William Schmitt

My love of travel started back in 1979 when I was 17 years old. I had won a contest and the prize was a trip to New York City. Being only 17 and having been born and raised in the Milwaukee area, this was huge. So, off my mom and I went.... I know that we were both awed and amazed by everything we saw. It was so different than what we knew in Milwaukee. The sights and sounds were intoxicating. I think the pivotal moment for me on the entire trip was sitting in the lobby of the hotel and hearing all the different languages being spoken all around me, and the great diversity of people there. There were several airline crews staying at the hotel, so quite a few beautiful people on their way to far off places.... It made me realize that there was so much more out there.

A short 3 years later when I was a freshman in college, I was making my first international trip as part of a study abroad program in the Soviet Union in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin. Imaging going to Russia in 1982 at the height of the cold war... oh the stories I can tell you of what happened on that trip.... seriously call me if you want to know more. Anyway... I can say without certainty that trip did change my way of thinking and really increased my awareness of the world around me. Later that same year I had the opportunity travel to China, again with a study abroad program with the University of Wisconsin. The love affair with far off places and the need to see and experience them became very real.

In 1984 I started working at a small travel agency in Milwaukee called Eileen Collins Pleasure Tours. Eileen was a wonderful lady and taught me everything there was on how to be a great travel agent. She was an incredible mentor and I owe my entire 36-year career in the travel industry to her. Since those early days I have travelled around the world and have visited six of the seven continents... Antarctica you are next on the list. I love to share my vast experience and knowledge with all of my clients to help them get the most out of their travels. When you are ready to travel, to get away, to explore, to get lost in a destination... I am here and ready to help.