A 2 minute chat with Sam Pelc, Vice-President of Superior Travel in Montreal
Sam Pelc
How long have you been in the business? Since 1995. Before that I was in the clothing business.
What are your working hours? 9:00 to 7:30, but I am available to my clients 24/7. My clients know this but they don’t abuse it.
Do you have a specialty? Luxury. Because our fees are on the higher side, we are selective about who our clients are. I love my clients.
How do you keep up on industry affairs? I attend trade shows – I just came back from International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. We read tons – including consumer magazines like Condé Nast Traveller. We need to read what our clients are reading.
What was your biggest individual sale: Over $100,000 – it was a husband’s birthday present to his wife. They’re touring Argentina and Chile with a Silversea cruise in between.
Do you have a magic sentence to “close the sale”? We have one we use a lot: “Who’s better than you?”
What drives you crazy? People who don’t want to create memories. I am a cancer survivor and I love challenging people to do something different, to live life to the fullest and not book a resort because they are giving away free dishes.
If you could sit next to anyone in the world on a long flight who would it be? Any National Geographic photographer.
Any time management strategies? Delegate. You have to stop being afraid to delegate.
What would you say to someone coming into the business today? Find your niche and discover something you are passionate about.
What do you see as the up and coming leisure destination? For us no doubt longhaul – South America, Africa.
What do you do to keep clients loyal? We have an annual cocktail party with suppliers, plus a monthly e-newsletter. We try to make them feel part of our family.
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