For more than 65 years, Brentwood Travel has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis travel scene. But what makes this agency stand out isn’t just its longevity; it’s the people behind the name.
Founded by Robert (Bob) and Ruth Lurie in 1957, the company has grown from a small office on Brentwood Boulevard to one of the most respected travel agencies in the region, now led by their daughter Stephanie Turner and granddaughter Stacy.
“All of this started because my dad got into the business of taking groups around the world, and my mom would travel with him on a lot of trips—now we’re the ace agency in St. Louis,” Stephanie says. “I always say, ‘My dad taught me how to be with people, and my mom taught me how to be with the business,’ and that’s how we’ve continued that legacy.”
Three Generations of Brentwood Travel
As a well-known public relations executive and professional speaker, Bob traveled extensively for his career, attending events, conferences, and political gatherings across the country and the globe. From rubbing elbows with Hollywood stars in California to attending President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration in Washington D.C., Bob had a front-row seat to some of the most iconic moments and people of his time. “He was like a star in St. Louis,” Stephanie recalls.
It was through this work that he saw just how transformative travel could be—and how few people were taking advantage of it. He also realized that if something were to happen to him, his wife, Ruth, wouldn’t be able to step into his career. That’s when Bob launched Brentwood Travel.
Ruth soon joined him and transformed her part-time help into a full-time leadership role when Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. With her organizational talents and experience in community fundraising, Ruth was a natural.
Their daughter Stephanie didn’t always envision herself working in the family business. “Dad always said, ‘Someday, it’ll be yours,’ but I had no desire to work in an office,” Stephanie says. “But when the airline strike happened in 1973, mom said she could really use another pair of hands.”
After that, Stephanie never left. She quickly took over management of a second location in the Chesterfield Mall and eventually took the reins when Ruth retired in 1998.
Today, Stephanie’s daughter Stacy, who once served as the office’s delivery girl at age 16, leads the company’s modern evolution as president, allowing Stephanie to primarily focus on being the business owner. “She’s my boss now—and she’s doing an amazing job,” says Stephanie. “She’s blossomed into an incredible businesswoman.”
Susan Hakenjos, vice president and general manager, also plays a key role in the leadership of Brentwood Travel, thanks to her 30 years of experience in the travel industry, 15 of which have been with Brentwood.
This multigenerational leadership, paired with highly skilled industry experts, means that Brentwood Travel’s clients can benefit from decades of wisdom and forward-thinking innovation.
Why Travel Agents Matter
In an age of apps and algorithms, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of expertise. “I can polish my own nails or decorate my own house, but I choose to go to the pros,” she says. “Travel is the same. You can book online, but who do you call when something goes wrong?”
And when you book through Brentwood Travel, you’re not only getting any agent; you’re tapping into a powerhouse of industry relationships built over decades. “Thanks to my father’s legacy, we know the presidents of most major travel companies,” says Stephanie. “If a client has a problem, we’re usually able to pick up the phone and get it handled. That’s the benefit of our reputation.”
Brentwood Travel is a preferred partner with top hotel groups, cruise lines, airlines, and tour operators, which means behind-the-scenes help that you simply can’t get by booking on your own, in addition to Brentwood’s special discounts and 24-hour emergency line.
Another rarity: Brentwood Travel has a walk-in office in St. Louis. In an era when many agencies have gone remote or folded entirely, the Brentwood Travel team welcomes clients face-to-face. “You can look us in the eye. You can walk in and talk to someone if you’re upset or excited,” says Stephanie. “That’s huge for peace of mind.”
Even during the pandemic, Brentwood Travel never closed its doors. When clients needed to cancel or rebook trips, someone was always available to help. “People really appreciated that,” says Stephanie. “And we’ve had two of the best years in company history since then.”
Why Clients Keep Returning
Clients who started with Bob and Ruth now trust Brentwood Travel with their grandchildren’s honeymoons.
“People don’t want stress. They want someone who will take care of it,” says Stephanie. “And we do. That’s what my parents taught me and what we continue to live by.”
Whether it’s planning a multi-generational European vacation, a honeymoon in the Maldives, or a last-minute cruise, Brentwood Travel is the agency that’s been there, done that—and has the contacts to make it unforgettable.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Brentwood Travel. To schedule your next trip, visit brentwoodtravel.com or stop by the office at 1022 Executive Parkway Drive.
