2021 sales: $131 million
Previous ranking: Not ranked
Employees: 40
216 Summit Blvd., Suite 220
Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone: (205) 802-6222
Website Executives
PRESIDENT/CEO: Troy Haas
EVP: Meg North
SVP: Martha Gaughen
Company facts
* Primary business is a host agency for luxury travel advisors, including a mentoring program for entrepreneurs who are new to the business.
* Includes an incentive travel division serving a variety of corporations throughout the U.S.
* Sales split of 88% leisure, 12% business travel.
* Works with 115 independent advisors.
* Owners Troy Haas, Meg North and Martha Gaughen are actively involved in the business.
2021 developments
* A priority has been providing resources and support for associates, including an insurance desk, 24-hour air desk, sales and administrative support, an expanded in-house marketing team, internal consulting support and business-development coaching.
* Moved to a 100% host agency model.
* Downsized office space and managed fixed costs with a focus on flexibility.
Looking ahead
* Strong travel leisure demand expected throughout the year.
* Corporate travel recovery isn't expected until next year.
* Sees a trend of travelers looking for more nuanced and meaningful travel. As a result, advisors will be expected to help clients travel more sustainably and support communities in local destinations.
* As the past two years have made the job of travel advisors very difficult, Brownell is working to restore the positive aspects of the career with support services, stronger partnership relationships and tools for collaboration within the team. Technology is vital to streamlining advisors' work.