There’s something about Penny Martin that never ceases to amaze. She aspired to be an architect and if not for questions that would certainly get a company in trouble these days, she might never had ended up in the travel industry.
“I studied mathematics at McGill University and applied to architecture when I moved to Toronto” she told TravelPulse Canada in an interview last week. “I went for a job interview and made it to the final round. I was married at the time and was asked a lot of questions like ‘what do you plan to do if you have children?’ I really felt I did not get in because I was a woman and was married. Those questions wouldn’t be allowed today.”
Martin says not getting that opportunity could be considered her first “major failure”, but she doesn’t see failure that way and says, "It was my “first attempt at learning” something and it caused me to go a different direction."
That pivoting is in part of what makes Martin so captivating and successful in the industry. A trained agent, she’s worked at CAA and Sears Travel before joining TTAND at its beginning in 2014.
During COVID, to keep TTAND agents engaged and upbeat, Martin turned her kitchen into a set for baking classes in an online series shot by her husband and TTAND photographer Dan Galbraith.
Penny Martin (Photo by Dan Galbraith)
“We thought let's just make some good out of this we had all kinds of activities for the agents. We didn’t lay anyone off because we believed in the future and we know the industry is so resilient.”
Many challenges have crossed her desk over the years and when Penny shared her approach to problem solving she said "When I face any problem, I tackle it step by step. I avoid getting caught up in worst-case scenarios and instead focus on creating the best possible outcome."
Martin’s mantra in her career has been inspired by many mentors along the way, particularly women.
“The women whom I've worked with are incredible. And even as competitors, we really have lifted each other up and supported each other. The women in the industry are amazing and I am so proud to work along side them”.
Martin also expressed gratitude for other influential women in her career, including Pencils for Kids Founder Robin Mednick and Jill Wykes, who helped her navigate HR issues, and her industry friends Leslie Lorette and Elaine Carnegie.
“Jill has really helped me handle challenging situations with confidence, always made herself available, and even now as I am getting ready for retirement, Jill's support has been unwavering. She has taken the time with me to impart final pieces of wisdom regarding my next steps based on her experience.”
However, Martin's reserved a special mention for Elish Tait, a former colleague at TTAND who began her career in Canada with the agency and has since moved on to National Accounts Manager at Air Canada Vacations.
Penny Martin and Elish Tate (Photo by Dan Galbraith)
“When we talk about women in executive positions in the industry, Elish is a young woman who stands out. I remember hiring Elish who had just arrived in Canada from Scotland because we at TTAND truly believe in giving people a chance. And she worked so hard taking management courses and becoming a Canadian citizen and she was so dedicated to TTAND. She’s an example of a new generation of female executives and we’re so proud of her.”
Penny with Judith Coates, dressed as "Superhero" Penny Martin at TTAND 2023 conference. (Photo by Dan Galbraith)
“Judith Coates and Arlene Gibbons, travel agents who were recognized with TravelPulse Canada Readers’ Choice Awards, are mentors to me,” she tells us. “They are so encouraging to our agents in our private Facebook groups. It’s incredible how they help our agents, and they stand out for sure. Their support and guidance are truly outstanding.”
Martin believes that agents helping other agents is a cornerstone of TTAND’s success.
"When we support each other, we all grow stronger together," she added.
Martin is officially retiring from TTAND Wednesday (July 31) after being with the company from the start and an epic 10th anniversary conference in Jordan.
It might be hard to think of a TTAND without Penny, but Martin promises to stay active in the industry, she’s already registered for conference next year - as an agent. She says she’s “getting back to her travel roots” and is looking forward to doing some small group culinary tours with Dan doing some of the photography.
She will miss the camaraderie of working at TTAND and says the team demonstrates just how important a culture at a company is.
“What I’ve learned from Flemming (Friisdahl, TTAND Founder) is how to create a great culture at a company. Yes, we were very, very focused on providing tools and making things great for our agents, but a big part of that is having a good team behind you and Flemming is at the root of all of the things we’ve implemented."
When we suggest Martin’s retirement thankfully doesn’t sound as much of a goodbye as it does a “I’ll see you later,” she smiles and agrees.
Penny Martin and Flemming Friisdahl (Photo by Dan Galbraith)
“I just want to thank Flemming for thinking of me when it all began and a big thank you to all of our partners who I’ve had the privilege of working with and becoming friends with” she says.
“Everyone is in good hands with the new executives; Jeff (Element) and Christine (Ufniak) are amazing and supportive people. I think that good things are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.”
Topics From This Article to Explore
