Travel Advisor Success Story: Tyler Stiscak, CS Elements Travel

1 day ago 2

Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Tyler Stiscak, owner and founder of CS Elements Travel.

How did you get your start as a travel advisor?

Travel has always been in my blood. From a young age, I understood the value of family vacations – those moments of quality time, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people left a lasting impact. I grew up working in my family’s landscape construction business, where I managed everything from brick patios to outdoor kitchens and pools. I eventually became the vice president of operations and was set to take over the company.

But in 2016, a friend of mine planned a destination wedding and worked with a travel advisor. I remember telling him, ‘You should’ve just let me help – I would’ve crushed it!’ Out of curiosity, I started researching better deals online, and to my surprise, the advisor had already found the best one.

That moment sparked something in me. I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about becoming a travel advisor – how the industry works, how advisors get paid, all of it. I spent a full year immersed in trainings and certifications, and by 2017, I launched my own LLC and agency. The rest, as they say, is history.

How did you build your business over the years?

From 2017 to 2023, I was juggling both worlds – still helping run the family business while building my agency from the ground up. For the first few years, I worked full-time in both roles. From 2021 to 2023, I scaled back to part-time with my family business so I could pour more energy into the agency. By January 2024, I made the leap and went full-time into travel.

Every dollar the agency earned during those early years went right back into building it up. I leveraged relationships with our landscaping clients, joined local chambers, participated in community events and trade shows, and most importantly, focused relentlessly on the client experience. Referrals became our biggest driver of growth.

As we grew, I expanded the team, implemented systems, brought on independent contractors and made it a point to travel often – building strong relationships with fellow advisors, business development managers (BDMs) and other industry professionals. I never turned down a chance to learn, ask questions or soak up advice. That mindset has made all the difference.

I could not have done any of this without the mentorship and guidance from many travel agency owners and other advisors, and definitely would not be here today without them.

What characteristics make you a successful advisor?

A genuine love for travel and people. I thrive on connecting with others, learning about different cultures and providing exceptional service. Years of working in construction taught me discipline, a work ethic and how to solve problems under pressure – skills that now serve me daily in this business. To me, it doesn’t even feel like work. Helping people plan life-changing travel experiences is a dream come true.

What were your greatest challenges?

Learning an entirely new industry from scratch – with no host agency, no mentor and no roadmap – was no small feat. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. It took years of trial and error to figure things out.

One of the hardest lessons was realizing I can’t be everything to everyone. I had to find my niche and lean into what I do best, while building a team that could support and sell other destinations outside that core focus. Passion alone isn’t enough to succeed – you need systems, strategies and the humility to keep learning every step of the way.

What have been your greatest accomplishments?

Hands down, building an incredible team. I’m so proud of our three amazing employees and our growing team of travel advisors. Watching them develop, thrive and experience travel in ways they never imagined has been beyond rewarding.

But on a personal level, my biggest accomplishment was betting on myself – walking away from the comfort and security of taking over the family business to chase a dream and build something from the ground up. That leap of faith changed everything.

What tips can you offer to advisors new to the industry?

Travel as much as you can – to the destinations you love and want to specialize in. Firsthand experience is everything.

Build strong relationships with BDMs, supplier reps and fellow advisors. Learn from them constantly.

Surround yourself with like-minded people. Join communities that uplift and support you. Every advisor has something to teach you, whether it’s a clever idea, a fresh strategy or just words of encouragement. Again, none of this would be possible without the support and guidance from at least 10 amazing travel agency owners and many brand BDMs, etc., to help guide me along the way.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.