7 Questions with Stephanie Miller Murphy - Brownell Hosting

7 Questions with Stephanie Miller Murphy

A proud graduate of Brownell’s Mentoring Program, Stephanie Miller Murphy is a poster child for growing a successful travel business. Stephanie knows the importance of creating meaningful and personal relationships with each client so she can then curate perfectly tailored trips that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Stephanie has an aptitude for uncovering new destinations, a strong eye for detail, and a knack for hosting stellar client events!

How did you find Brownell?

Prior to opening my travel business, I was a sales executive with Starwood Hotels and attended Virtuoso Travel Week every year. Brownell was my favorite section of the appointment track. It was one big smile all the way down the row of Brownell Advisors!

Why did you choose Brownell as your host agency?

I only considered Brownell when I made the decision to make the career change. The Mentoring Program was exactly what I needed to give me the courage to take the leap of faith and switch my career path. I recall calling Rebecca* one day during lunch break when I was at Travel Week and said “My name is Stephanie and I want in!”

*Brownell Hosting’s Senior Advisor and the visionary behind our Hosting & Mentoring Programs

What aspect of Brownell is most exciting?

The growth of the Mentoring Program is so exciting. It is hard to believe we have 20 classes!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join the travel industry?

Oh do I have a bit to say here! Have realistic expectations going in to it. Rome was not built in a day, and your pipeline will take time to build. While you go through the Mentoring year be humble and open to feedback.

Position yourself coming out of the box where you strive to be five years from now and do not waiver. Success will come! Plan the work, work the plan!

I experienced what I self-named a “three-year slump”. One of my mentors told me: “Pick three things you want to be great at and make these things your primary business focus. You can’t be everything to everyone.” This piece of advice changed the course of my business in so many ways. Thank you to my Brownell colleague, Betsy Talbot!

Why is working in the travel industry a rewarding & enjoyable career?

Being a part of the travel industry allows me the chance to learn about the world, experience different cultures, take myself out of my comfort zone, develop client relationships, and have my own thriving business while doing it!

7 QUESTIONS WITH…

1. What was the best meal you’ve ever had while traveling

Trishna, an amazing Michelin-starred Indian restaurant located in London’s Marylebone neighborhood. Sampling the Taste of Trishna Koliwada tasting menu is a must in my book! 

2. What is your dream trip?

An Around-the-World Jet Trip with my husband David!

3. What is the up and coming destination right now?

Egypt is circling back around. I have had several inquiries from clients who are curious to explore the country. Poland is also on a lot of clients’ radar!

4. What is your favorite destination?

Africa! I reluctantly went on an Educational to Tanzania in 2014 with Epic Private Journeys. This adventure took me WAY out of my comfort zone and ended up changing my life in so many ways. It was my own personal Eat, Pray, Love experience. I have gone back to Africa every year since that trip.

5. What is the best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Pack light! After you have finished packing, take 40% of what have you packed out of your bag. The struggle is real…

6. What popular destination lives up to the hype?

Italy! I send more clients to Italy than anywhere else and it never gets old. My early clients are now going back to explore the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path destinations within Italy.

7. What 3 items do you always have with you when you travel?

Bose Headphones, Mini Evian facial spray, and Flip Flops.

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The Travel Life

Get an inside look at the travel industry, tips for success, interviews with advisors, and more.

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Catherine Whitworth, Athens, GA

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Evelyn Weber, Manager, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

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Kelly Millington, Fairfield, CT

The sky is the limit here!

“Brownell Hosting is the gold standard in host agency programs. From the onboard training to the day-to-day support, the hosting team offers best practice strategies and industry insight to ensure I stand apart in the marketplace. Even as a home-based advisor, I feel incredibly connected with not just the hosting team but the entire Brownell Family. There is a collaborative and supportive environment among the advisors which truly gives me an advantage in designing client travel experiences. I am so proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious agency. The sky is the limit here!”

Irene Quisenberry, Tampa, FL

My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell

“I found my family when I found Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and sometimes hugs) from hoteliers, and suppliers when I first meet a new partner. The support and values are truly outstanding and I couldn’t imagine being with another host agency. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.”

 

Catherine Parkin, Denver, CO

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Martha King, Richmond, VA

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King & Whitson, Chattanooga, TN & Washington, VA Washington, VA

Brownell is the best in the industry

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Jennifer Royster, Clemmons, NC

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Kristen Meckem, Bend, OR

The support when I travel gives me great peace of mind

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Stephanie Miller Murphy, Mandeville, LA

Helped connect me with editors for press opportunities

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Courtney Regan, San Francisco, CA

The best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE.

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Louisa Gehring, Cincinnati, OH

Constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times

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Martha King, Signal Mountain,TN

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King & Whitson, Chattanooga, TN & Washington, VA

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Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MT

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Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MO

I'm inspired to set new goals

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Suzette Mack, San Jose, CA

The mentoring program was critical

“The Brownell mentoring program was critical to the successful launch of my travel business. It was a year well-spent learning the ins and outs of the industry and the Virtuoso network. When I graduated from the program, I felt fully integrated into the company and was ready to take my business to the next level.”

Katherine Gould, Richmond, VA

An incredible opportunity to join the industry as a newbie

“The mentoring program was an incredible opportunity to join one of the premier travel agencies in the world as a complete newbie. Brownell’s staff was always available and willing to help with the countless questions I had during my first year. Being mentored by the top travel professionals in the industry contributed immensely to the success that I am now enjoying.”

David Ourisman, Berkeley, CA

I have reached goals beyond my expectations

“I wanted to convert my love for travel, marketing skills, client service skills, and technology background into a career. Fortunately, Brownell’s mentoring program allowed me to do just that and allowed me to reach goals that were beyond my expectations. An unexpected bonus of joining Brownell has been becoming part of an organization where each part of the team is truly supportive of my efforts and is interested in my ongoing success. Brownell’s methods and techniques serve as a daily inspiration.”

Linda Terrill, Atlanta, GA

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Marion Harbison, Chattanooga, TN

I count my lucky stars that I work with Brownell

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Caroline Wallace, Richmond, VA

The support and education is amazing

“I love the hosting program because the support and education is amazing! The support team is so enthusiastic and passionate, it is a continuing inspiration. Makes me want to work harder and better!”

Catherine Whitworth, Athens, GA