Meet Sully Montero | Travel Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sully Montero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sully, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My name is Sully Montero and I have been a high school history teacher in New Jersey for the past 17 years. I could blame COVID, but the truth of the matter is, I’ve been losing faith in education long before COVID. Even before 2020, I slowly started using the word “NO” which is something a lot of teachers really don’t know how to do. I stopped volunteering to stay after to help students, I stopped going to football and baseball games, and I even stopped going to the annual production of the annual school play. Then after COVID, the motto of most schools near me was “Do More With Less” and frankly, I just shut down.

So, I am now switching to a work-from-home position as a travel advisor/blogger with teachtraveldiscover.com. I’m no expert yet, but it’s the first time I’m doing something that makes me happy and gives me the opportunity to be more present for my own family.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Travel Agents are NOT obsolete. As a matter of fact, post COVID, more and more people are seeking personalized one-on-one contact. That is where I shine. I originally thought I would just “sell all travel” but quickly realized that I needed to narrow down my focus. So once I did, my business started flourishing!

I have been planning and organizing group travel (for my students) for over 10 years, so I felt comfortable planning and organizing group travel for others. I specialize in destination weddings, and I think that my experience as a teacher (planning, organizing, multi-tasking, and corralling large groups) gives me a unique advantage in this business. I also get to be a part of happiest moments in peoples lives!

That doesn’t mean that it was easy. I’m still learning, and I will continue to learn. Additionally, I’ve learned (and am still learning) that I don’t have to do everything all at once. But my clients know that when I am hired, they will get an attention to detail on their destination wedding or vacation plans that only a former teacher with severe type-A personality could give!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My sister and brother unknowingly entered my new business venture, when I told them of my plans. They are the ones who babysit my kids when I have to work. They are the ones who come with me to vendor shows and marketing events (as long as I promise to buy them dinner). And, every time I have an idea or want go in a completely different direction, they are so supportive and helpful. I don’t think I would have pursued this endeavor without them.

Website: https://www.teachtraveldiscover.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachtraveldiscover/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teach-travel-discover/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachTravelDiscover