Barbara Ballard-Garner’s Journey

Imagine receiving a pink slip after two decades in the lucrative pharmaceutical industry during the 1990s and 2000s, only to discover that this closed door led to a world of endless possibilities. In this captivating blog post, we explore Barbara Ballard-Garner’s extraordinary transformation from corporate career to travel agent extraordinaire, examine the profound impact she has had on her own life, and the lives of those she serves. Get ready to embark on a journey of resilience, reinvention, and the limitless power of pursuing your passions, no matter where life takes you.

Discovering the Passion: Barbara’s transition from a successful career at Johnson & Johnson to her newfound passion as a travel agent is a shining example of reigniting one’s passion at any age. With a background encompassing twenty years in the pharmaceutical industry, including 17 years at J&J in sales, management, and training, Barbara had built a successful career. Her job required frequent domestic travel, which allowed her to glimpse the wonders of various cities but left her longing for more. Determined to explore these destinations beyond the confines of business trips, Barbara began extending her stays, immersing herself in the rich cultures and unique experiences each city had to offer.

It was during these extended trips that Barbara’s love for travel truly blossomed. Her desire to give back and explore the world led her to use her vacation time for international adventures. In a remarkable display of dedication and philanthropy, Barbara combined travel, fitness, and fundraising by participating in endurance challenges for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. From power walking 26.2-mile marathons in Dublin and Rome to a 100-mile bike trek in Lake Tahoe, Barbara’s passion for travel and her commitment to making a difference converged in unforgettable experience

Embracing Change: As fate would have it, Barbara’s career took an unexpected turn in 2007 when she received a pink slip due to downsizing at Johnson & Johnson. This setback coincided with the economic downturn that followed the next year, but Barbara’s meticulous planning and savings provided her with a safety net. During this period of uncertainty, she planned her wedding to now husband Gerald Garner, engaged in political campaigns, and continued to pursue her love for travel.  As she considered the daunting options to rebuild her career around the age of 50, a friend suggested she consider becoming a travel agent. With her sales management experience, mass communications degree, and innate planning skills, Barbara found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead her to a new career path.

The Transformation: Seizing the chance for a new beginning, Barbara embraced the opportunity to embark on a career as a travel agent. Working for an agency, she honed her skills and gained valuable experience before venturing out on her own. In 2012, Barbara founded 115Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in group travel, cruises, all-inclusive packages, holy land tours, and destination weddings and honeymoons. Her passion for travel and her dedication to providing exceptional service have made Barbara’s agency a trusted name among her clients, many of whom are mature women over the age of 50 seeking unforgettable travel experiences.

Finding Fulfillment: Through her work as a travel agent, Barbara has been able to express her passion and make a positive impact on people’s lives. She takes pride in curating personalized travel experiences and creating memories that last a lifetime. From arranging dream destination weddings to organizing once-in-a-lifetime group trips, Barbara’s attention to detail and commitment to exceeding expectations leave a lasting impression on those she serves.

When asked how this journey of reigniting your passion as a travel advisor impacted your personal growth and fulfillment, Barbara responded, “I feel as though I am totally on purpose with my life as a travel agency owner.  I love what I do.  And I believe that my clients love what I do for them as well.  My life as a travel advisor is totally a win-win.” 

Inspiring Others: Barbara’s journey as an independent travel professional, which began 11 years ago, has not only transformed her calling life but also impacted her personal growth and fulfillment. By embracing her true livelihood, she has found joy, purpose, and a deep sense of satisfaction in helping others explore the world and create lifelong memories. Barbara’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and embark on a new adventure.

Barbara Ballard’s remarkable journey from receiving a pink slip to becoming a travel agent showcases the power of following one’s heart and embracing change. Her story is a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering passion that can lead to incredible transformations. So, if you’re seeking to reignite your own passions and pursue a new career path, take a page from Barbara’s book and trust the journey. Barbara advises anyone who’s thinking about it, “Go for it!!!  Life is short and if your passion runs deep; you will find a way to make it work.  Take your time and do your due diligence; then take the plunge!”

To learn more about Barbara’s travel agency, visit 115Travel.com.

Originally published October 29, 2023