DBT40 Honoree: Aiste Foreman

AGE: 36
Owner, Trabeona Travels (Millsboro)

Introduction. Aiste Foreman, the owner of Trabeona Travels, plans and arranges vacations with stunning itineraries for individuals, who are ready to escape the daily routine and are willing to immerse into new cultures, history and landscapes. She’ll help you sharpen your mind, relieve stress, develop new skills and plunge into new adventures!

Why should you be chosen for DBT 40?

• Innovative ideas: A young professional is rarely seen in the travel industry as it has always been perceived as a retirement or a part-time job with little income to earn. To me it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to make a change in people’s lives, innovate new ways to service our clients and travel the world.
• Business excellence: Efficiencies, product and service presentation is key to attracting clients impacted by the digital age. Surprisingly, many travel agents don’t offer digital access to interactive itineraries, electronic payment forms or a modern, specialized website. The “wow factor” is key in today’s competitive sales environment.
• Community involvement: I volunteer for Fund for Women, a nonprofit that focuses on women empowering women and girls in Delaware. I serve on the Sussex County Development, Young Founder and Grant Committees. I also network at Chamber events and other organizations such as the Polka Dot Powerhouse.

Professional accomplishments:  After eight years in the logistics industry, I founded Trabeona Travels in April of 2017 with a focus on custom adventure and wellness trips beyond the Caribbean. Within the first year of business I was able to achieve a six-digit revenue, implement different marketing and business strategies, complete required training, build a website and grow our social media following. In 2017, I graduated from Leadership Delaware, where I gained an incredible amount of knowledge about different businesses, nonprofits and government work in Delaware. I am extremely proud to say that I have grown revenue year over year by 51% and sent nearly 300 travelers to different countries around the world.

Next up: Key growth initiatives for the next five years include: professional certifications, adding an assistant and four travel agents to the team; new CRM implementation, boutique style customer service program, reaching $1 million in annual sales, increasing the number of countries visited by Trabeona Travelers from 27 to 100, building sales cycle efficiencies, continuing to take groups abroad, and collaborations with nonprofits such as Make a Wish Delaware.

On the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland

Community service:  My passion lies strongly in women empowering women and girls, so in 2017 I had the pleasure of joining an organization called Fund for Women. Since then I was invited to join the Sussex County Development Committee, Young Founders Committee as well as the Grant Committee. I also enjoy working with the Young Founders Committee, where we focus on bringing in the younger crowd (35 and under) into the philanthropic world.

Not on my LinkedIn Profile:  When I was 20 years old, I moved to the U.S. with $500 in my pocket, not knowing anyone or speaking the language. Sixteen years later I have two degrees, a successful career in two different industries, multiple awards and a desire to achieve more.

Currently Reading:“Free to Focus” by Michael Hyatt.

Hidden talent: Crocheting.

Next big goal:  Organize and lead a group tour to Israel.

Family and education: Husband Adam and two kids: Thomas, 11, and Amelia, 7. Bachelor’s degree in psychology and MBA from Salisbury University.