Meet Dickson Wambua, Ph.D | CEO Loomis Travel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dickson Wambua, Ph.D and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dickson, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Loomis Travel was born out of our personal travel frustrations, and a desire to solve a luggage problem. As international students studying in North Carolina, my wife and I traveled frequently between Kenya and the United States. We were frustrated with the poor quality, unreliable and expensive luggage available on the market that more often than not ripped apart during our trips. We knew there had to be a better way to create affordable, durable, and stylish luggage. A decade after graduating, we teamed up with a wonderful co-founder to create a luggage brand that exceeded our expectations.

As scientists, my wife and I focused on the structural strength and durability of the materials we use, while our co-founder’s expertise in supply chain management and manufacturing allowed us to own the entire process from design to production.

Loomis Travel is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and specializes in designing and manufacturing travel essentials including backpacks, carry-ons, check-in suitcases, and other accessories. Our direct-to-consumer sales model ensures that our customers get the best possible value for their money, without the added costs of markups.

Our commitment to innovation and quality sets Loomis Travel apart from the competition. The ultimate goal is to make travel effortless for everyone by providing products you can trust.

Do you have a budget? How do you think about your personal finances and how do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
We started Loomis Travel with our savings and have been bootstrapping it since. This approach has given us greater control over the direction of the company, encouraged better financial management, and enabled us to make decisions more quickly. As an immigrant minority-owned business, we face limitations in access to capital, making bootstrapping the more feasible option. However, we do have plans to raise capital for future expansion.

In terms of personal finances, we have specific goals we work towards. Growing up with limited means made us naturally frugal, and we tend to reinvest our savings into causes we believe in, such as education and creating employment opportunities in both the US and Kenya.

Risk-taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Risk is a fundamental aspect of every business venture, and we recognize this fact at Loomis Travel. To ensure the success and growth of the company, we constantly evaluate and assess risks, making informed decisions that consider all potential outcomes. Although some risk assessments may not pan out as expected, these experiences have helped us cultivate resilience and adaptability, traits that are critical for any entrepreneur. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example of how unforeseen events can significantly impact businesses. As such, we always plan for the unexpected, incorporating contingencies into our strategies to mitigate any potential risk.

Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
The three of us are originally from Kenya, we came to the United States as students in 2007. Growing up, I had a passion for chemistry and dreamed of becoming a scientist. My parents, who were teachers, instilled in me the importance of discipline and hard work. After completing my Master’s and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, I worked at leading private and federal institutions, fulfilling my childhood dreams. Being raised with limited resources taught me the value of frugality and financial management, which proved useful in saving the funds that kickstarted Loomis Travel.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
The success of Loomis Travel brand can be attributed to a combination of factors. However, resilience, consistency, and having supportive co-founders have been significant blessings as we build the business. Passion and perseverance have also been critical in ensuring that we make progress toward our goal despite facing obstacles and distractions along the way.

What value or principle matters most to you? Why?
Customer Focus: Our customers are at the center of everything we do. We believe that putting their needs first is crucial to building a loyal customer base and ensuring the long-term success of our business. By prioritizing customer focus, we aim to exceed their expectations and provide them with the best possible travel experience

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
Balancing work and personal life is a continuous challenge, especially when starting a business. Currently, my co-founders and I work long hours with an intense focus on getting the business off the ground. As the business grows and becomes more established, we aim to delegate more responsibilities to free up time for other areas of life. While it may not be possible to completely separate work and personal life, setting realistic expectations and boundaries is important for us. Prioritizing self-care, personal relationships, and involving the family in the business helps to maintain balance and create a positive work-life blend. For example, involving our children in the business has been both enjoyable and educational, providing them with an understanding of how to invest and grow a business.

What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?

As an entrepreneur, my ultimate objective is to build and sustain a prosperous business that delivers exceptional products and services to our customers. My aspiration is to create a positive influence in both the industry and community, continually enhancing and innovating the business to remain competitive. My long-term goal is to establish a lasting legacy and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs. To support us, consider shopping for your luggage of choice at LoomisTravel.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Atlanta, and it is a beautiful place! From the BeltLine, a 22-mile trail that offers stunning views of the city’s skyline to delicious Southern cuisine on Buford Hwy, there is no shortage of things to do.

The World of Coca-Cola Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park are also must-visit icons of Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For new entrepreneurs, I want to offer words of encouragement – it is possible to overcome the challenges that come with starting a business. No matter how hard it seems, there is always a path to success.

Website: https://loomistravel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loomis.travel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loomis-travel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoomisTravel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loomistravels

Image Credits
Images courtesy of LoomisTravel.com