Meet the 1000MTG travel expert - Ben

When Ben says he’s passionate about travel, it’s not a throwaway line — it’s backed by a passport stamped in 123 countries (and counting). His career has taken him from busy Sydney travel desks to leading corporate travel teams, and now to running his own thriving business as an independent advisor with 1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG).

For Ben, travel isn’t just about planes and passports. It’s about relationships — with clients, with colleagues, and with the destinations themselves. His story is one of growth, courage, and finding a way to build a life that works around his passions, his expertise, and his young family.

A career sparked by adventure

Twelve years ago, Ben walked into Student Flights in Town Hall, Sydney, ready for a new challenge. He found himself in the middle of a high-performing team and, before long, earning free trips that showed him just how big the travel world could be.

“Those early years hooked me on the industry — the buzz, the energy, and the fact that I could turn my love for travel into a career.”

After three years, opportunity knocked in the form of a role at a TMC. Within months, he was assistant team leader, and soon after, team leader — a role he held for five years through both the pre-pandemic boom and the post-COVID recovery period.

The turning point

In 2023, Ben and his wife set out on a dream: a year of travelling the globe together. It was a pause from the corporate grind — but also a chance to see the industry from a different perspective.

When they returned to Australia, leadership opportunities at his previous company were limited. That’s when he started hearing from former colleagues who had moved to 1000MTG. They talked about the flexibility to run your own business, the technology that supported them, and the backing of a team that actually felt like a team.

“I knew then and there that 1000MTG was my future.”

Shaping a business around clients

Ben’s niche is corporate travel, but his expertise spans both business and leisure. He manages complex itineraries for executives while also helping friends and family book their bucket-list escapes. His own extensive travel means he can give clients advice that goes beyond the brochure — the kind that comes from lived experience.

“I’ve been to 123 countries and plan to visit them all. My own experiences definitely come in handy — whether it’s advising on the fastest airport connections or recommending a hidden gem in a busy city.”

This broad knowledge allows him to work with a diverse client portfolio, each with different needs, budgets, and timelines.

The power of tools and people

One of the biggest shifts for Ben since joining 1000MTG has been the freedom to choose the right tools — and the support to make them work.

The Lightning online booking tool streamlines the corporate booking process, and a new mobile app will soon make life easier for his clients on the move. The systems are reliable, but for Ben, technology is just one part of the equation.

“The best resource in any organisation is its people — and the 1000MTG team never disappoints.”

Being part of Corporate Travel Management (CTM) also brings major advantages, from exclusive supplier partnerships to global buying power.

What success looks like

For Ben, success isn’t measured only in sales figures. It’s in the five-star reviews, the clients who rebook year after year, and the moments when a complex trip comes together seamlessly.

“I love the creativity of putting together Round-the-World itineraries and finding the best possible airfares. But at the end of the day, it’s about customer satisfaction — saving clients time and money is the main aim.”

Work anywhere, live fully

If there’s one perk Ben truly values, it’s flexibility. Recently becoming a father, he appreciates the ability to work from home and be present for family milestones. But he’s also embraced the chance to work from anywhere in the world — from the Marshall Islands to Micronesia to Palau.

He still believes in face-to-face connection, making time to meet clients and colleagues in person.

A competitive future

The travel industry is constantly evolving, and Ben knows that staying ahead means never getting complacent.

“Independent advisors need to value their clients even more — and always be prepared for change. Technology will keep evolving, so relationships need to be rock solid.”

It’s this forward-thinking approach that keeps his business growing, even in a competitive market.

A culture of support

Perhaps the most unexpected part of Ben’s move to 1000MTG has been the culture.

“Coming from a larger company where you can feel like a number, here I feel genuinely connected to my colleagues and our shared goals. People are always willing to help each other out.”

Looking ahead

With his eye on visiting every country in the world, Japan is next on his list. For his clients, it means even more first-hand knowledge to share.

Ben’s journey shows that with the right support, technology, and network, independent travel advisors can not only survive but thrive — creating careers that are as rewarding as the journeys they book.

Find out more about Ben here.