Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Henderson.
Hi Jodi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story really started when I was young. Growing up, my family traveled often during the summers, and those experiences opened my eyes to the world early on. I fell in love with exploring new places, experiencing different environments, and the sense of adventure that travel brings.
My path into the travel industry came later while I was working at a resort in Park City, Utah. I interacted frequently with travel advisors, and that’s where my curiosity really sparked. I saw firsthand how they helped people plan meaningful vacations and create unforgettable experiences, and it made me realize that this was something I wanted to be a part of.
When covid hit and we were furloughed, I took that as an opportunity. I spent that time researching, learning, and ultimately made the decision to start my own travel agency. While travel itself slowed down during that period, I stayed focused on building my knowledge so that when the world reopened, I would be ready to serve clients at a high level.
Since then, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch families create lasting memories through the trips I help plan. Many of my first clients were friends and family who trusted me early on, and their support, referrals, and belief in what I was building played a huge role in where my business is today. It’s been a journey of growth, and I’m grateful to continue helping people experience the world in a meaningful way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for anyone in the travel industry. There are so many factors that are completely out of your control like weather, flight delays, cancellations and illness to name a few, and those moments really test you. You have to be able to stay calm, think quickly, and pivot when things don’t go as planned.
There have also been slower seasons and periods of uncertainty, where I had to figure things out as I went. That’s where being an out-of-the-box thinker has helped me the most. Not every idea works, but each challenge has pushed me to adapt and improve.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control—taking care of my clients, being proactive, and showing up when they need support the most. That mindset has helped me navigate the tough moments and continue moving forward, even when things get unpredictable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I help clients turn their dreams into destinations. My role is to take what they want out of a vacation and handle all of the details and logistics so they can focus on being present and enjoying the moments that matter most. As a full service travel advisor, I coordinate everything from flights and rental cars to resorts, cruises, and excursions—whatever my clients need to make their trip complete.
I specialize in the Hawaiian Islands, Disney Cruise Line, and multi generational family travel. A lot of the families I work with are looking to spend meaningful time together, sometimes knowing those opportunities don’t come around often. Being trusted to help plan those trips, where grandparents, kids, and grandkids can all be together creating lasting memories, is something I don’t take lightly.
What I’m most proud of is staying committed to this path. The travel industry can be unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But I’ve stuck with it for the last 6 years because I genuinely care about what I do. There are always moments a client returning from a trip, sharing photos, or planning their next vacation that reminds me why I started.
What sets me apart is my willingness to go beyond what I already know. I’m not afraid to step into something new if it means better serving a client. I once had a family approach me about a trip that was outside my experience at the time. Instead of turning it away, I spent nearly a year researching, learning, and preparing so I could confidently guide them. Being all in for my clients, no matter what it takes, is something I believe truly sets me apart.
How do you think about happiness?
So many things make me happy, my husband and kids are at the top of my list and the love of travel they share is something that brings me true joy. Ice cream, soccer and the ocean also make me happy, it’s in the small moments like hearing waves crash on shore that I can see God and am reminded of how much He has blessed me with and I know my life would not be as happy and my business would not be as successful as it is without God’s guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trollstartravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trollstartravel/?hl=en
