Largest Rising Star cohort yet demonstrates SmartFlyer’s commitment to cultivating the industry’s next generation.
NEW YORK, NY – January 14, 2026 – SmartFlyer announces its 2025 Rising Star recipients, recognizing thirty-eight agencies that have achieved exceptional success in their first three years in the travel industry. This marks the largest Rising Star cohort since the program’s inception, with eighteen advisors appearing on the list for the first time—growth that underscores SmartFlyer’s ability to attract, cultivate, and retain emerging talent.
The Rising Star designation celebrates agencies new to the industry whose first three years of booking travel were marked by outstanding performance—a minimum of $500,000 in revenue. This year’s honorees, all of whom began their careers in 2023, 2024, or 2025, represent a diverse group of dedicated professionals who have found their calling in travel advising and chosen to build their futures with SmartFlyer.
“Rising Star is one of my favorite announcements each year because it’s proof that we’re building the bench for the industry’s future,” said Michael Holtz, Founder and CEO of SmartFlyer. “These thirty-eight agencies are just getting started, and they’re already operating at a level that many in the industry never reach. They’ve chosen travel as a career, not a side hustle, and they’re committed to mastering their craft. That’s exactly the kind of talent we want to support.”
What sets this cohort apart is not just their industry-leading achievements but the intentionality behind how they have built their businesses. The vast majority of Rising Stars participated in SmartFlyer’s TakeOff, a mentor-based incubator program that provides new agencies with the guidance, resources, and community support needed to thrive. The program pairs emerging talent with experienced mentors, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that accelerates growth and builds lasting businesses. The size of this year’s cohort—and the fact that nearly half are first-time recipients—reflects a broader trend: more talented professionals are discovering that travel advisory offers a path to build meaningful, profitable businesses with flexibility and autonomy.
“What excites me most about this group is their hunger to learn and their willingness to put in the work,” said Erina Pindar, Managing Partner and COO of SmartFlyer. “They’re not just riding a trend—they’re building real businesses, cultivating client relationships, and investing in their own expertise. SmartFlyer is designed to meet agencies where they are, whether they’re just starting out or already at the top of their game. Rising Star proves that we can identify and nurture talent at every stage.”
SmartFlyer Rising Star 2025 & Club 2A 2025
- Ashley Judge Colin, KAX Lifestyle (Manhattan Beach, California)
- Meg Smith, Meg Smith Travel (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
- Shari Erasmus, SmartFlyer (Scotch Plains, New Jersey)
- Angie Smith, SmartFlyer (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Barri Reisch, Just Pack Your Bags Travel (New York, New York)
SmartFlyer Rising Star 2025: New to List
- Diana Oates, Diana Oates Travel (Dallas, Texas)
- Elizabeth Zakariaei, Club Z Travel (San Diego, California)
- Gina Connor, SmartFlyer (New York, New York)
- Kristen Lindquist, SmartFlyer (Boerne, Texas)
- Nicolette Pollard, Elysian Travel (Chicago, Illinois)
- Katherine Swafford, SmartFlyer (St. Simons Island, Georgia)
- Madelyn Burcham, Madelyn Burcham Travel (Kansas City, Missouri)
- Jennifer Fischer, Jen Fischer Travel (Scarsdale, New York)
- Tamar Brooks, A World Within Reach (Hoboken, New Jersey)
- Amie Schumacher, SmartFlyer (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Jennifer Rosen, SmartFlyer (Scarsdale, New York)
- Stephanie Northen, SmartFlyer (Los Angeles, California)
- Dan Calabretta, Stables Travel (Long Island, New York)
- Emily Rosenfeld, SmartFlyer (Westchester, New York)
- Jen Giles, SmartFlyer (Chicago, Illinois)
- Kristina Ojeda, Curated Escapes by Kristina (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Irene Panopoulos, Voltah Luxury Travel (Manhasset, New York)
- Meredith Millen, SmartFlyer (Westchester, New York)
SmartFlyer Rising Star 2025: Returning to List
- Courtenay Wallach, SmartFlyer (Bethesda, Maryland)
- Carly Ritter, Elite Travel by Carly (Westport, Connecticut)
- Shara Illiano, Travelissima (New York, New York)
- Megan Bergin, Elysian Travel (Chicago, Illinois)
- Olivia Fry, Liv Luxury Concierge (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Vanessa Clark, Vanessa Clark Travel (Menlo Park, California)
- Amy Powless, SmartFlyer (Darien, Connecticut)
- Lauren Reckling, LUXLER Travel (Houston, Texas)
- Haley Covel, Cove Travels (Norman, Oklahoma)
- Reagan Jamail, Reagan Jamail Travel (Austin, Texas)
- Fiona Bradley, SmartFlyer (Glen Ridge, New Jersey)
- Rania Abdellatef, Rely Travel (Delray Beach, Florida)
- Elana Satisky, SmartFlyer (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Shannon Blair, SmartFlyer (Park City, Utah)
- Bridget Neubauer, Leisureist Travel (Palm Beach, Florida)
About Rising Star
Rising Star agencies represent the future of SmartFlyer and the broader travel industry. Many are transitioning careers, finding success by combining their previous professional experience with a passion for travel. Others are newer to the workforce but have demonstrated an entrepreneurial drive and commitment to excellence that sets them apart.
The $500,000 threshold is no small feat for agencies in their first three years. It reflects not just sales ability, but the capacity to build trust with clients, navigate complex logistics, and deliver the kind of personalized service that turns first-time travelers into lifelong clients. For these thirty-eight agencies, it’s just the beginning.
About TakeOff
SmartFlyer’s Take Off program and broader support infrastructure ensure that new agencies don’t have to navigate the industry alone. From proprietary technology to exclusive partner relationships, mentorship to community events, SmartFlyer provides the foundation that allows emerging talent to focus on what matters most: designing exceptional travel experiences and building sustainable businesses.
About SmartFlyer
Founded in 1990, SmartFlyer is a travel advisory platform supporting 250 of the industry’s most accomplished independent agencies. Combining cutting-edge technology, exclusive partnerships, and a collaborative community, SmartFlyer empowers entrepreneurs to build and scale high-performing travel businesses. In 2025, the network surpassed $1 billion in total revenue, solidifying its position as a leader in travel. Learn more at smartflyer.com.
