TORONTO — It was a major win for Flemming Friisdahl at last week’s S.T.A.R. Awards in Turks & Caicos.

The founder of The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) took home the Sandals CEO Award or Excellence, which honours “individuals who are described as explorers and visionaries who can perceive of something others can’t, and who move their business forward with a unilateral focus on growth and success.”

Recipients of the award are also credited for charting a path and creating an environment for significant sales growth, and for understanding that selling Sandals and Beaches means more profits as their sales increase.

“I am extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of our entire team,” said Friisdahl. “This award demonstrates how our philosophy of focusing our agents on certain suppliers has been a win-win for everyone involved. We are the only agency in Canada to win this award this year.”

TTAND also won the ‘Best of the Best’ award, which recognizes sales growth with the resort group.

In an interview with Travelweek last year, Friisdahl credited TTAND’s success to the company’s unique approach. “It is not about making money off the backs of our travel partners/customers,” he said, “it’s about having our agents success and through that success, our suppliers succeed and then The Travel Agent Next Door succeeds.”

Friisdahl also commended TTAND’s “incredible support office”, which includes 20 team members who support 270 primary agents.

To read the full interview go to travelweek.ca/blog/no-long-term-contracts-silly-non-competes-travel-agent-next-door/.