Rick operates a full service, home based travel agency that designs trips for every kind of traveler. “I offer travel of all types to just about any destination you can think of,” he said. “I offer groups, river cruising, ocean cruising, resorts and more.”
Travel has always been part of Rick’s life, but the idea of turning it into a business came later. After more than 25 years in banking and lending, he found himself wondering what the next chapter might look like. “I was thinking one day about what to do in retirement,” he shared. “I’m almost 57 years old and have a few more years left in me and knowing I’ll never fully retire. I believe if you’re doing something you truly love, it doesn’t feel like working.”
Rick and his wife, Carly, have traveled across the United States and to several countries together. They pay attention to the details that most travelers overlook. “We pay attention to the hotels, attractions, airlines and everything else involved in travel,” he said. At first, they considered returning to the hotel industry or even working for an airline. But neither path felt right.
Then one ordinary day, inspiration struck. “I was watching some YouTube travel videos and reviews and thought, that’s it, I’ll learn to be a travel agent,” Rick said. “I had no idea how much work it would be but I enjoy it so much, it doesn’t seem like work.”
That spark became Travel Hounds Travel Advisors, a name born from two of Rick’s greatest loves: travel and his hounds. “I own a beagle, Dixie, and a basset hound, Bluebell, and used to own a bloodhound named Roscoe that passed a few years back,” he said. “We love our hounds. They are our babies. So we basically took two things that we love and combined them into one name.”
Since launching his agency, Rick has discovered that the travel industry is as much about people as it is about destinations. “I have had the opportunity to connect with so many other folks in this industry since I started my venture,” he said. “I have learned that service is everything.” He studies constantly, takes notes on his own adventures, and looks for ways to improve. “Bottom line is, I’m willing to do what it takes to get better. I don’t want to be a big company. I just want to be the best.”
Service, for Rick, also means giving back. “Last year, Travel Hounds did not keep any commissions earned,” he said. Both he and Carly work full time jobs in addition to running the agency, and they chose to donate every commission to community causes. “We were blessed enough to give what we made in commissions back to the community in either charitable donations or sponsorships for different causes.”
Rick also uses his banking background to help clients understand that travel is not just for the wealthy. “Helping people understand that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Anyone can travel. It’s about budgeting,” he explained. “My years as a banker come in handy here when helping folks learn to budget for that trip of a lifetime.”
His approach is simple: honesty, reliability, and a genuine desire to help. “I think just being able to be a business owner and to do things on my own terms such as giving back and helping people. It’s not all about the money.”
Rick’s life has shaped his outlook. “I’m only 56 but I have lived quite a full life,” he said. “I graduated high school at 16 years old and enlisted in the Marine Corps. I’ve experienced hunger, hardship, homelessness and abuse. I’m a survivor. You just have to take control of your life.”
That resilience shows in his business philosophy. “It’s what we do when no one is looking that truly matters in life. Do the right thing and help others.”
Rick believes that every person has a sense of adventure, whether it is a hike in the Smokies or a river cruise in Europe. “I love river cruising,” he said. “We just came back from one in Europe. It was amazing.” His goal is to help people experience the world in ways they never thought possible. “I help those people achieve that. I try to show them that it is possible for them.”
As for Monroe County, Rick appreciates the spirit of the place he serves. “Not trying to sound cliche, but the people are friendly,” he said. “It’s a growing community. Opportunity abounds.”
His motto sums up both his business and his life: “Honor the Journey. Protect the Pack.”
Travel Hounds Travel Advisors
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@thetravelhoundstraveladvisors
travelhoundsta@gmail.com
