From playing and coaching football to crafting incredible trips – Tom's change of direction

Joining us at the start of March 2024, Tom Morris decided it was the right time to make a career change – going from playing and coaching football to setting up his own travel business. Read on to find out what led him become a Travel Counsellor.

Hi Tom! What were you doing before you joined Travel Counsellors?

I left school at 16 and signed a contract to play professional football, playing for teams in England and then Ireland. I was a full-time football coach immediately before joining Travel Counsellors.

Why did you want to set up your own travel business?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I have a passion for helping others, as well as a love of travel and exploring – so it was a no-brainer.

What led you to start exploring business opportunities with Travel Counsellors?

I knew of the business through family and had heard one or two things that really appealed. It sounded very different to experiences I’d had professionally. It was first an idea which came about last autumn and gained momentum in the new year. And now, here I am!

Did you look at any other travel franchises? If so, what was it that stood out to you about Travel Counsellors?

Football coaching franchises were offered to me but not travel. Owning and running a franchise did interest me - but not in football. I had seen seminars online of business leaders who owned franchise organisations.

At my age and stage of my career, owning a business but not having to start from scratch made a lot of sense. I’m overwhelmed by the support you get.

Is there anything you were worried about prior to joining? If so, how did you overcome those worries?

My first day of induction was my first day of ‘work’ where I wasn’t in a football kit. I was nervous. But as an Academy recruit, we’re all in the same boat. There’s no competition, and it’s clear we’re there to help each other.

How did you find the recruitment and induction process?

Before meeting Ashley in the Franchise Sales team, I knew I wanted to join. Meeting her only confirmed it. The process of becoming a Travel Counsellor was straightforward.

The training is thorough and intense at times - but always enjoyable. Kerry Williams and Kristina Seed in the Training team deserve massive credit for the time and effort they put in to supporting each recruit, along with all the other teams across the different departments at Travel Counsellors.

If you’re looking for a career change, and want the autonomy to be your own boss, franchising is a great place to start. You’ll run your business, your way, using a trusted model. And best of all, when you do it with Travel Counsellors, you’ll receive a whole host of wraparound support to help you hit the ground running. Keen to find out more? Book onto one of our Discovery events to get a feel for what we’re all about.