Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Kraatz.
Hi Jill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have an English Education degree from the University of Iowa. I moved to California in 1995 and enjoyed teaching high school. I took time off to have some kids and when I was ready to return to the workplace, the recession was starting.
As much as I enjoyed teaching, I took this opportunity to explore the hospitality industry and returned to school. I was able to work on event management and through the encouragement of some clients, opened my travel agency in 2012.
I partnered with a large event management company as a contractor and that helped to increase my event management business. While the pandemic forced me to take some time off, I am now getting back in the saddle and helping my clients on their events (mainly corporate, enthusiast, non-profit, incentive trips). For my travel agency, I have decided to focus on two areas that I know well: Disney vacations and cruises. It’s been great seeing people get excited about traveling for fun again!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been the pandemic. I spent a lot of my time in 2020 ensuring my clients were released without liability from their event contracts. Now, I am spending a lot of time researching different things to make sure it is safe for my clients to resume their conferences. In some cases, I am discouraging them due to different factors related to the pandemic.
It’s also been challenging to ensure that I am in compliance with the proper insurance, licenses, etc. I have to ensure I am in compliance with state requirements, national requirements and industry requirements so I can ensure my business remains in good standing. There are a lot of moving parts to running a business in an industry that is regulated.
As you know, we’re big fans of Proto Planning Travel & Events. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The majority of my work is helping people to put on a conference, convention or any other type of event. Besides corporate events, I’ve worked on comic conventions, card-playing events, collegiate competitions, etc. There is an event for almost everything! My main role is to help them find a location for the event and negotiate the contracts on their behalf. Many companies don’t have an event specialist on staff so it’s especially helpful to bring me in to support the events and ensure that the company is well-protected in the contracts.
Everyone seems to have a “Side Hustle” these days and mine is my travel agency. I focus on Disney vacations and cruises, since those are 2 niche markets in which I am very familiar. I am a Certified Disney Destination Specialist and love to visit Disneyland whenever I can (usually at least once a month). It’s a lot of fun helping people book a vacation – especially multi-generational family vacations. It just makes me happy to see others get excited about their adventures! I appreciate them letting me be a part of the planning process!!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family & good friends! I say it all the time – the things that most to me have a beating heart. I joke that if the house was on fire, I would grab the boxes of pictures that I have and the “artwork” that the kids have created over the years. It has sentimental value to me. Everything else is replaceable – let it burn.
I also believe that community is important. We need to support each other and help out others, when possible. I am a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish and it is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.
I’m also a big proponent of Pay it Forward. I’m happy to just help someone when I can. No need to return the favor to me – help someone else out when you are in a position to do so.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jill@protoplanning.com
- Website: www.protoplanning.com
- Instagram: Jillypepperk
- Twitter: @Jilly_Prototype
