Conversations with Naomi Nitz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Nitz.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I’m a proud Michigan State University Alumna (Go Spartans!) with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Master’s in Accounting. Growing up, family trips gave me an invaluable opportunity to travel the world & set an example for serving God. I volunteered alongside my parent’s international missions to provide translation services, empower the local ministries, build schools, churches, and orphanages, & dig wells that provide clean and safe drinking water in remote communities throughout the Caribbean to this day. Before going independent as an entrepreneur, I spent 15+ successful years holding key leadership positions in management, corporate banking, automotive finance, insurance, wealth management, business development, & shipping logistics. I have a consulting background in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt methodologies & comprehensive multimedia marketing strategies. My hobbies include traveling, kayaking, amateur radio (ham), crafting, music, & archery.

My business is called 5 Blue Travel. It’s an independently owned and operated travel agency that I officially started in 2017. I’m dedicated to working with my travel agency partners and providing exceptional service to my clients. I help clients check off bucket list experiences. In my logo, the 5 represents Michigan’s Great Lakes, the plane on my logo is a nod towards my dad Frank who was a skilled pilot & WWII Marine, & blue is my favorite color. 5 Blue Travel is so much more than just a travel agency. My relationships give me the leverage to prepare anything from budget to the most exclusive vacations. Some people stay in one place for the rest of their lives, which means they are limited in what they experience. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive; plenty of price-friendly options exist. I believe in responsible travel, being socially and culturally aware, and that travel should be remarkably life-changing, educational, & fun. I’m all about exploring other cultures, meeting new people, trying fresh foods, learning about languages, & experiencing the moments that you can’t capture through pictures.

Not only do I travel, but I am a newly licensed real estate agent with Nexthome Statewide Realty. Getting my license was always in the back of my mind; then the pandemic hit, and I thought, “what better time than now?” I took the class, studied, & passed. In my travel & real estate journey, I set out to connect with people with what matters the most the experience. I understand the importance of service and pride myself on continuing education through seminars, online programs, and personal experiences. My guests make everything I do worth it, and now I can plan your honeymoon & sell you a new house!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Loving travel & traveling is one thing, but with so many countries to explore, delicious foods to savor, and landmarks to admire, simply planning out the perfect itinerary for every client can often become a journey in itself. I was determined to learn everything & all things travel. By joining Facebook travel agent groups, connecting with other agents, attending conferences, & networking, I found my way.

Other things you learn along the way. For example, the importance of travel insurance. 2022 continued to take center stage due to various disruptions, such as new COVID-19 variants, airport issues, and unexpected weather events. Despite all of these challenges, I did a deep dive into the tools that allow me to capitalize on what is most important to my clients & their peace of mind while traveling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
My areas of expertise are Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, the Caribbean, & the South Pacific. I can book just about anything from the glitz of Hollywood to the breathtaking seascapes of Greece, the gleaming Eiffel Towers in Paris at night, & unforgettable safaris in Africa. Michigan has some pretty amazing gems right here too! Honeymoons, all-inclusive cruises, & destination weddings are some of my favorites to book.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
If you’re interested in travel, do your research, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many different resources. There are start-up costs that you’ll want to save for, such as travel education, website development, marketing costs, & host agency fees. Find a host agency that understands you and meets your needs. In the bigger picture, your income potential will be much greater than the costs, so consider it an investment in your future.

Pricing:

• Prices are based upon travel & destination

Contact Info:

• Website: www.5bluetravel.com
• Other: www.soldbuynaomi.com 

Image Credits
Logo created by Brian Renaud