Global Traveler: Tell us what inspired the idea for Travelpro luggage.
Kim Ballis: Travelpro was the invention of an airline pilot named Bob Plath 18 years ago. Tired of lugging heavy luggage day after day; Bob had the idea to flip a suitcase on its side, put wheels across the horizontal axis and put an extended handle on the top. Other pilots saw Bob with this rolling luggage and requested he make one for them. Soon he was producing the first Rollaboard ®. That initial innovation provided the basis for a future of other industry firsts, including our ProGrip handle, quiet and replaceable wheel systems, lighter and stronger frame systems, and a focus on quality and value for our customers.

GT: How important is it for frequent business travelers to invest in a more expensive piece of luggage?
KB: I travel just about every week. But it’s a misconception that quality and price are directly related. Our Platinum collection, for example, is priced well below our competitors’, yet in my opinion provides function, durability and style far superior to most. Consumers can pay more for something unique in appearance; but speaking as a “road warrior” myself, I’ll take the practical utility and value offered by our Travelpro and Atlantic brands.

GT: What is a “Rollaboard” and why does this make Travelpro unique?
KB: Rollaboard is the name given to the first rolling luggage developed by Travelpro. Over the past 10 years, there have been many copies; and in fact all of our competitors now make a version of rolling luggage. But Travelpro maintains the tagline “The Original Rollaboard” because we invented it. We never rested on our laurels. The Rollaboard has undergone improvement after improvement and still today garners many industry awards.

In fact, Global Traveler awarded Travelpro “Best Luggage Brand” for 2005 and 2006; and we have earned numerous other awards from The Wall Street Journal, the Good Housekeeping Institute and a variety of other travel magazines.

GT: A frequent traveler’s luggage endures constant wear and tear. What attributes does Travelpro have to keep up with the frequent traveler?
KB: For starters, we make one of the most durable and highest quality products in the industry using only proprietary components. Second, we offer among the best warranties in the industry; so we stand behind our claims. Third, we manufacture our products to be easily and quickly repaired. For example, in many of our collections, we use screw construction in place of rivets. Screws provide a stronger fastening; as well as making it easy for our repair technicians. We also recognize that some components of luggage could almost be considered as consumables. For example, wheels. Like the tires on your car, eventually they are going to wear. So, our Whisper Wheels are designed to be easily replaced with a simple Phillips screwdriver. In fact, many of our customers simply order replacement wheels and make the replacements themselves. Even I can do it.

To sum up, what we do at Travelpro is simple. We know our customers, we listen to our customers and we help them solve problems. That’s where many of our new innovative products come from, and that’s how we’ve been able to maintain a long record of high customer satisfaction.