Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in the travel industry, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ian Taylor, founder of Ian Taylor Trekking, an adventure travel company that helps people live out their dreams in the world's mountain ranges.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
In 2008 I stood on the summit of Mount Everest and I have led 150 trips above 17,000 feet. After achieve this goal I set up Ian Taylor Trekking helping people live out their dreams in the world's mountain ranges.
Tell us about yourself
I started climbing when I was 9 years old, over time I gravitated towards mountaineering. I went to university in Scotland and then took a year off the travel around the world. I became the youngest Irish person to climb Mount Everest at 29 years old. At the same time I met my wife in Ireland and 5 years later we moved to Colorado. I started guiding in my teens and now have over 20 years experience in the worlds mountain ranges. I have climbed 6 of the 7 summits, the highest mountains on each continent. I have led over 40 Everest Base Camp trek, 40 Kilimanjaro trips, 20 Island Peak trips and led trips on 6 continents.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping our staff go to college and watch them develop as guide and people. In 2019 our head guide was voted Kilimanjaro's Number 1 Guide. He works for us full time and we have helped him set up 2 others business on the ground in Tanzania. We have build a school in Uganda, two schools in Nepal and working to help the remote village of Goli in Nepal.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Trusting others to live out my vision for the way our trips should run. We have hired full time staff in our key locations to ensure the quality, service and management of our trips is to the highest standard.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know your strengths and more importantly know your weaknesses. Where you don't know things surround yourself with experts. Make sure you understand customer experience online and how as much as you can about SEO and developing an excellent online profile. Make sure you have good SOP'S and KPI'S for the business. Surround yourself with experts on matters you are not an expert. Set up a business you love that brings real value to others and the world.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Invest in your staff, give them a cut of the business, profit share and work as a team. Support a charity or local organization giving back to the community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://iantaylortrekking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iantaylortrekking/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanTaylorTrekking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantayloreverest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Everestclimber
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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