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Hidden Gems: Meet Sue Rudolph of Absolutely Amazing Travel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Rudolph.

Hi Sue, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in 1994. I was a Software Engineer in Aerospace prior. I lost my job and there were very few engineering jobs available at the time. I met someone who owned a travel agency, and she asked if I wanted to do outside sales. I started to work for her temporarily until the job market got better. I found I really liked it and so after a few months, I decided to open up my own agency not really knowing anything about running a business or sales and marketing. It was definitely a rough road, and I made a lot of mistakes, but I managed to survive and grow to be successful.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, definitely not a smooth road. I had to learn all the skills necessary to run a business. I didn’t have a business plan and I was trying to sell everything to everyone instead of specializing. I took a lot of classes, talked to a lot of successful travel professionals and other business owners and did a lot of networking. I had to learn as I went along. I had not done much traveling at that time and there was no internet to research what I needed to know.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Absolutely Amazing Travel?
I help travelers experience a destination not just see it. I create itineraries to Exotic locations where you meet the locals, immerse yourself in the culture and get up close to nature and wildlife. I also specialize in active adventures – running, cycling and hiking tours worldwide. I have been a long-distance runner and cyclist for many years. I sell what I am passionate about. With my years of experience in the travel industry and my experience as a runner and cyclist, I am able to create amazing adventures for my clients. I also organize an event in Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Marathon. It is a marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K and is sold as a complete travel package. The race takes place in a private game conservancy where you see zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and other wildlife. The package includes the race, accommodations, meals, transportation, sightseeing and game drives in Amboseli National Park in Kenya. I donate some of the profit to the Kenya Wildlife Trust to help endangered wildlife. I am extremely passionate about wildlife conservation, and I am proud to be able to help.

What matters most to you?
It is really important to me that my clients have a memorable travel experience. I listen closely to what they want and do whatever I can to make it happen. I am also really passionate about responsible tourism and giving back to the communities. As I said before, wildlife conservation is very important to me.

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