Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Joseph Hammer of Overland Park

Joseph Hammer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think the biggest misconception about using a travel agent is that it costs money. In most cases, using a travel agent is completely free. You may wonder how we get paid? Did you know that the vendor (example: Hyatt, Hilton, Royal Caribbean, etc) builds in our commission to the cost of your vacation? Therefore, if you don’t use a travel agent and just book it on your own, then the vendor is pocketing the money instead of giving that to a small business like myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joseph Hammer and I am a travel agent with Fantastic Memories Travel/Mouse Master Travel. The Fantastic Memories Travel brand is our parent company and through that brand, I focus on cruises and All Inclusives. Mouse Master Travel is our Disney specialty brand where I plan magical Disney Destination vacations. Something that makes me special as a travel agent is that I try to sell things that I have personally experienced myself. I go so you know. I know that can’t be possible for every single situation, but it is true for most vacations that I specialize in. For example, I am an annual passholder at Disney World and I have been over 24 times! I guess you could call me an expert. There is something new every time for me to experience so I can bring that knowledge back to my clients.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think building relationships with people is such an important skill to have. I find that it is very important especially as a travel agent. I think bonds can be broken when people are disrespectful, flakey, assume negative intent, or when their is a lack of communication. Restoring those bonds after being broken requires lots of kindness, fixing the problems that were created, communication, respect, and trying to see someone’s opinions from a different perspective.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One kind thing I would say to my younger self is that it is okay to be different. It is okay to be exactly who you are without apologizing. you don’t have to be exactly what society tells you to be.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I always try and be as authentic as I can be. I never try to hide my likes/dislikes. I always have been the person that shares things like it is and does not beat around the bush.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am on vacation. Vacations are my happy place. Whether that is on a cruise, an all inclusive, or at a Disney destination. I am very passionate about these places which is why I chose to specialize in these areas for my business. It doesn’t feel like work if you’re having fun.

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