From graphic design to designing incredible travel experiences: why Ben took the leap

After spending 20 years building a successful career in creative agencies, Ben Grimes had worked his way up to Studio Manager, leading teams and developing a career he was proud of. But despite his success, he knew he was ready for a new challenge.

Like many people considering a career change, Ben had questions. Could he really build a business from scratch? Was it the right time? And was Travel Counsellors the right fit?

Today, he's sure he made the right decision.

Finding the confidence to change direction

For Ben, deciding to leave a career he'd spent two decades building wasn't something he took lightly. Rather than rushing into the decision, he spoke to people already living the life he wanted.

"I knew Travel Counsellors was right for me after speaking to established Travel Counsellors," he explains. "They told me about their successes and the support they received from head office and the company as a whole. It just felt like the right fit."

Those honest conversations gave him confidence that he wasn't simply joining a travel business – he was becoming part of a community that genuinely wanted its people to succeed.

“What if I don’t have any customers?”

One of the biggest concerns for anyone starting their own business is where those first customers will come from.

Ben had exactly the same thoughts.

"I didn't think I needed hundreds of customers before joining, but it was always going to be a concern about where my business was going to come from," he says. "I knew it would be a slow and steady process and that word of mouth, networking and social media would help me build my business – and that's proved to be correct."

His experience shows that you don't need an established client base before joining Travel Counsellors. With the right mindset, a willingness to build relationships and the support available around you, it's possible to grow a successful business over time.

Realising you’re never doing it alone

One of Ben's biggest surprises after joining wasn't the technology or the training – it was the people.

"What has surprised me most since starting with Travel Counsellors is the community," he says. "Everyone is so warm and welcoming, whether that's fellow Travel Counsellors, the support team or head office. Everyone wants each and every person to succeed."

That support became obvious from day one.

"The training team were so incredibly supportive, welcoming and motivational that you always knew you had someone by your side. Whatever the situation, you knew they had your back."

For anyone worried about starting a business on their own, that's a powerful reassurance.

Support that really matters

The strength of the Travel Counsellors support network became especially clear when one of Ben's clients experienced a family bereavement just before they were due to travel.

After contacting the support team, he was guided through every step of helping his client, from understanding their options to deciding whether arrangements needed to change.

"The support was second to none," Ben says, praising both the support and triage teams for helping him deliver the care his client needed at a difficult time.

Knowing experienced teams are there when the unexpected happens gives Ben confidence to focus on looking after his clients, safe in the knowledge that expert help is always available when he needs it.

Training that builds confidence

Coming from outside the travel industry, Ben joined through the Travel Counsellors Academy.

The intensive initial training, combined with ongoing learning and mentoring, gave him the foundations he needed to build his business with confidence.

"It really set me up well in the beginning with the help from the training team and my mentor. It gave me a good stepping stone into building what I am creating today."

Even the thought of starting his own business became much less daunting because of the support surrounding him.

"With all the guidance from head office, everything is there for you to lean on. It gives you the confidence to move forward with your business and create something meaningful."

The moment he knew

For Ben, there was one experience that confirmed everything.

Attending a Travel Counsellors Discovery event was the final step in his decision-making process.

"Once I attended the Discovery Day, spoke to the head office team and other people considering joining Travel Counsellors, I really knew that was when I wanted to join – and that's when I signed up."

Thinking about taking the leap?

Ben's advice is simple:

"If you're worried about taking the leap, just do it. Believe in yourself. If you have the passion, the motivation and the mindset, you can absolutely do it. There will be highs as well as lows, but go for it."

Whether you're looking for a complete career change, have recently been made redundant or simply want more control over your future, Ben's story proves you don't have to make the journey alone.

See whether Travel Counsellors is the place for you

Join one of our upcoming Travel Counsellors Discovery Events to meet our team, hear from existing Travel Counsellors and find out what it's really like to build a business with the support of a global travel community.