Ruth Waltman
My first career was as a high-school English teacher. As retirement got closer, knowing I didn't want to just watch TV or "do lunches" every day, I saw an ad for an opportunity as a full- or part-time cruise consultant, no experience necessary, and "the rest is history" (truly - that was 1996!). Since I was teaching in the mornings, I worked in the office one afternoon a week and, three years later when I did retire, my husband and I took over ownership of the Windsor franchise, almost as more of a retirement hobby than as an entrepreneurial investment; I had enjoyed meeting and working with my clients and loved being able to make their lives better (sort of like teaching, except I'm not sure the students would agree!) and I felt David and I could take the business to a next level. As it grew and really needed someone younger in charge, David and I started thinking about stepping back and Fate brought Shawn Friesen our way. After 17 years of ownership and another year staying on as Manager for Shawn during the transition period, I once again became a consultant and, thanks to Covid, I now work primarily from home (although I can meet with clients at the office when necessary or preferred) and have reached the (st)age where I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being able to "do lunch" with friends occasionally. I have many friends who have become clients and many clients who have become "friends" and I truly treasure the relationships created over the past almost-30 years. I have been on over 65 full-length (7+ nights) cruises and probably two dozen or more 2- and 3- night inaugural sailings. David and I have been to Canada/New England, Australia/New Zealand, South America, China, Asia, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Bermuda, South Pacific, Hawaii, Norwegian Fjords, Europe and the Mediterranean (several times, both ocean- and river- cruising), Alaska and the Caribbean more times than I can count. I feel very blessed to have been able to travel as we have (still on the "to do" list is Japan during cherry blossom time - planned for 2025) and I feel very lucky to be able to help other people enjoy the world as much as we have. Even though I am most familiar with cruising, however, I have also worked with clients on All-Inclusive holidays, weekends in Las Vegas, high-end rail travel, motorcoach tours, and even a more personalized private tour in Ireland. As the saying goes, "If you can dream it, you can do it." I truly am doing what I love and love what I am doing.