Discover the Magic of Jamaica with the Jamaica Tourist Board | Two BDMs and a MIC – Episode 78

In Episode 78 of Two BDMs and a MIC, we’re headed to the heart of the Caribbean—Jamaica! From breathtaking beaches and lush mountains to vibrant culture and world-famous hospitality, this destination has it all for your clients.

We’re joined by special guests from the Jamaica Tourist Board who break down why Jamaica remains one of the most in-demand destinations—and how the incredible partnership with Sandals & Beaches Resorts enhances every visit.

🎤 Special Guests:
🌟 Dian Holland – District Sales Manager, West & Southwest USA
🌟 Chris Dobson – District Sales Manager, Midwest USA

Plus, we’re diving into the highly talked-about Jamaica Top 50—an elite program recognizing top-performing travel advisors. Curious how you can be a part of it? We explain what it takes, how it works, and why it’s such a game-changer for your business.

🎧 Listen & Watch:
🔗 Spotify: @TWOBDMsandaMIC
🔗 Apple Podcasts: @TWOBDMsandaMIC
📺 YouTube: @twobdmsandamic

🎙️ Your Hosts:
✅ James Ayres III – BDM North Texas & Oklahoma
✅ Krysti Konopacky – BDM Colorado & Wyoming

📲 Stay Connected:
🐦 Twitter: @Twobdmsandamic
📸 Instagram: @Twobdmsandamic
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Got questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

🎙️🏝️ Episode 77 is here—and it's one you don’t want to miss!

This week, James Ayres III takes the mic as host for a powerful and candid sit-down with all four Regional Directors of Unique Vacations Inc. in the U.S.—plus the newly appointed Director of National Accounts.

Join David Ridge, Chad Krueger, Liz Purkey, Leslie DeLancer, and Ashley Beede as they pull back the curtain on what it's like to lead, support, and champion the travel advisor community from coast to coast.

From celebrating Travel Advisor Day to sharing what it's like to be the newest director on the team (spoiler: there may be a few initiations involved), this conversation is packed with laughs, real talk, and heartfelt insights on what it means to work in lockstep with the advisor community.

✨ Whether you’re new to the industry or a longtime pro, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of the leadership behind the brand—and the unwavering support behind you.

🎧 Watch & Listen:
🎧 Catch up now on Spotify: @twobdmsandamic
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZFKl0MCV4ldEIDjZMz4s...
📌 Apple Podcasts: @twobdmsandamic
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/.../two-bdms-and.../id1718633073
📌 YouTube: @Twobdmsandamic

🎤 This Week’s Host:
✅ James Ayres III – BDM North Texas & Oklahoma

🎙️ Special Guests:
✅ David Ridge – Director, Western Region
✅ Chad Krueger – Director, Midwest Region
✅ Liz Purkey – Director, Southeast Region
✅ Leslie DeLancer – Director, Northeast Region
✅ Ashley Beede – Director of National Accounts

💬 Stay Connected:
🔹 Instagram: @twobdmsandamic – https://www.instagram.com/twobdmsandamic/
🔹 Facebook: @twobdmsandamic – https://www.facebook.com/TwoBDMsandaMic
📧 Email: [email protected]

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe—because sometimes the best way to grow is to listen to those leading the way.

#sandalsresorts #BeachesResorts #TravelAdvisorLife #TwoBDMsAndAMIC #Episode77 #TravelAdvisorDay #UVIDirectors #AdvisorSupport #JamesAyresIII #AshleyBeede #DavidRidge #ChadKrueger #LizPurkey #LeslieDeLancer #Teamwork #LeadershipInTravel

This is more than just an excursion—it’s a transformation.
In this powerful and immersive segment, we take a deep dive into the world of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, the leading luxury tour company in the Caribbean that redefines what it means to experience the islands.

Island Routes is not just a tour operator. It’s a movement of curated discovery, built on a deep love for the Caribbean’s people, culture, history, and raw, untamed beauty. From sun-kissed coastlines and cascading waterfalls to the vibrant markets and hidden villages that tourists rarely see, Island Routes unlocks the authentic Caribbean, one unforgettable adventure at a time.

For your clients, this means a chance to go beyond the resort—to explore with purpose, to connect with local communities, and to feel the heartbeat of the islands in a way they never imagined.

