We had the good fortune of connecting with “Duncan” Mallory Duncan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi “Duncan”, how do you think about risk?
I used to be the person who never took a risk. I stayed in my comfort zone despite not being truly happy or living life to the fullest. It all changed about 5 years ago. Going for a promotion was not in my plan because I didn’t think I was qualified or good enough. When I went for it and was promoted, it opened my eyes to see myself in a new way. That job was high paying, but also had high stress and a lot of time away from home. At the beginning of 2022, I had to opportunity to join Friend Like Me Travel Co. as an agent and decided to bet on myself again. I quit my high paying job in June of 2022 to take on the challenge of becoming a full time travel agent. So far, my bets are paying off. I have a long way to go until I can match my previous salary, but my new career allows me time with my family, joy, and the life fulfillment I never dreamed I could have.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a travel agent specializing in Disney and Universal destinations, I realize there are plenty of other agents people can choose from to book their trip. One thing that sets me apart is my drive of goal setting and strategies to achieve those goals. I owe this drive to my previous job that was highly dependent on goals, data, and using that data to change strategies for those goals. Taking these skills I learned at my previous job to being a travel agent was an automatic decision for me. Setting yearly, monthly, and weekly goals has been instrumental in my success in my first year in the travel business. Having these goals be focused on better supporting my clients makes them feel confident in their trip. Some clients have already returned to book their next trip and I am excited to have built that relationship and trust with them. I am proud to save I have achieved some major milestones in my first year as a travel agent. I have sold over 35 vacations and over $160K in sales. Social media is a large component of the business and I have grown over 2K followers over three platforms. The world of Disney and travel agent content creators is vast and I hope to be a positive presence in it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am unsure if you mean my city or where I travel. I am going to answer as if I am taking my best friend to the Walt Disney World Resort for a week.
Taking a friends trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is one of my favorite things to do! I love to show others my passion for the Disney Parks and open their eyes to a different side of Disney travel. Most people think these vacations are only for families with small children, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our trip would start out in Magic Kingdom to visit all of the nostalgic Disney attractions with my favorite being the Haunted Mansion. As a spooky girl, I love the thought of a year round haunted house. We would of course get some iconic Disney parks snacks like churros, popcorn and dole whips while we walk around. I would make sure they see the nighttime fireworks show from the best spot in the park, the Hub Grass. Visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios is essential to any trip. We would take a break at the Baseline TapHouse for a pretzel and craft beer. Spending some time in Galaxy’s Edge and escape the first order and dropping in to the Tower of Terror has to be done on any trip. A late night reservation for Oga’s Cantina is in order to get a Fuzzy TaunTaun alcoholic beverage and take in the views of the park at night. Now on to Animal Kingdom for a chill day on a safari and at Pandora-the world of Avatar. One of the best entertainment choices at Walt Disney World is here-Festival of the Lion King. The last park, EPCOT, is one of my favorites! My favorite ride is here, Guardians of the Galaxy:Cosmic Rewind! This revolutionary coaster is the first of its kind at the Disney Parks. After this attraction, it’s time to drink around the world! The World Showcase allows us to eat and drink around countries, which is my favorite part of the park.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Duncan (we both go by Duncan), has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He encouraged me to apply, supported my choice to quit my previous job, and continues to cheer me on in everything I do. I can always count on him to take photos, videos, make TikToks with me, and support my Disney obsession. He consistently asks about my goals and achievements and wants to celebrate them with me.
Website: www.friendlikeduncan.com
Instagram: @friendlikeduncan
Facebook: facebook.com/friendlikeduncan
Other: TikTok: @friendlikeduncan
Image Credits
Mallory Duncan