Brownell Academy: the Benefits of a Mutual Investment

Brownell’s Vice President of Talent Development Kerry Dyer gives an inside look at Brownell Academy.

No, I am not writing to tell you about the latest and greatest mutual fund or IPO to watch. I am writing to share my experience attending Brownell Academy, our annual meeting with the entire Brownell community. Attendees include all internal support teams, inside advisors, Independent Travel Advisors, and our top vendor partners, and everyone invested time, money, and energy to be a part of this event.

So why is Brownell Academy so special?

1. Learning

The three-day event includes many different learning opportunities:

Brownell colleagues prepare and execute seminars, including best practices of running your business, effective marketing, current tools, and client and industry trends.
Our prestigious P3 partners provide “deep dive” sessions into their destination and products.
Over 100 treasured suppliers execute one-on-one appointments with advisors.

The facilitators as well as the ‘students’ are committed to increasing knowledge with the ultimate goal of providing the best advice, access, and service to their clients.

Pedro O’Connor from Epic Private Journeys and Brownell Independent Advisor Kristen Meckem

2. Sharing

Hand-in-hand with learning is the sharing of information, and this starts at the very top with Brownell’s CEO and President Troy Haas. During his General Session, he shared company stats and info like sales and revenue production, company profitability, our storied history, and plans for the future.

Brownell CEO and President Troy Haas during his General Session presentation.

The sharing continued across departments. Brownell’s successful Incentive Travel division gave insight to larger group travel, the marketing team had samples of the best strategies to build brand recognition, and the technology team taught tips and tricks for workflow organization.

3. Community

The final element as well as the foundation for Brownell as a company is community. When designing the program agenda, great attention is given to scheduling social time throughout the weekend. We eat, drink, learn, and laugh, all while appreciating long-standing friendships and making new ones. The timing is serendipitous as it not only aligns with the end of our sales year, but with the Thanksgiving holiday. Think of this event as a great big Brownell family reunion with sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and second-cousins-twice-removed coming in from all parts of the world. Everyone brings their best and gives their all. We celebrate the successes accomplished and toast to those sure to come in the year ahead.

We are better together and invite you to become a part of our community. Click here to learn more about the Brownell Hosting Program and here to learn more about the Brownell Mentoring Program.

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Testimonials

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

I'm inspired to set new goals

“Brownell Academy is my chance to step away from the daily office routine and immerse myself in the world of travel. Having uninterrupted quality time with other advisors and vendors not only builds camaraderie, but inspires me to set new goals. I come back to my office not only rejuvenated, but also with specific actions I can immediately implement to improve my business & provide better service to my clients.”

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

I am loving every minute of my new career

“The Mentorship program is amazing! I am loving every minute of my new career.”

Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MT

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

Phenomenal Education

“I am so thankful, grateful and honored to be a part of such a fantastic company. I said to a few of you one of the best parts of Academy is getting to see everyone and catch up but what I really want you all to know is how much I appreciate the phenomenal education I received this weekend. I was blown away. Just when you think it can’t get any better….it does!”

Kelly Millington, Fairfield, CT

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

Freedom to sell with quick support

“The hosting program allows me freedom to do my work. I always receive an answer quickly on any of my numerous questions!”

Marion Harbison, Chattanooga, TN

Susan-Teeple-Brownell-Independent-Advisor

I don't know how you do it

“I really don’t know how you do it, but the common denominator in all Brownell Advisors is that they are all the BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!”

Susan Teeple, Amarillo, TX

The support when I travel gives me great peace of mind

” Brownell Hosting offers support to IC’s that are traveling and need assistance with coverage. This gives me great peace of mind!”

Stephanie Miller Murphy, Mandeville, LA

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

Brownell ICs are the Best

Your Brownell IC’s are the very best I have ever met. Congratulations on your excellent Brownell program.

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

Team Marketing is tops

“I love all of the creative marketing help. The very most helpful thing was when they prepped me for my interview with Travel Agent Central. Their guidance on that was so spectacular, and I genuinely feel as though I could not have handled that without them. Team Marketing is a very important part of my plans to grow my business, and I always feel very supported.”

Kristen Meckem, Bend, OR

Constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times

“The best things about the Brownell Hosting are the constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times. And, of course, the hosting team. LOVE.THEM.ALL!!! Brownell is so special and the support IC’s receive is unbelievable!! I feel so immensely blessed to be a part of the Brownell family!!!”

Martha King, Signal Mountain,TN

Beyond Helpful

“Wow – seriously yall, this is amazing! We are all so lucky to have such a proactive and innovating hosting team. Thanks so much for continually evolving and assisting us to the best of your ability. Seriously, what yall think of and how organized you are is beyond helpful! Yall are awesome!”

Blaire Kochar, Houston, TX

We could not do this without you!

“The Mentoring Program gave us the chance and the training to start a business AND the continued support to grow that businesss. We could not do this without you!”

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

I count my lucky stars that I work with Brownell

“There is no agency better than Brownell! Our Hosting Team is there to hold our hands through the good and the bad. What a huge support group we have! I count my lucky stars every day that I am fortunate to be working for Brownell. The hosting staff is such a comforting and hands on team. They are positive reinforcements of acknowledging when we excel and encourage us to grow our business by having the opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful hotels and resorts we sell worldwide.”

Caroline Wallace, Richmond, VA

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

“Brownell Hosting offers the best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE. They make me feel like there is no stupid question and help me feel like i’m actually working in the office instead of from my home. They actually listen to suggestions and implement changes.”

Louisa Gehring, Cincinnati, OH

Brownell is the best in the industry

“Brownell is the best in the industry. The staff, back end support, superlative processes and response times are tops.”

Jennifer Royster, Clemmons, NC

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