The agency’s new co-owners Kim Paterson and Karina Fong consider the legacy and lessons of Ken Stewart, who passed away this year
The new operators of Crowfoot Travel in Calgary are keeping the memory of original owner Ken Stewart in mind when navigating the challenges of their new business.
In the course of setting directions and goals for Crowfoot Travel, new co-owners Kim Paterson and Karina Fong have made time to consider the legacy and lessons of Stewart, who passed away in April this year.
The agency, located in the southwest corner of the city, has a 25-year history of establishing strong business relationships and friendships with its clientele. It is a key element in the successful operation of Crowfoot Travel, as determined by Stewart.
“It’s hard to capture just how much Ken Stewart meant to us and to the many lives he touched through travel. With heart and an unshakable belief in the power of travel to connect and inspire, he built more than a successful agency, he built a community. His clients became loyal travellers and some friends, his team became trusted advisors, and the industry knew him as someone who always had people’s backs.”
As the new owners, Paterson and Fong are determined to retain that legacy for the agency going forward. They had taken the reins of Crowfoot Travel just weeks before Stewart passed away.
“Ken believed in us and was ready to mentor us. He offered his mentorship freely and encouraged us at every step. We are grateful for the time we had with him. He built something with heart and it’s our honour to carry that forward.”
Canadian Travel Press had a chance to talk to Kim Paterson and Karina Fong recently and here’s what they had to say:
What inspired you to take ownership of Crowfoot?
Karina Fong – Starting our own agency had always been in the back of our minds, but we weren’t quite sure how to make it happen. Luckily, I had a long-standing friendship with Ken, who had successfully built his own business from the ground up. It felt natural to turn to him for advice – someone who had been through it all and could give us real, no-nonsense insight.
What started as a few casual conversations over coffee quickly turned into deeper discussions about the realities of entrepreneurship. Ken didn’t sugarcoat anything. He laid out the challenges, the long hours, and the risks involved. It was eye-opening, to say the least.
Then, in a twist we hadn’t expected, Ken suggested that we make him an offer. The idea took some time to sink in. But after plenty of reflection, late-night talks and a fair share of nerves, we realized this was our moment. So, we took the leap – stepping into ownership and the start of an exciting new chapter.
Kim Paterson – Karina and I had been exploring the idea of starting our own host agency, but we wanted to make sure we truly understood what that journey would entail. Since Karina had a long-standing friendship with Ken – who had successfully built the business from the ground up – we saw an opportunity to learn from someone with firsthand experience.
Through many conversations, we gained a deeper appreciation for both the challenges and rewards of agency ownership.
As we navigated our options, Ken surprised us by suggesting we make him an offer for Crowfoot Travel. It wasn’t something we had initially considered, but the more we thought about it, the more it made sense. Crowfoot Travel already had a solid foundation, and we realized we had the chance to build on something great. We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.
Karina Fong and Kim Paterson from Calgary’s Crowfoot Travel
How will you honour the agency’s legacy as established by Ken Stewart?
Karina Fong – Ken was widely respected in the industry, not just by advisors but also by suppliers. His reputation is built on years of experience, trust and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way. People know they can count on him.
We genuinely value the trust and collaboration we’ve built with our advisors and suppliers, and as we continue to grow the agency, strengthening those connections remains at the heart of everything we do.
Kim Paterson – Our priority is to maintain the strong relationships Crowfoot Travel has built with advisors, suppliers and clients. At the same time, we see exciting opportunities to expand our reach, improve efficiencies and introduce new strategies that help advisors thrive and travellers get even more from their experiences.
Ken had an outstanding reputation in the travel industry, not just among clients, but also with advisors and suppliers. His commitment to excellence, strong relationships and deep industry knowledge have made Crowfoot Travel what it is today, and we feel privileged to continue that legacy.
Are there any new services or innovations that you plan to introduce?
Karina Fong – Within the agency, we truly believe that growth comes from learning together. By combining our strengths, we can help advisors streamline their workflows and connect with the right supplier partners. But it’s not just about what we can offer – we’re equally eager to learn from the advisors’ experiences. This ongoing exchange of ideas and insights not only strengthens our agency but also ensures we’re growing in a way that’s both meaningful and sustainable.
Kim Paterson – Absolutely! One of the things we’re most passionate about is fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. By combining our expertise, we can introduce advisors to more efficient workflows, strengthen supplier partnerships and provide more opportunities for professional development. At the same time, we’re excited to learn from the advisors we work with – every experience brings valuable insights, and we want to create an environment where knowledge flows both ways.
What are some of the long-term strategic goals that you have in mind for Crowfoot Travel?
Karina Fong – We are embarking on this new journey with a wave of fresh ideas, focusing on enhancing Crowfoot Travel’s website, events and destination expertise. While social media has become the modern-day travel brochure, we want to understand how the advisors are selling, how they utilize social media and how Crowfoot Travel can strengthen its presence with social media.
Kim Paterson – We are looking at new ways to improve the work flow for the advisors by providing them with new tools and suppliers to work with, which will allow them to enhance their clients’ experience.
The future of travel retailing is in providing personalized service, expert knowledge and a keen eye for emerging trends. These will be the keys to success. Advisors who embrace technology, offer tailored recommendations and build strong client relationships will continue to thrive. The golden rule? Travel isn’t just about booking a trip – it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.
What destinations have proven especially popular amongst your clients? Do you foresee changes in terms of intentions to visit the U.S.?
Karina Fong – Europe’s enduring allure, with Italy taking center stage this year due to the rare Jubilee celebration held every 25 years. It remains a top choice for travellers, along with Japan’s rich cultural treasures. However, many clients are now seeking to escape the crowds, turning their attention to lesser-explored destinations for a more tranquil and unique travel experience.
We have seen a shift in travel trends to the US due to economic and political factors impacting clients’ decisions. However, travellers are increasingly looking for unique experiences – think road trips through Canada’s stunning landscapes or immersive stays in less-explored global destinations.
Kim Paterson – Travellers are venturing to lesser explored locations in Europe like Slovenia, Croatia and more, African safaris, and eco-conscious getaways in Central America. The allure of domestic travel is on the rise, with Canada’s national parks, boutique lodges and coastal escapes becoming hot-ticket destinations.
As travel habits evolve, Crowfoot Travel is ready to craft unforgettable journeys to meet every explorer’s dream. Moving forward without Ken will be difficult but we’ll continue to honour his spirit every day. Crowfoot Travel will remain rooted in what has always made it special: personal service, trusted relationships and thoughtful, customized travel planning.
