Working in Clark County, a brief profile of interesting Clark County business owners or a worker in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Send ideas to Kay Richardson: kay.richardson@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
Back in high school, Sherrie Wilson — like many girls at that time — dreamed of becoming an airline stewardess. But during one career day, a travel agent spoke about her work, planted a seed,and changed Sherrie’s mind. “It was the next best thing. I’m really glad it did work out this way. I love what I do!”
Name: Sherrie Wilson
Residence: Woodland
Business: Community Travel Battle Ground, LLC, 12 S. Parkway. (www.community-travel.com)
Age: 50
Educational/professional background: I have been a travel agent for 31 years. I attended Northwest Travel Schools of Portland right after high school graduation in 1983. I started in Longview at Hadley Travel, then worked for HelloWorld Travel in Vancouver for 17 years. Unfortunately, the business closed in 2002.
How you got started in your business: A co-worker and I had the opportunity to open a second office location for Community Travel in Battle Ground immediately after the Hello World closing. Things were going great until the 2008 financial recession. My friend went on to work for AAA in Vancouver. Then the owner of both the Vancouver and Battle Ground Community Travel offices decided he was tired and needed to move on to something else. I had been hanging on alone and keeping things going for a while and just didn’t quite feel I could give up and close down. So I bought the business.
Most rewarding part of the job: I love what I do and I love the community of Battle Ground. I have been working here at this location for 13 years and most of the clients I do business with have become my friends. People are my favorite part of my work. I can do business by phone, e-mail or even text, but talking is my favorite way to get to know and help people.
Most challenging part of the job: I do hate being the “bearer of bad news.” There are times prices are just high and there isn’t anything we can do about it, or the promo they heard of isn’t really what they thought. There are a lot of crazy rules in travel and I have to be the bad guy and try to explain those crazy rules.
Why people should use a travel agent: I get asked this all the time. It does get hard to answer at times because it could be very different for each person. work in the industry every day, so I have a level of knowledge and expertise that most people don’t have. There is a lot to know. I can save you time and frustration.
One thing I do which I think helps people is filtering or deciphering information. The Internet doesn’t care if people are happy — I care. I have to answer directly to my customers, so I want to make sure they know what they are getting. I want to make sure that we match the right vacation with the person.
One thing you’d like people to know about your work: People assume that if you book online that you are getting some kind of super-duper deal that no one else can get. That just isn’t true. The online companies are travel agencies, too. Some are “mega” and some are “fly-by-night.” I think people should establish a relationship with a travel agent. Find one that fits your needs and personality, much the way people work with insurance agents or real estate agents.
Your favorite travel destination: Israel! It was the most incredible place I could ever imagine Normally, my husband and I enjoy vacationing to all-inclusive destinations. We just returned from the Dominican Republic. Ireland and Greece are still on my list of “must sees.”
Something you’d like to do this year or within five years: I would really like to have another full-time agent in my office. I feel like there is a lot more potential for growth in Battle Ground. I would love to do some group travel or maybe even escort a group to Israel.
Best feature of my Clark County community: I feel the people of Battle Ground are the best feature. The Battle Ground Chamber is also a key component of the area.
What would make your community a better place? I think keeping that friendly feel is the most important thing for this area. I love that people are so helpful and kind. I cut a tire on my car last week on my way to Celebration Jewelers and the owner — in his suit and tie — was going to change my tire. Then a wonderful young man from the UPS store next door came out and said he would do it. Then the local Les Schwab helped fix me all up. You just can’t beat this community.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I am a frequent shopper of my local Fred Meyer. I am very “shop local”-minded in this community and am never disappointed in the local businesses — haven’t found any disappointments yet!
Hobbies: I love to travel, but I have a fabulous husband and a wonderful family, so anything I do with them I enjoy. I would really like to visit Ireland, Scotland and England. My family has Irish heritage and I would love to trace my roots.
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: What stands out is the movie “Little Boy.” It was such a wonderful, unique, feel-good movie.
One word to describe yourself: I don’t fit in one word! It could be chatty, enthusiastic, honest, loyal, responsible.
Person you’d most like to meet: I always wanted to meet Princess Diana. She was so pretty and elegant.
