Crowdfunding, Writing Books and Why Passion Matters

Sam is so passionate about what he does and that shines through in bucket loads through this conversation.

Whether discussing the adventures which led to him starting the business or matters of sustainability and how crucial it is to the industry, he will capture your imagination and and no doubt leave you keen to learn more.

Sam’s is a fantastic story as it truly illustrates what you can do if you make big choices and commit to them. He had a well-paid corporate job but he decided it wasn’t for him, cut the cord and went to do what he loved.

He’s also testament to the value of a beginner’s mindset and ongoing learning, as he continues to hone how he runs the business and sets it up for success.

We cover loads in this conversation, from how Sam did a run of crowdfunding to accelerate the growth of the business to his thought process behind writing a book and the benefits it can have for the business.

We also discuss marketing approaches, how partnerships have helped drive revenue and how he sees the future of travel.

But most of all, I think Sam’s passion is the thing that shines through and is at the core of why this business is a success and will continue to grow. And that passion is definitely infectious!

Enjoy!

0:03:00

Going to a Shaolin Monastery at 18

0:08:30

Second year out wwoofing in Spain

0:10:30

Corporate life

0:13:30

Living and working as a teacher in Mexico

0:16:30

Group tours vs bespoke tours

0:18:30

Reasons behind starting a travel business

0:23:00

What was the vision for the company?

0:27:50

Becoming more professional

0:29:30

Impact of the pandemic and thinking about the bigger picture

0:34:30

Charity and finding the right causes and partners

0:38:30

The big impact of small steps

0:42:30

Moving to Costa Rica and how they’ve made the ecotourism model work

0:47:30

Biggest challenges faced

0:49:30

The benefits of trade shows

0:52:15

PR and how journalism background has helped

0:54:15

Crowdfunding tips and advice and how partnerships have helped

1:01:20

Scaling the business

1:04:30

Bigger thinking and the importance of staying educated

1:07:30

Personal qualities that have led to success

1:10:20

Routines and habits that have helped the business function better

1:13:00

Growing a personal brand

1:18:30

Future of travel

1:23:30

Advice to people starting a travel business