Trenton Business Owner Changes Location, Increases Business

When Rena Rowe, 54, learned she would have to move her business in February she was convinced the move would not be beneficial.

"I thought, 'Oh my God,'" Rowe said. "Things were so bad for me. It was doom and gloom."

After searching for a new place in cities across Downriver, Rowe settled on the location right next door to her previous location. She even got to keep her old address and phone number.

Rowe said the owner of the property she was leasing had planned to make her previous location a doctor's office and asked her to find a new location for her travel agency, Concepts in Travel. The plan for the doctor's office has since been dissolved, but the new location has brought more business than ever before, according to Rowe.

"I'm so happy to be here," Rowe said. "I'm on West Road."

Rowe, of Southgate, purchased Concepts in Travel in 2005 after working for the former owner for about 12 years as a receptionist and travel agent. She was studying pharmacy at Henry Ford Community College when she began working at Affordable Travel, a sister company to Concepts in Travel.

Soon, Rowe stopped taking classes and focused her energy on her new career as a travel agent.

"I love what I do," Rowe said.

Rowe said her clients are mostly repeats and referrals because she offers would-be travelers things they can't find on the Internet -- product knowledge and personal service.

"Having a relationship with someone that will provide great product knowledge is priceless," Rowe said. "If they (clients) have problems or issues, say for instance they need to cancel their trip due to unforeseen circumstances, they can come in and they have a real person to talk to."

Though there are several travel websites on the Internet, Rowe said they haven't hurt her business.

"People use the Internet as a shopping guide and then come see me when they are ready to make a purchase," Rowe said.

Though the new location is about 700 square feet smaller and costs a little more, Rowe said she wouldn't change anything.

"I moved for no reason, but things are better for me here," Rowe said. "This was the best thing."