5 Minutes with Lisa Freeburg: An Interview with Cadence Travel

This interview was with my Host Agency, Cadence Travel. The original interview can be found here.

Tell us your travel origin story! What led you to a life in travel?

When I was a young girl (probably from age 10), I loved traveling with my family and my dad would let me arrange the airline reservations. I would call the airlines directly and get the flight schedules and prices from the agents and take the information to my dad. After I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology I immediately enrolled in a 4 month program with Travel Careers Institute and never looked back. Strange segue, I know. This was in 1983. I worked in hotel sales and travel agencies for 29 years before I decided to start my own agency in May 2012. May marks my 38th year in the best industry in the world, the travel industry.

What’s your favorite aspect of being a travel advisor?

That’s a tough one. There are many but if I have to narrow it down, it’s about one word “Connection”. My clients are my world. They are not just clients but “close friends” that I hold dear to my heart. Connection builds trust and friendships that are everlasting.

What does being a part of Cadence mean to you?

Cadence is a family. It’s a community of likeminded Travel Professionals, led by Wendy and an amazing team, whose focus is being the best we can be. We are “Better Together”. What’s interesting about that statement is I never thought I needed to join a host agency as I was just fine on my own. I had a successful career and agency, was a member of a reputable consortia, had ample clientele, did my own billing, advertising, etc. Why did I need Cadence? Little did I know that joining this amazing family gave me wings. Now I fly higher, longer and stronger because Cadence is my wind. Best professional decision I ever made was joining Cadence.

Tell us a story about Wendy Burk!

HA, I have a few but, I try not to talk out of school……Classic Wendy story. It’a a random weekday and my phone rings. It’s Wendy on the other line. She just wants to check in on me and asks “How are things in Omaha? How is your family? What can I do for you?”. “There is someone I want to connect you with”. Wendy is the most sincere, honest, professional and GENUINE person. When she asks these questions it’s because she really cares. This ties back into my answer to question #3. I feel a connection with Wendy. Wendy is the ultimate “connector”.

What was your most recent travel adventure?

I have lots of them. ROAD TRIP to Colorado Summer of 2020. Amangiri in Fall of 2020. Maui in January 2021. Little Palm Island 2021. Traveling domestically and safely with emphasis on destinations that provide ample social distancing. I also try and use my personal travel time to explore destinations and properties that I feel will best suit my client’s preferences/dreams.

Where are you going next?

I have some domestic plans for the rest of 2021 but my next big trip is gorilla trekking in Uganda in January 2022!

What have you learned from the pandemic in 2020?

This is huge for me. On a personal level, I had to reassess my priorities and rearrange them too. On a professional level my focus was on connecting with clients. Here we are, back to the “connection” word. I have definitely improved my listening skills. WIN!

Give us one word that best describes Cadence.

Only one? That’s tough but if I go back through my answers, it’s easy…...Has to be CONNECT. Connection is the basis for relationships.

What is something you’re excited about?

I finally finished my connection project showing my last year behind-the-scenes video. Take a look below!