Cruise Planners CEO and Co-Founder Named One of the Top Most Influential Business Women for 2010

Michelle Fee, CEO and founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, was named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential Business Women” of 2010 by the South Florida Business Journal, a weekly regional publication covering business, global and political news.

The award recognizes women in the South Florida business community who portray a strong work ethic and leadership skills, deliver innovation and performance in their industry, and participate in meaningful community programs. Fee, along with the other recipients, was honored during an awards reception last week at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“This honor is truly a reflection of the support I receive from my executive team every day,” said Fee. “It is their constant dedication to the franchise owners and to this company that has helped me strive to be a strong leader and supporter for not only the Home Office Team, but for our home-based agents who have a stake in this company. This award is a reflection of my accomplishments, yet there is no denying that I could not have reached this point in my career without the Cruise Planners family.”

As a successful woman entrepreneur, Fee took her first step in the travel agent business when she opened her own agency in 1981 as a young mom looking for a career that allowed her to balance raising her son while still working, as being a stay at home mom was not an option financially. After several successful years, and with the help of colleagues in the travel business, she created Cruise Planners in 1994. A small business idea that started out with only five agents in training has become the largest home-based travel agent franchise network and continues to be a top home business for women.

“I believe in entrepreneurship, and I love being able to offer people a way to be their own boss and strive without boundaries,” continued Fee. “My team and I have created a unique business model that gives our agents the right tools for success. By building solid clientele and utilizing the innovative marketing tools we create, our agents can be successful regardless of the economic outlook. Overall, this award inspires me to be a stronger female entrepreneur leader for my team and for the incredible agents with us today.”

See Cruise Planners’ most recent awards and the most updated list of Michelle Fee’s accomplishments as a powerful woman in business on our Awards and Honors page.