Terri Rickard is the Founder and President of Southwestern Travel. She began her career with the Southwestern Family of Companies in 2012 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. In her role as Executive Assistant, she took on a major project to create an internally managed travel program for 16 operating divisions, managing over $5 million in annual travel spending.

In just a few years of collecting company travel data, intense industry research, and perfecting the vendor contract negotiation process, she achieved savings of over $500,000. In 2016, armed with a detailed business plan and the support of the board of directors, Terri launched Southwestern Travel.

Today as President, she focuses on the vision of the company, execution of the vision, and recruiting A+ people. She is also a hands-on team player actively saving clients money, training, negotiating, and ensuring all best practices are adhered to for every event or adventure planned.

Terri graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science. Her passion for history quickly transitioned to a passion for travel as she desired to visit the places she studied over the years.

When not working, you can find Terri spending time with her husband Jared and their four children who range in age from three to twelve years old. Terri and her family enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. They enjoy attending local community events and going to see the Nashville Predators play. And, yes, you guessed it… Terri loves to travel!

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This episode is brought to you by Southwestern Travel Group.

Southwestern Travel Group