Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nate Gilles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

San Diego Tequila Tour began as an Airbnb Experience is March 2019. Having spent many years back and forth into Mexico with different tequila tastings on my own, I wanted to share the closest experience to that while being in America. Shortly after the tour
began, Covid hit and the Airbnb platform was suspended. Most of San Diego has a lot of outdoor dining patios so, as limited as it was,
had to create other avenues to help promote the tour. Over the last three years, I have incorporated Viator/TripAdvisor, Eventbrite,
Bachtobasics, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, my own website, and a couple of social media
platforms, mainly Instagram. All four of my locations that we visit are very accomodating and happy to have the tour visit, often with
the guests staying or coming back for more food and drink! Tequila has always been my spirit of choice because of the purity and of
how great it can taste. Not to mention, the overall nutritional values being in favor of those who keep sugars, calories, carbs, etc to a
very minimal. Lately a lot of the celebrity tequilas that are being branded may taste good and sweet, easy to drink, but can have a lot
of additives. One of the goals of the tour is to help people ensure that what they are drinking and buying are as natural and additive
free as possible.
Ultimately, San Diego Tequila Tour began
I feel that with Google Analytics and Social Media, the tour will continue to grow. I have been receiving much larger groups such as
Corporate Quarterly’s, Bachelorette/Bachelor parties, anniversaries, and birthdays! Or just something to do to enjoy an afternoon in Old
Town sipping tequila and getting a little local history! I plan on working closer with the San Diego Convention Center as through San
Diego Tourism Authority, I have access to all future conventions and contact information. Currently the tour operates up to 17 times a
week and envision all the available times being, if not full, close to it, especially with the people being more comfortable coming back
outside!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ultimately, San Diego Tequila Tour began right before Covid hit and has been operating ever since. With all the ups and downs and uncertainties of everything, I am very happy with the progress that has been made. Between Google and Airbnb, I have received near
300 reviews, 90% being 5-Star! I came to San Diego for hospitality/tourism so have always had a natural way of associating with
people. I ensure all my guests feel engaged and if I don’t know the answer, make sure to find out and get back with them via email. As
mentioned above, all four of our stops are very accommodating and for the guests who want to stay for more drinks or even dinner,
always make sure they are taken care of. El Agave has also made small cards for all my guests that have a brief description of
Blancos, Reposados, and Anejos that are given with each flight orered. It has San Diego Tequila Tour’s logo added right next to El
Agave’s. Just one of the examples of the great parternship we all have and continue to work together to create and expand business!

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

San Diego Tequila Tour began as an Airbnb Experience is March 2019. Having spent many years back and forth into Mexico with different tequila tastings on my own, I wanted to share the closest experience to that while being in America. Shortly after the tour
began, Covid hit and the Airbnb platform was suspended. Most of San Diego has a lot of outdoor dining patios so, as limited as it was,
had to create other avenues to help promote the tour. Over the last three years, I have incorporated Viator/TripAdvisor, Eventbrite,
Bachtobasics, San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, my own website, and a couple of social media
platforms, mainly Instagram.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, Airbnb was the initial platform and saw strong demand for the Tour, I was able to keep it operating throughout most of the pandemic as I had added the other platforms, I have been able have it be my full time operation with San Diego Tequila Tour winning the Outstanding Emerging Business Award from San Diego Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards last month.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sandiegotequilatour.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegotequilatour/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandiegotequilatour
• Other: https://abnb.me/fRBcnAinIsb San Diego Tequila Tour (619) 876-0352 San Diego Tequila Tour (619) 876-0352 https://g.co/kgs/cTjqJP