Michael Dixon, founder of Pointrs, is on a mission to simplify travel loyalty programs and make traveling more affordable for Australians. Frustrated with the time-consuming process of researching points and miles across multiple websites, Michael saw an opportunity to create a platform that streamlines it all.
Pointrs helps users earn more points, find the best flight deals, and make the most of loyalty programs—taking the guesswork out of travel rewards. In this interview, Michael shares his journey from entrepreneur to travel enthusiast, how Pointrs came to be, and what’s next for this innovative platform.
Michael, what inspired you to create Pointrs? Was there a specific challenge or gap in the travel industry that you felt needed to be addressed?
After advising friends and family for many years on the best ways to earn more points and spend less points, while travelling better at the same time, I came to the realization that I knew a lot of valuable information that every traveler could benefit from.
Most people don’t have the time to find and understand this information or keep up-to-date with constant changes. I wanted to share what I knew in a simple, easily digestible format that is always current.
I also liked that Pointrs could be international, involving travel—a great industry to be part of. Plus, it was the right time for me to start another business as my other ventures were doing well, and I didn’t want to let a good idea go to waste.
You’ve successfully transitioned from being a CEO in a different industry to launching Pointrs. How did your previous leadership experience help shape your approach to building this new business?
My experience in owning pharmacies, a pharmacy banner group (Chemsave), and Australia’s first remote pharmacy dispensing platform (Dispense Assist) has been invaluable. Without it, I couldn’t have developed Pointrs so quickly. Running other businesses has taught me exactly what I need to do to make Pointrs successful. It’s also easier to start a business that might lose money in the early years when you own other profitable businesses.
Managing a startup while staying passionate about travel sounds like a busy life. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
My day typically starts at 8 AM, with work beginning around 9:30 AM. I spend most of the day in my home office working on my laptop—reading and replying to emails, maintaining Pointrs databases, writing a weekly blog, and attending Zoom meetings. I also manage the Pointrs team and liaise with web developers and our PR company. A big part of maintaining balance is delegating to capable people and taking time off for social exercise and plenty of holidays.
Travel loyalty programs can be overwhelming for many. How does Pointrs simplify this experience for users, and what impact do you hope it will have on the way people plan their travels?
Travel loyalty programs are overwhelming and constantly changing. Pointrs distills all this information into simple results, like how to earn more points, spend less, and travel better. Users can find the best credit cards for earning points, take advantage of promotions, and see which loyalty programs offer the cheapest flights. Our goal is to help people travel more frequently and save money, offering up to 75% savings on flights using points and cash.
With the demands of running a business, how do you find time to recharge and pursue your own interests outside of work? Do you have any routines or habits that help you stay grounded and focused?
I delegate work to people I trust, freeing up my time to drive the business forward and engage in leisurely pursuits. I don’t follow strict routines, but I make sure to get enough sleep and take 2-3 week holidays to reset. During these breaks, I often come up with great business ideas as I get time to think clearly.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while developing Pointrs, and how did you navigate through them?
My biggest challenge has been impatience. I like to implement ideas immediately, but sometimes I have to wait for others to execute them. The biggest challenge ahead is spreading the word about Pointrs so more people can benefit from it.
As you look ahead, what are your future goals for Pointrs, and how do you see it evolving to continue making travel easier and more rewarding for users?
We’re always adding new features to Pointrs. Recently, we introduced “Seat Radar” for finding reward seats at the best times. Next, we’re launching Pointrs in the US and UK, and we’ll be introducing “Seat Search” and “Spend Less” features. We’ll also explore more ways to help users save on travel. The sky’s the limit for Pointrs!
