For Susan and Erik Essert of Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming travel business owners was a strategic step forward. Already seasoned travelers with a strong grasp of what makes a trip exceptional, the couple saw an opportunity to turn that insight into a business built for flexibility, growth, and family balance.
In 2017, while expecting their second child, they purchased a Dream Vacations franchise. “We always loved to travel and wanted to be entrepreneurs,” Susan says. “Perfect – let’s buy a travel agency.” The home-based model and national brand made it the right fit for their lifestyle and long-term goals.
The Esserts call themselves a “dynamic duo” – and it shows. Susan leads client engagement and vacation planning, drawing on her background in sales and customer care. Erik, a former project manager who retired at 40, now runs operations, marketing, and systems. Their growing team spans agents in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida.
For travel professionals exploring the next step, Susan points to Dream Vacations’ tools and structure as key advantages.
“The 3-in-1 CRM keeps us organized, and the travel planner app and AI features help us deliver sleek, personalized itineraries,” she says. “We use it every day – it makes us look professional and feel confident.”
The Dream Vacations brand has also played a major role in building trust. In the Midwest – where cruise ports aren’t nearby – their branding reinforces that they offer more than cruises. “We sell any kind of travel experience,” Susan says. “The brand helps clients see us as full-service advisors.”
But what sets Dream Vacations apart most, according to Susan and Erik, is the community.
“The camaraderie among agents, suppliers, and the corporate team is incredible,” Susan says. “These aren’t just colleagues – they’re friends and go-tos.”
Whether it’s troubleshooting systems, discussing strategy, or sharing referrals, the travel agent support they’ve received has helped them grow faster and navigate challenges with confidence.
Some of those relationships have become personal – like the time a trusted supplier rep jumped in to extinguish a candle that briefly caught Susan’s hair during a cocktail reception. “That’s not just a great BDM – that’s real partnership,” she laughs.
Today, the Esserts run their first-class travel agency from airports, cruise ships, resorts, and home – while staying involved in their kids’ lives and building a loyal, referral-driven client base. “It’s rewarding to be a client’s personal travel assistant – and to see that repeat business really take off,” Susan says.
For professionals with travel industry experience, franchising with Dream Vacations offers the infrastructure, branding, and travel agent support to build something lasting.
Susan’s advice: “Get to know your BDMs. Build the relationships. And always smile on the phone – the client can hear it.”
With the right support system, a love of travel can become a thriving, scalable business – and a life you truly love.
