About Bonnie Lee
My Journey
A Humble Beginning
My adventure in the travel industry began in the spring of 1994 with a simple newspaper ad: “Become a Travel Agent for $99.” Intrigued, I thought, “How hard can that be? If I can make enough monthly for a couple of extra bags of groceries, that would be awesome.” Little did I know, this small aspiration would lead to a life-changing 35-year journey.
A two-day seminar ignited my passion and set the course for my future. My first workspace was the lower half of an entry closet – a tiny space that served as my entire office. Despite the cramped quarters, determination fueled my drive to succeed.
Growing Pains and Progress
Over the next 14 years, Travel Quest grew steadily. We expanded from that tiny closet to the living room and finally took over our home’s lower level. While exciting, this growth came with challenges, including a lack of family privacy.
2008 marked a significant leap forward. We joined Carlson Wagonlit/Travel Leaders and moved Travel Quest to a nearby retail location. Opening the door to our new office for the first time was unforgettable. Paying rent somehow legitimized Travel Quest as a business in my mind – a perspective that seems so different looking back from 2024!
The growth continued, and in 2013, Travel Quest moved into what I considered our forever home – we purchased a stand-alone building just five miles from my house. With over 23 windows, it became the perfect location for this nature-loving, solar-powered entrepreneur.
2017: What a Year!
2017 was particularly memorable. Travel Leaders honored us with their two top awards: the “Golden Legacy Award” and “Agency of the Year.” That same year, we hosted our largest-ever national conference, welcoming 51 travel partners and 225 agents to the Sheraton in Bloomington, MN. The event was spectacular, featuring Norwegian Cruise Lines sponsoring our outdoor patio, Delta and Delta Vacations creating our signature drink, and destinations like Mexico, Jamaica, and Alaska hosting regional food stations.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As Travel Quest flourished, with sales exceeding $65 million and our agent network growing beyond 2,000, it became clear that the company had outgrown its founders. In 2018, we partnered with Jason Block to plan for succession. Jason shared our belief that people must always come first – after all, without our incredible team, I might still be operating out of that closet!
Beyond the business, I’ve always had a passion for speaking and writing about travel. I love finding symbolism in everyday occurrences – even something as simple as gum stuck to my shoe can inspire a story or a lesson.
Preparing for the Future
Today, I can proudly say that I’ve found my place in the world. I’ve achieved the balance I always sought, far surpassing my initial goal of affording those two extra bags of groceries. My journey from a closet office to a multimillion-dollar enterprise has taught me the power of dreaming big, working hard, and always putting people first.
Looking back on this incredible adventure, I’m filled with gratitude for every challenge, every milestone, and every person who has been part of the Travel Quest story. I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads!
Awards & Accolades
- Travel Leaders: “Golden Legacy Award” (2017)
- Travel Leaders: “Agency of the Year” (2012 & 2017)
- Travel Leaders: Agency of Excellence Award 2010-2018
- Delta Vacations Diamond Agency 2012-2018
- Apple Vacations Golden Apple 2013-2018
- Travey Award: 2014 & 2015
