We were lucky to catch up with Gregory Berndt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gregory, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Well I have to say this is a long story. I was working for a PBM company and was there almost 5 years when the new boss I got didn’t like me because everyone else liked me and not him. So over a couple months he got me fired. But that was the best thing that happened to me because I was working 60 to 80 hours a week.

Because I was working so much, I ended up having some 350 vacation hours left that they had to pay me so I decided to start traveling a little bit and that little bit ended up being a lot. I began documenting my travels and sharing photos on my Facebook page, and the response was overwhelming. People were genuinely captivated by the images, urging me to start a blog. It was an intriguing proposition, one that began to take root in my mind. So I started to look into starting a blog. The more I looked the more I wanted to do it.

Finding the perfect name was absolutely crucial. Many suggested I simply use my own, “Greg Berndt.” However, “Greg Berndt” just wouldn’t do. The last name, sounding like “burnt,” was a recipe for misspellings and endless frustration. I needed something more distinctive, more memorable. Then, during a casual lunch with my mother, “FlipFlopWanderer” popped into my head. It was perfect! It was catchy and it truly captured the essence of my adventurous spirit. After all, I was always hiking and exploring, invariably in my trusty flip-flops. It felt authentic and personal. I immediately checked its availability across various platforms: Facebook, Pinterest, the web – all clear. Except for a dormant Instagram account with only a handful of posts from years prior. So Initially, I didn’t pursue Instagram. I figured that I could either attempt to contact the inactive account holder or that Instagram would eventually purge the abandoned account and I would get the account later.

Meanwhile, my Facebook community flourished, growing to 5,000-6,000 followers in a short time. Still, the Instagram username nagged at me. After six months of fruitless attempts to contact the owner, a friend suggested a simple solution: “Just add ‘The.'” “TheFlipFlopWanderer” was available, and I snatched it up immediately. Finally, I was on Instagram.

The first year was incredible, with my follower count soaring to 16,000 followers. Then, as is the nature of social media, the landscape shifted. Instagram’s algorithm changed, altering content visibility and reach. The API changes further impacted my growth. The momentum slowed, the reach diminished. It was frustrating, but I wasn’t deterred. I had built a community, a tribe of fellow wanderers and dreamers, and I wasn’t about to abandon them. The journey had simply taken a new direction. I began exploring new content formats, diversifying my approach, embracing the ever-evolving nature of social media. The FlipFlopWanderer story, as it turned out, was far from over.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Greg Berndt, and I’m deeply committed to sharing the profound beauty and inherent tranquility of the outdoors through my platform, Flip Flop Wanderer. This passion isn’t a recent development; it’s a thread woven through the fabric of my life, originating in the quiet, unassuming town of Red Bud, Illinois. And, just to clarify, it’s the real Red Bud, not the fictional “Funny Farm” version immortalized in the Chevy Chase movie! Growing up amidst the rolling fields and whispering woods of this small town, I cultivated a profound and enduring love for the natural world. It was a love that whispered of adventure and quiet contemplation, a love that shaped my perspective and fueled my desire to explore.

In 2015, I began to document my personal adventures, initially sharing snapshots and stories on my personal Facebook page. I was genuinely surprised and deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response. Friends, family, and even acquaintances resonated with the images and the accompanying narratives, expressing a shared yearning for connection with nature. This outpouring of encouragement served as the catalyst for the creation of Flip Flop Wanderer, a dedicated platform designed to amplify my mission. I expanded my reach to include platforms like Instagram, allowing me to share my experiences with a wider audience.

My photography is more than just a collection of aesthetically pleasing landscapes. It’s a deliberate attempt to capture and convey the palpable peace that nature so generously offers. Each image is a visual invitation, a gentle nudge to slow down, to breathe, and to truly see the world around us. I firmly believe in the restorative power of the natural world, its ability to soothe the soul and revitalize the spirit. Through Flip Flop Wanderer, I aspire to inspire others to step outside the confines of their daily routines, to embrace the fresh air, and to embark on their own personal journeys of discovery. I want to encourage them to find their own moments of tranquility, to experience the simple joy of being present in nature, and to understand that the greatest adventures often begin with a single step.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My social media and blog have always been about evolving, and right now I’m ready for a significant expansion—more of an exciting addition, really. Photography remains my cornerstone, but I’m eager to explore new creative paths, and I can’t wait to share these adventures with you on my social media platforms.

I’m merging my deep love for Asheville’s outdoors with my entrepreneurial drive to craft unique travel experiences. Currently, I’m leveraging my Tesla, offering it for rent, and using my photography to build immersive web pages while also using my social media. These pages will visually showcase the incredible destinations you can reach from Asheville, highlighting the thrill of cruising the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway in a silent, powerful electric vehicle.

In parallel, I’m transforming a van into a fully equipped campervan—a mobile adventure base. Imagine: a shower, ample power for all your devices, a sink, a comfortable bed, and everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

I’ll be your personal guide, using my photography and in-depth local knowledge to uncover hidden gems, breathtaking scenic spots along the Parkway, and perfect camping locations. My goal is to provide you with direct access to the magic of Asheville’s natural beauty.

Looking ahead, my ultimate vision is to create a secluded Airbnb retreat, a true sanctuary nestled in the woods, where you can disconnect from the everyday and fully immerse yourself in the inspiring tranquility of nature.

I’m genuinely excited to see where this new adventure takes me and to share these additions with you. I’m also thrilled to capture these experiences through my photography, showing you the incredible adventures you can have with these new offerings.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The magic of photography for me lies in that singular moment – when I capture an image and it takes my breath away. That’s the spark that ignited my lifelong love for it. As a perfectionist, achieving that ‘perfect shot’ isn’t always easy, but the resulting joy is immeasurable.

Beyond my own satisfaction, the connection I share with my online community is incredibly rewarding, a vibrant exchange of shared passions. The positive feedback, the stories my photos evoke in others, and the inspiration they provide to budding photographers and nature enthusiasts – those are the moments that truly fuel my passion and give it purpose. Knowing my work encourages people to step outside, to explore the natural world, and to appreciate its beauty is the ultimate reward, the most fulfilling aspect of my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://flipflopwanderer.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/theflipflopwanderer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlipFlopWanderer