44 | KHM Travel Group

T0624KHM_C_350 [Credit: KHM]
2025 sales: $458 million
Previous ranking: 42
Employees: 76 full-time, 15 part-time

50 Pearl Road, Suite 300
Brunswick, OH 44212
(888) 227-0845
Website

Executives

PRESIDENT/CEO: Rick Zimmerman
VP, SALES AND MARKETING: Geoff Cox
VP, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: Karen Siburt
VP, AGENT ENGAGEMENT: Bill Coyle
VP, INDUSTRY RELATIONS: Anita Pagliasso
VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Lori Speers

COMPANY FACTS

* Privately held host agency.
* Rick Zimmerman is the owner.
* Works with 5,900 independent contractors.
* 99% of sales completed by hosted advisors.
* Sales: 100% leisure.
* A member of Travel Leaders Network.

DEVELOPMENTS

* Acquired Levarte Travel, bringing on more than 400 of its independent agents, including its owner/CEO Lori Speers and her team to maintain a 65:1 agent-to-staff ratio.
* Paid a record-breaking $53 million in commissions, including $750,000 in bonus commission; average commission payment increased 10% over 2024.
* Developed new ways to educate and engage advisors in person and virtually, including a monthly welcome webinar, weekend boot camps, supplier showcase events and an enhanced regional program.
* Invested in tools to improve functionality and user experience for the MyTravelAgentPortal and new commissions automation that helped recover $3.3 million in unclaimed commissions.
* Introduced a new director level to the organizational structure, elevating leadership positions in technology, operations, sales and marketing and agent support.

LOOKING AHEAD

* Personalizing advisors' experience with more tailored educational content, email communication and local events.
* Offering a new multiweek virtual educational event for sellers of group travel in spring and fall.
* Enhancing technology with CRM integrations and development of AI while preserving personal connections.
* Maintaining focus on personal service by adding team members to support the growing advisor network.
* Expanding educational opportunities with interactive classes and refreshed online courses.
* The Caribbean remains a cornerstone for sun-and-sand travel. Europe is showing strong momentum, led by France, Spain and Italy.
* Cruise sector is on pace to deliver one of its strongest years ever. 
* Consumer demand continues to evolve toward personalization, long-haul leisure and experience-driven travel.


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