Paula Ramo

New Business a Family Affair

Paula Ramo had long dreamed of launching a travel agency that would offer top-notch service and capitalize on her own love of travel. She realized her vision through sheer determination and a patient, systematic approach to acquiring the skills she needed to make the business a success.

Ramo is a widowed mother of two adult children. The native of India grew up in London and moved to the United States in 1970. After working as a waitress for many years, she completed a travel agent educational course in 1995. She learned about the industry first-hand by working first at a Bloomington (Ind.) travel agency until 2003 and then at an Indianapolis-area agency for another two years.

Ramo bolstered her experience by completing BOI's Business Beginnings course. She absorbed a comprehensive range of knowledge from different speakers who shared their expertise and enthusiasm.

In August 2005, she launched A Better Way to Travel LLC. Her daughter and business partner Jennifer has focused on marketing the company; son Gary has assisted in research. The tight-knit family spends each Thanksgiving in Cancun.

Still in its first year, their business is off and running. When loyal clients from her previous employers learned Ramo had started her own home-based agency, many told her, "It's about time!" She also has attracted new clients through word-of-mouth, direct mail and other promotional efforts.

Ramo is meticulous in making sure her travel arrangements are correct. She gives clients her home and cell phone numbers and remains available to them round the clock. "They know if they have any problems, they can always reach me," she says. "I think they like the personal service."

They also catch her enthusiasm and often share photographs from their trips, Ramo says. "I love doing this. My clients make it a pleasure to work for them because they're so appreciative."

Her company is developing just as Ramo expected and according to her business plan: "Of course I want everything faster, but common sense tells me I've just gotten started. Still, I foresee this year being a fantastic year."