ADVISOR SHOUTOUTS
AUGUST 2021
Theo Laksmana
SmartFlyer
Los Angeles, CA
What excites you about the travel industry today?
It is an ever changing industry, what worked even 2 years ago is changing every day. Travel in the post covid world is certainly different, but it has not diminished people’s desires to experience. Clients are still pushing the boundaries on where to go and we are here to make their dreams come true.
Destinations you specialize in: West Coast, Europe, Hawaii, South Pacific, Mexico. A little of everything 😊
Highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or share why you enjoy working with our team:
It is truly a fantastic collection of carefully curated properties, each a unique property and destination in and of itself. Each property has a sense of place, always drawing on the local feel and culture. And as a blurb for the Bennett + Mercado team, cannot ask for a better team to work with. You gals get it, and treat every client like a VIP.
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What is something that your peers may not know about you?
Huge sports fan, especially my Lakers, Dodgers, Trojans, and Seahawks. I’ve also been to two of the last three World Cups, it’s an experience like no other.
How have you adjusted your business since the pandemic?
I’ve made the move from entertainment travel to leisure travel. The options for leisure travel are truly boundless, and I am able to use the full scope of the travel resources at my disposal, through my travel partners and through Smartflyer.
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What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am hoping the world trends to a more positive outlook, not just for travel but for things in general. I hope my colleagues who have invested so much time in this industry will stick with it, it is an amazing industry and I have zero desire to ever leave.
Stephanie Bagshaw
Bagshaw Travel
affiliate of Andavo Travel
Cleveland, OH
What excites you about the travel industry today?
Travel is BACK baby! It has been so exciting to see and be a part of the recent demand. Now more than ever, clients really appreciate the value of their travel advisor especially after going through the COVID cancellations
Destinations you specialize in: Domestic US and Latin America
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Highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or share why you enjoy working with our team:
I love working with the B+M team! They are always available to chat, so helpful and an encyclopedia of information. It doesn’t hurt that they’ve got a great collection 😉
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What is something that your peers may not know about you?
English is my second language
How have you adjusted your business since the pandemic?
Luckily I had already specialized in the US Domestic market which really helped this last year as that is where most of my clients were traveling. Additionally, I implemented a more membership based structure to my business.
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What are you most looking forward to this year?
More stamps in passports!
Faithe A. Williams
Elevations Travel
Atlanta, GA
What excites you about the travel industry today?
Every time I plan a vacation I learn something new about the destination.

Destinations you specialize in: Europe, Caribbean & South Africa
Highlight a Bennett + Mercado Hospitality hotel or destination, or share why you enjoy working with our team:
My favorite property is Jamaica Inn, peace and tranquility at its best!

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What is something that your peers may not know about you?
I’m an avid tennis player.
How have you adjusted your business since the pandemic?
Working from home since March 2020 has been peaceful in spite of all the cancellations. I had to be creative with my clients, domestic travel with family & friends was a huge part of my business.
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What are you most looking forward to this year?
To reconnect with my clients who are more than ready to see the world, with a few adjustments, smaller ships (river/yacht), boutique hotels and villa.