07/13/2026
There are different agency models in the travel industry. And honestly? That’s okay.
Some agencies are very hands-off. Some are highly collaborative. Some focus heavily on training and mentorship. Some expect advisors to be more self-led from the beginning. Some are built around community. Some are built more around tools, access, and supplier relationships.
Different models can exist, but what I think matters is clarity.
As an agency owner, you get to decide how you want to operate your business. You get to choose your values, your processes, your level of support, your expectations, your standards, and the kind of culture you want to build.
And yes , I’m always going to advocate for staying within the law, honoring independent contractor boundaries, and doing business ethically.
But beyond the legal side, I also think owners need to ask: What does “doing good business” look like here?
Because the choices we make as agency owners impact other people.
-They impact the advisors who join us.
-They impact the clients those advisors serve.
-They impact team culture.
-They impact trust.
-They impact the reputation of our industry.
Not every agency is the right fit for every advisor. And not every advisor is the right fit for every agency. That doesn’t automatically make either side bad.
It means we need to be clear. Clear about what kind of agency we’re building, what support looks like, what advisors are responsible for, what success requires, and clear about what we value and what we will not compromise.
If you want to run a more hands-off agency model, own that. If you want to serve more as a guide, coach, or mentor, own that too.
But know your style. Know your flavor. Know your expectations.
And before you bring advisors into your business, ask yourself: Am I ready to lead, support, and communicate clearly within the model I’ve chosen?
Because good business is not just about growth; it’s about intention.💙
