Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Stancato. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? We’d love to hear the backstory the illustrates how you grew the firm

I wanted to get into the travel industry to help bring transparency and knowledge to my clients and make travel tangible. My specialty is Mexico and Caribbean and while researching my own trips I found the resort websites too doctored up. Ultra enhanced pictures, resorts claiming the finest cuisine and craft cocktails, and impeccable rooms and service. That often is not the case and many times the resort websites leave travelers feeling disappointed upon arrival. My goal starting in the industry was to help the average traveler get a real idea of what a resort is like. I first started filming resort and room tours on my iPhone and then approached my friend, Patrick Mcnamara of Drawn to the Image to help bring my video content to the next level. Since then, I have filmed over 11 resorts and have grown my business substantially through marketing my video content on YouTube. I have even won Playa Resorts top social media account last year and have been invited to award shows from the substantial amount of rooms I book across different destinations and resort brands. Overall, this job is super fun and I get to use my expertise on resorts and destinations to help my clients have trips of a lifetime. My favorite part is setting them up with unique experiences in destination such as cascading waterfall hikes, cenote swimming, snorkeling with tropical sea-life, or tasting local cuisine. This job is not without frustrations and obstacles. With travel in general, things happen that are not ideal such as delayed flights, hurricanes, or personal illness. As the agent that booked the trip, the responsibility falls to me to help my clients. I use my travel industry partners and leverage my strong relationships in the industry to help support my clients as much as possible. One of my favorite moments (although scary) was when my clients were in destination during a hurricane. Thank goodness they were alright, but the resort they were staying at was wrecked. I worked with my supplier to get them relocated to another resort and they ended up with a villa style room with a private pool. While the ordeal was stressful, they ended the trip on a high note and got to celebrate their anniversary in style in their own private pool at an all inclusive resort. Doesn’t get much better than that! The high quality video content I post on YouTube has allowed me to reach a client base located all over the US and has helped land me some really cool clients that have even become friends over the years. Check out my content at www.youtube.com/@goodlandtravelagency

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the travel industry because I love planning travel logistics ever since I can remember. When all the details for a trip come together, there is no better feeling. One of my favorite things is when a client emails me to tell me everything went smooth and that they really appreciated my expertise and attention to detail when putting their trip together. I have always loved everything about the Caribbean and the relaxation I feel when I visit. Island time is a real thing! What sets me apart from other agencies is that I help promote transparency in the industry by providing high quality resort and room tours to help my clients know exactly what they are getting.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I first started this travel agency as a side-gig in addition to my full time job. I had no idea that with the help of Patrick from Drawn to the Image my video content would help this side-gig turn into a full time career. Once I started building a client base and inquiries kept coming through because of my YouTube content, I had to make a choice about taking the leap to full time or becoming overwhelmed and stressed. I ultimately made the decision that would be best for my family. Plus, when a travel agent is overwhelmed, it reflects in your client’s experience as well. I knew if I wanted to devote the time and attention to trips that my clients deserved, I would need to commit full time. Since then, I have been blessed with consistent business and 5 star reviews!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Compassion and empathy are important in this industry. Hotel staff are often extremely busy and dealing with so many things on their end. It is important to remember that while you are a partner, you need to be patient and grateful when the resort staff come through for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: goodlandtravelagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodlandtravelagency/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodlandtravelagency