive growth, Expedia CruiseShipCenters will continue to be at the forefront of a fun, booming and exciting industry. In 2017 alone, an impressive 25.3 million people are expected to cruise according to CLIA. With an abundance of new ships coming online, new destinations and itineraries available - there's never been a better time to join this vibrant industry.

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