Scott Koepf is a familiar face — especially within the cruise industry — and a true jack of all trades. Prior to his career in travel, Koepf went to college on a football scholarship, founded his own fraternity, and left with a joint degree in business and opera performance.

His athletic ability, leadership skills and on-stage charisma has landed him the industry nicknames “The Sales Coach” and “The Singing Salesman,” and have also translated to other chapters of his life, from pursuing a big break in Hollywood –— where he met his wife, Pam, during an audition –— to entertaining passengers onboard cruise ships. Koepf is also a recent recipient of Cruise Lines International Association’s Lifetime Achievement award, and he currently helps cruise specialists learn the tricks of the trade as the senior vice president of strategic planning for Cruise Planners.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Koepf talks about what he has learned in his 35 years in the travel industry, from his time working as a cruise ship entertainer to taking the ultimate leap of faith: Buying a cruise franchise with his wife’s game show winnings.

We’ll also hear about the challenges Koepf has faced as a business owner, and his advice for new-to-industry travel advisors. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Cruise Planners: www.cruiseplanners.com

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Digital Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. 

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