
From financial services to proud travel franchise owner – Jamie’s fresh start
Having joined our December induction, Academy Travel Counsellor, Jamie Evans, ended 2024 with a brand-new business and career venture to look forward to.
We caught up with him to find out why he took the leap to change careers, and what led him to Travel Counsellors.
Welcome to the Travel Counsellors community, Jamie. Tell us a bit about your career background
I’d been in financial services for over 18 years - and with the same firm for the last 14 of those. I loved my time there, met great people (including my wife!), learnt a lot and will always look back incredibly fondly.
I started in an admin role in Kent and moved to London to join a firm in its early days - then watched it grow into a recognised brand and big player. Most of my career has been in business development - everything from cold B2B calls, to running a telesales operation, to supporting the MD on sales strategy and key accounts. It really was a mixed bag, but I learnt a lot and enjoyed the challenge.
Why did you want to change careers and move into the world of travel?
Financial services is a great place to be, and for most people it’s a lifelong career. Personally, I’d grown a little fatigued with some of the demands it comes with, which only grow as you get further into a successful career. I’m all for hard work, but financial services was never my true passion.
My true passion has always been travel. I’d looked at various moves into the industry over the years – some serious and some not so serious - but either the timing was never right, or I didn’t have the courage to see it through. Then in 2023, some big changes at my firm meant I took an opportunity to leave the business with a little financial security. Whatever the future held, it was time for something new.
I spent much of 2024 travelling, recharging, and contemplating what’s next - with more than one eye on starting a travel business. After all, I’d spent 15 years as an unofficial travel adviser to friends, family, and colleagues – a role I’ve very much enjoyed!
__What was it that appealed to you about setting up your own travel business? __
The desire to start my own business was born out of spending the last 18 years in a rigid structure. I was lucky enough to be at firm that offered flexible working, but the hours weren’t my own and, however rewarding things could be, I was always working to someone else’s goals and agenda.
My own business is my chance to build something and to put my own personal business and life goals front and centre. Most importantly, I can put my passion to work and follow my vision for a business I’ll be proud to call my own.
How did you first hear about Travel Counsellors and our Academy programme?
I was aware of the Travel Counsellor brand but hadn’t used them. When I was doing my research on potential options, it came up time and time again. Not just online, but in conversations too. It became very clear I’d be missing out if I didn’t speak to Travel Counsellors.
Did you look at any other travel franchises? If so, how did you know Travel Counsellors was the right choice for you?
I reached out to several travel franchises and had a VERY mixed experience. Some didn’t feel attentive enough in the early days (which wasn’t a good sign for support levels later down the line), some were just too much of a leap as I started out on my own (my own ABTA number!? Scary!), and some, frankly, didn’t have morals and ethics in line with my own.
If I go to a presentation and the person at the front of the room is more focussed on telling me how much money I can make out of my friends and family rather than the amazing client experience I can offer, that’s not going to push my buttons.
My previous firm has a reputation for being one of the ‘good guys’ in financial services, and an old mentor of mine used to say, “If you do the right thing by your clients the business will come, so focus on being the good guys”. I still live by that today and clearly Travel Counsellors do too.
Aside from ethics aligning, there is a massive sense of community and support both amongst other Travel Counsellors and back at head office. That was loud and clear for me before signing up, and a key factor in venturing into a new industry.
Was there anything you were worried about prior to joining? And if so, how did you overcome these worries?
The obvious two for me are going from being an office worker to fully remote work. That will be an adjustment, but I’ll take steps to make sure I don’t feel trapped at home. The Travel Counsellors community will help. Plus. I have the world’s most supportive wife and my lovely black labrador, Luna, who will always keep me company.
As I’m sure is the same with most, I do also worry about where I’ll find the clients to sustain me and my business in the early days. However, the more I’ve learnt and the more I look forward post-training, my confidence is growing, and the ideas are flowing!
How did you find the induction?
The induction was great. There was a lot of information, and, at times, it was slightly overwhelming - but I had two excellent trainers (Kristina and Josie) who were unbelievably knowledgeable and patient. It’s also true what they say - my fellow trainees will become friends throughout my Travel Counsellors journey and beyond. What an amazing experience!
What are you looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor?
It may be cliché, but I love everything about travel - doing it, talking about it, learning about it, and booking it. I’m excited that I’m building a business around something I love so much. I can’t wait to get out there and there show potential clients how much I love what I do.
What are your goals for your business?
I have a few business goals (becoming a Gold Travel Counsellor would be nice!) that I won’t share but the big picture is simple. I will thrive if I make my clients happy. I will get a buzz knowing I’ve helped someone experience something special. I want to live a comfortable life with a great work-life balance. I want my clients to be happy and I want to wake up every day loving what I do. If I hit those big picture goals, my business goals will be firmly in sight.
Are you thinking about a change of direction after a long-standing career in the same industry? If you’d like to follow in Jamie’s footsteps and turn your passion for travel into a business, Travel Counsellors can help make your dreams a reality. Our Discovery events are a great way to learn more about our award-winning business model, so book your place and see how we could help change your life.