Travel agents nationwide will be saying a fond farewell to one of the trade’s well-known figures this month. Superbreak sales director Ian Mounser – pictured collecting a trophy at the Globe Travel Awards in 2011 – is retiring from the company after 23 years.
While some know Ian best for his calm business manner, reliability and attention to detail, others have everlasting memories of the 56-year-old in fancy dress.
Accompanied by national sales manager Graham Balmforth, the pair’s annual double-act has made them the most popular dine-around at Advantage conferences in recent years.
“They seemed to take on a life of their own. People thought we dressed up at every conference,” says Ian, whose first “outing” was as one of the Men in Black at a Going Places conference in 1999 where he squirted TV comedian and conference compere Roy Walker with a water gun. “He wasn’t best amused,” remembers Ian.
Ian Mounser (second from left) at the 2008 Advantage Conference
A month later Ian and Graham dressed up as TV comedy duo Hale and Pace at the Advantage conference in Vilamoura, Portugal. The combination of Ian and Graham’s different personalities made the show an instant hit. But he is quick to point out sales is not about larking around.
“It should not mask the fact we’ve worked hard over a lot of years to create a profitable company that people want to do business with,” he says.
One of the most rewarding parts of the job has been growing agent sales, adds Ian. “What has been most pleasing is that we’ve been able to maintain our position over a long period of time.”
Leaving the business was not an easy decision. “My time at Superbreak has been 40% of my lifetime but I was keen to do something for myself before I was not working at all; it was now or never.”
- See more archive pictures of Ian Mounser
Where it all started
Ian’s career in travel started in 1981 after he swapped teaching economics at a private boys’ school for a job in sales.
“One of the pupils offered me a lift to school as I couldn’t afford a car. I thought if I got into sales I could get a company car,” recalls Ian.
After a failed interview to work as a sales executive at OSL Holidays and Wings Holidays, Ian was surprised to get a call three months later. “I never found out why I was asked back, but I got the job,” says Ian.
Seven years later, Ian landed the job as national sales manager for Superbreak. He was promoted to sales director in 1997 and was chairman of Tipto for three years.
“I’m not massively ambitious but what I have enjoyed is making a contribution to this business and having a position of good credibility in the industry,” he says.
During his tenure, the business has undergone a management buyout and acquisition and dealt with major events such as foot and mouth disease and the IRA London bombings.
After his retirement, Ian will continue to work on a consultancy basis for Superbreak while also setting up his own business, specialising in management development training.
“I am going to set myself up in a consultancy capacity, whatever the hell that means,” he jokes.
Ian Mounser by his peers
“We’ve had a great relationship over the years, and I’ll miss our annual debate on which one of us will be cross-dressing at the next conference!”
Graham Balmforth, national sales manager, Superbreak
“Ian is truly one of the industry’s stalwarts. I will definitely miss him – the Advantage conference just won’t be the same again.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, leisure director, Advantage Travel Centres
“Ian is such a calm and methodical person. He doesn’t get hot under the collar. It will be a loss to the retail trade.”
Roger Barker, sales director, Bath Travel