Travel Agency Onboarding Made Simple: The Story Behind the Core Framework Program

Onboarding new independent contractors (ICs) is one of the biggest challenges travel agency owners face. Many advisors enter the industry with passion and potential, but without a clear path to success, they can quickly feel lost. That’s why I created the Core Framework Program - a customizable, step-by-step onboarding system designed specifically for travel agency owners who want to confidently welcome and support their ICs.

My Early Days

When I started in the travel industry in 2007, I had almost no onboarding. I was told to complete supplier training and then start selling. While supplier training helped me learn about products, it didn’t show me how to actually run my business as an independent contractor travel advisor.

So, I figured it out the hard way - through missteps, research, trial and error. I made it my goal each year to sell more travel than the year before, without much strategy behind it. Over time, I began documenting my own process, which grew into a loose guide for onboarding new ICs at the agency I worked with. That was the first spark of what would later become the Core Framework Program.

Denise sporting her Disney College of Disney Knowledge ears in 2007!

Building My Own Agency

When I launched Reach for the Magic Destinations in 2015, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Before bringing on ICs, I built a structured onboarding program for new advisors. Each year, I refined and updated it - adding what I had learned, incorporating advisor feedback, and creating a more intentional experience.

By 2020, other agency owners began encouraging me to share this program with the industry. At first, I hesitated. But as I had more conversations, I realized the need was real: owners everywhere were looking for a structured, supportive way to onboard ICs without starting from scratch.

Creating Develop the Magic

In 2023, I finally said yes. I launched Develop the Magic, LLC because I believe that travel advisors are truly the magic of this industry. Their expertise, heart, and commitment to clients are what make agencies shine - and they deserve better support from the very beginning of their journey.

The Core Framework Program is now used by nearly 70 travel agencies. It provides a customizable, 9-module foundation for IC onboarding; giving agency owners confidence and advisors the clarity they need to succeed.

Behind every great idea? A little caffeine and a lot of heart. 💜

Feedback From Agency Owners

The best part of this journey has been hearing how the Core Framework has transformed agencies. Owners share that it has:

• Given them confidence to grow their teams

• Created consistency in how new ICs are onboarded

• Saved countless hours of time and frustration

• Boosted advisor confidence right from the start

Read more Love Notes from agency owners.

Why It Matters for Our Industry

Strong onboarding doesn’t just benefit agency owners. It empowers advisors, improves client experiences, and strengthens the entire travel industry. That’s why I continue to create intentional, heart-led learning products - because when agency owners and advisors have the right tools, everyone thrives.

If you’re ready to bring structure, clarity, and confidence to your onboarding, explore the Core Framework Program. It’s time to give your advisors the strong start they deserve, and your agency the foundation to grow with purpose.