River City 6: Kris Reddy
The Vacation Store & The Cruise Company is Omaha’s premier travel provider, celebrating over 30 years in business. Kris Reddy is the owner of The Vacation Store & The Cruise Company.
Tell us a little about your business. – We offer every type of travel services you could ever need; vacations big or small, resorts, cruises, tours, flights, hotels, custom trips and much more! Our travel experts work with our clients to provide the best quality experience for anyone, from a family getaway to a large group. We work directly with our clients to create a trip that encompasses their specific needs, wishes and budgets.
How did you get started in the business? – After being in the Chicago area travel agency business for over 20 years, I had an opportunity to purchase an agency with a 30 year history owned by a fellow agency owner and friend who was looking to retire.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Educating the public and new clients that a local travel agency is still the best way to get great deals on travel, while still having a local professional travel agent close by 24/7. The internet is a great way to explore and research your travel needs. But it doesn’t compare to a live, real and highly trained travel agent. We offer over 100 years of combined travel knowledge.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Well there are a few I’m proud of. But helping with re-designing, programming and changing of how travel agents offer, quote and purchase travel insurance for their clients is to me my most important achievement. Our goal was simple; allow clients and guests a simple, quick and easy way to allow them affordable travel insurance.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have 3 children: Jasmine (19), Samuel (12), and Sydney (7). And my better half Heather. All have given me grey hair but are worth each and every one of them.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Well, I was born and raised in London, England and moved to Chicago back in the early 90’s to help run one of the largest travel agencies in North America. Many decades later, I’m a full-blown American and proud of it!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with the family and working on DIY projects. I wish I could say nothing, but I can’t sit still!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – In my youth pro soccer years, I was a soccer player for English soccer club NCFC. Sadly my knees didn’t want me to play alongside David Beckham.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Be yourself, it means you never need to act or remember your lines.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Lydia House is a wonderful organization in Omaha and always in need of our help.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob in Dundee.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Sir Winton Churchill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 339-6800 / (800) 289-5505 or via email at info@thecruisecompany.com. You can also check out our websites at www.TheCruiseCompany.com and www.BookYourTripWithUs.com or stop by our office at 14137 Q Street.