And for those craving luxury without limits, Island Routes offers its elite Private & Bespoke Collection—a premier suite of fully customizable experiences designed around individual desires. Whether it’s a private catamaran sailing at sunset, an exclusive rum and culinary pairing tour, a helicopter transfer to a remote beach, or a behind-the-scenes cultural immersion, this collection delivers deeply personal, high-end experiences where no detail is left untouched.

Every tour is backed by a commitment to safety, sustainability, and genuine connection—ensuring your clients return not only with breathtaking photos, but with a story, a feeling, and a bond to the Caribbean that lasts far beyond their vacation.

Let Island Routes help your clients Live Funner—not just with excitement, but with meaning.

In this heartwarming segment, Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Sandals’ expert in weddings and romance, shares all the magic and beauty behind Sandals Weddings—from intimate ceremonies on the beach to grand celebrations with family and friends.

Marsha-Ann also highlights the incredible services and customization available to couples planning their destination weddings, showcasing how Sandals creates unforgettable experiences.

As a special treat, Krysti Konopacky shares the personal story of her engagement at Sandals—a journey that started with romance, laughter, and the unmatched beauty of a Sandals wedding experience.

Whether you're an advisor looking to sell dream weddings or simply want to hear a true love story, this segment is packed with inspiration!

In this special segment of the ASTA Showcase on Travel Advisor Day, we’re joined by two key industry leaders: Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA, and Gary C. Sadler, O.D., Executive VP of Sales and Industry Relations for Unique Vacations Inc.

Zane and Gary discuss the vital role that travel advisors play in the success of the industry and the future of travel. Zane shares his vision for ASTA and the travel advisor community, while Gary highlights how Unique Vacations continues to support and empower advisors to build their businesses and connect with clients.

This conversation is packed with valuable insights, tips, and strategies that will inspire and motivate you to take your travel advisor career to new heights.

In this segment, we dive into the heartwarming Sandals Reading Road Trip program, where guests have the unique opportunity to visit local schools in the Caribbean and make a lasting impact on children’s education and the local community.

This initiative is more than just a vacation—it’s about giving back. Guests can participate in reading programs, interact with students, and help enrich the educational experience for children in the Caribbean. It's a meaningful way to connect with the community and create unforgettable memories while supporting education.

Learn how the Sandals Reading Road Trip is changing lives, and how you can offer this powerful, community-focused experience to your clients.

In this special segment, Britt Traugott from Dreaming About Vacations Travel shares her unforgettable experience during Global Travel Advisor Week at Sandals Montego Bay.

Britt gives an insider look at the event, from the personalized tours and exclusive training sessions to the networking opportunities with fellow advisors and industry experts. She also highlights the value of Sandals’ dedication to supporting travel professionals and strengthening partnerships.

Whether you're a seasoned advisor or new to the industry, Britt’s story is packed with inspiration and practical insights that will encourage you to take your travel business to the next level.

In this segment, Jake Coldiron, National Sales Manager of Golf, takes you inside the world of golf at Sandals Resorts—where all-inclusive luxury meets championship fairways.

From the lush greens of Sandals Golf & Country Club in Jamaica to the stunning Greg Norman-designed course in Saint Lucia, Jake shares how golf can elevate your clients’ vacation experience and open the door to new sales opportunities.

Whether you’re working with seasoned golfers or couples looking to try something new, you’ll get insights into how to position Sandals as the perfect getaway for golf lovers.

In this exciting segment, Melissa Young, National Sales Manager for Dive, takes the mic to showcase the incredible scuba and watersports experiences available at Sandals & Beaches Resorts.

From PADI-certified dive programs to world-class underwater adventures, Melissa shares why our dive offerings are a standout selling point for active travelers and ocean lovers alike.

You’ll learn how to position dive vacations for both beginners and experienced divers—and how to use these unique experiences to attract new client segments.

Start your journey through our Sandals & Beaches Resorts Showcase with an inspiring message from Garth Laird, Vice President of Trade Sales at Unique Vacations Inc.

In this powerful opening, Garth sets the tone for the day by celebrating the vital role travel advisors play in our success, sharing insights into the vision behind the brand, and reinforcing the value of partnership as we continue to grow together.

Whether you’re a long-time Sandals supporter or just beginning your journey with us, Garth’s words are a great reminder of why our advisor community is the heart of everything we do.
🎥 Watch, be inspired, and feel the energy that’s driving Sandals & Beaches into the future.