Often we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to learn something new – we can just ask experts in the field who can draw on their experience to enlighten us. Below, we’ve shared insights insiders from various industries have shared with us.

Christi Esterle | Land and Cruise Travel Advisor with Cruise Planners

The variety and versatility of the experiences that are available to travelers, especially in cruising. I talk to a lot of people who say “I tried cruising once and didn’t really like it,” and then find out they went on a Carnival ship twenty years ago. So much has changed in the industry even in the seven years since I started selling travel: flexible dining times and dress codes are available on most ships, new players have come into the field (like Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise ships) and more and more lines are offering all-inclusive packages rather than nickel-and-diming passengers on things like drink packages and crew gratuities. Read more>>

John Aden | CEO of David C Cook

Before taking on this role, I never knew just how enormous of impact this industry has on the next generation! We help publish and distribute resources that are at the forefront of helping every generation grow in their faith and pass it on to the next generation. The hope is that the work we get to do each day will impact young people all over the world–now and into the future–with what it means to be a Christian and experience faith. Read more>>

Izzy Ramirez | Travel Agent Specialist, Mentor & ESL Teacher

Starting a business in the travel industry, helped me realize that using a travel agent to book any of your travel needs is completely FREE. This can sound kind of crazy, but what companies don’t show you is that there is a commission already built into their prices. So by using a travel agent, you get a personalized experience and you’re helping out a small business instead, at no extra cost. Read more>>

Inklings Bookstore | Books, Games, Toys & Puzzles

Small Indie Bookstores have become incredibly at risk of shuttering their businesses. With the advent of Amazon, it was not only easier to search for the exact book you’re looking for from the comfort of your home but it also became cheaper. Amazon can buy significantly high quantities of books and then heavily discount them. This is something that brick-and-mortar bookstore cannot do. We have limited warehouse space, limited capital and incredible overhead cost for just keeping the lights and heat on plus wages for any employees if we’re lucky enough to employ anyone beyond ourselves. Read more>>