I'm Blessed with the Best!
If I had to choose between either the adventures I take, the trips, the incredible experiences I enjoy as a member of the travel industry or the team God has blessed me with at 3D Travel, it would be no contest.
I’d choose my team every time.
“Because the 3D Travel Team is simply the best.”
And how do I know? Because I’ve seen the worst. I’ve been led by the worst, been on the worst teams, and even stumbled through being a bad leader. From pain, I found freedom and safety for myself and others.
I’ve been in the travel industry for 18 years, but it’s still not my longest career. From the age of 14, I taught dance and coached gymnastics. For the next 28 years, I was either teaching, doing choreography or coaching in some capacity. My foundation for caring for a team came from the kids I taught, directing and creating teams and productions, and caring for those uniquely vocal dance and gym parents. I learned what a good leader looks like sometimes, but more often, I learned what a bad leader looks like. I learned it was acceptable for everyone to cut corners, everyone except for me. I learned most people did the minimum to get by, but the few who dreamed big and pushed hard became the leaders I wanted to be. They inspire and help me go further than I think I’m capable.
And within the travel industry, I’ve seen true examples of leadership through difficult times, with difficult people and through unique challenges. I’m constantly inspired.
Yet, nothing holds a candle to the people I am privileged to work with.
Our front line sales teams - the Travel Advisors who make incredible trips happen for those who don’t think it’s possible and do so with integrity, kindness, transparency and as the best advocates around - THEY are the best. I don’t deserve them.
Amanda Donahue - who brightens every room she enters and speaks so quickly we never question her heart for others. See a need, fill a need - that’s Amanda.
Amanda Millsap - pure sunshine! Meeting her, hugging her, hearing how she loves others, and basking in the opportunity to bless - it’s a gift to know Amanda.
Amy Pruitt - loud, purposeful, driven, faithful, loyal, she’s been on my ride-or-die team and always will be. She is a brilliant advisor; I love how she’s been created. Our Amy.
Ann Goodman - a quietly compelling leader who doesn’t command attention but earns it, and has become an integral part of our team’s comradery and care. We all love Ann.
Beth McIntyre - watching Beth bloom and grow is more than a quiet celebration for me. I’m loud about it! I have never met a kinder, more caring person. She’s a servant to all.
Christina Esquivel - Christina’s caring heart and love for others is what you see first, then competency and care fallow quickly behind. She is a gift to everyone around her.
Christy Bryant - BRAVE. Christy is brave through the challenges she chooses to take on and those that befall her. She loves fiercely and is always kind. We all love her so.
Dawn Adams - Fiercely driven to care for her family, Dawn’s bright spirit of joy and compassion is a blessing to us - we’re so happy she’s returned.
Denise Stufflebeam - It might surprise you to know how funny Denise is - because she is - but you could never miss her drive to care for others. She loves hard and we love her.
Edie Miller - As one of my first clients back in 2005, I’ve known for a very long time how much Edie has to offer, and I’m grateful she finally came to join us. Edie is one of the best.
Frances Knitz - Frances charms me - with her kind spirit, her loyalty, her wisdom, her thoughtfulness, her transparency, and her tears. She is destined for great things.
Heidi Lau - I had no idea I needed a Heidi in my life and on my team until she arrived. Being given the privilege of leading Heidi has warmed my heart. She is simply precious.
Holly Lindsey - I have never laughed as hard on a trip as I have with Holly. She is everything I want to be when I grow up. We all love to laugh and learn with Holly.
Jan Sleeper - Smiling through the tears with Jan has been a gift. I treasure every opportunity I get to spend time with her. She’s a truly, fiercely loyal friend and advocate.
Jennifer Howell - rarely have I met a more giving person than Jennifer Howell. She is unfailingly kind and supportive of all who spend time with her. She’s made for this.
Jill Coltharp - is maybe the busiest person I’ve ever met- in the best of ways! She’s loving, guiding, and caring for her family, friends, clients, and team. And we’re grateful for Jill!
Jodi Jones - through every season she’s persistently present with a true heart of gold. She’s the person I hear praised most consistently by her team members. Jodi is love and loved.
Joni Nilson - she’s an example to me because she sees the best in others, but without rose colored goggles. She chooses love and kindness in all her actions. Joni is our value leader.
Joy Oufnac - Joy IS Joy. She’s also pushy, driven and direct. She isn’t afraid to speak truth to power. And she can be heard because she has a genuine heart of love. Joy sharpens me.
Julia Schilling - Could anyone really be that faithful, generous and kind-spirited? Yes, they can. Julia is the real deal and partnering in her success has been a journey I have loved.
Karen Jenkins - I have loved every moment with Karen, but my favorite moments are always the stories others share. She’s wise, kind, clever and has a great sense of humor.
Kim Deviese - another Ride or Die member of the 3D Team, Kim is a ball of personality and professionalism. She helped build this team and remains an inspiration to us all.
Marissa Freda - I smile when I think of the bravery and vulnerability Marissa brings to our time together. I am excited to see her grow and become an example to all.
Mary Bezeau - My favorite memories of Mary have been when she’s with her girls. As a mom, she has a light from within that shines on all she does. Her advocacy is amazing!
Michele Boyer - Michele’s love for her family, her homeschool and church groups and in serving her clientele is palpable. Through serving others, Michele is her best self.
Missy Smith - Missy is an overcomer. I’ve loved seeing Missy take on a new challenge, knowing she will stick to it and make success happen. She is an inspiration!
Nan Morgan - oh how happy we are to have Nan return! She loves her clients well and seeks great experiences for everyone. Watching her learn and shine is a blessing.
Regina Frederiksen - Regina is a powerhouse of a person. From family to multiple jobs to all of life’s journey, she gets the job done!
Robin Thieme - Rare is the heart of our Robin. She is competitive and pushes herself hard, but only if it is in service of others. She could take on the world! And she will. Just watch.
Sandy Barnes - Sandy’s willingness to be transparent has served as a binder of wounds for many of the members of the 3D Travel Team. She helps turn us from team to family.
Sara Townsend - Sara’s sweetly driven spirit is a gift to those around her. She may be in the busy season of parenting, but it doesn’t stop her from serving her clients well.
Sarah Teschendorf - Though I’ve known her since she was a teenager, I am just now getting to know Sarah as a Travel Advisor. I have no doubt she’s going to shine!
Stacy McMillan - I didn’t know what a mad skill it is to remain tender-hearted through adversity - until I met Stacy - someone who gives with her entire self. We love you so!
Wendy Armstrong - Our wise Wendy is great at being IN the moment, whether she’s listening, advocating, or simply showing love. She leads brilliantly by example.
It’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Day, which led me to this space and place to pour out my heart, but I don’t need an excuse. I am not worthy. They are a gift I will never take for granted.
