Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Todd Abrams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Todd, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to play on a travel soccer team. While my family didn’t have a lot of financial resources, my parents made sure I never missed a tournament. They worked tirelessly, sacrificing countless hours and personal luxuries to ensure I had every opportunity to pursue my passion for soccer.
What I admire most about my parents is that they never made me feel guilty about the sacrifices they were making. They never complained or expressed resentment; instead, they celebrated my successes and supported me through every challenge. Their unwavering dedication taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering support.
These values have been instrumental in my life and career. When I co-founded Barley Bus Tours and Transportation, I knew that I wanted to create a company that embodied the same spirit of dedication and support that my parents had shown me. We strive to provide affordable and accessible transportation options for groups of all sizes, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to travel and create lasting memories, regardless of their budget.
My parents’ sacrifices also taught me the importance of gratitude and giving back to the community. At Barley Bus, we actively participate in local charity events and fundraisers, providing transportation for those in need and supporting organizations that align with our values.
Todd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Barley Bus Tours began in 2015 with a simple goal: to create unforgettable experiences for craft beer lovers in Kansas City. We started with brewery tours, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good wine or cocktail too? So, we expanded our offerings to include wineries, distilleries, and even threw in some food and sightseeing tours for good measure. Now, we’re like your one-stop shop for fun in KC, whether you’re a foodie, a history nerd, or just looking for a good time. We’re passionate about showcasing the best of Kansas City and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We’re incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our guests and the local community. There’s nothing quite like seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they discover a new favorite brewery, learn a fascinating historical tidbit, or simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Barley Bus is more than just a transportation company; we’re your partners in adventure. We invite you to explore Kansas City with us and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
A few key things have helped Barley Bus build a strong reputation in the Kansas City market:
Genuine Passion and Local Expertise: Our love for Kansas City shines through in everything we do. Our guides are locals who know the city inside and out, sharing their personal favorites and insider tips with guests.
Focusing on the Experience: We’re not just about transportation; we’re about creating fun, memorable experiences. Our tours are designed to be interactive, informative, and entertaining, leaving guests with lasting memories.
Building Relationships: We’ve invested in building relationships with our guests, local businesses, and the community at large. We’re active on social media, engage with our followers, and partner with local organizations to support causes we believe in.
Adapting and Innovating: We’re not afraid to try new things and constantly evolve our offerings to keep up with trends and cater to our guests’ interests. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to showcase the best of Kansas City.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Our happy guests are our biggest advocates! Their positive reviews and recommendations have helped us reach a wider audience and solidify our reputation as a trusted and reliable tour provider.
By focusing on these factors, we’ve been able to create a brand that resonates with locals and visitors alike, making Barley Bus a go-to choice for anyone looking to explore and enjoy the vibrant city of Kansas City.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
For Barley Bus, our most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a combination of:
Diversifying Our Tours: While starting with brewery tours helped us build a solid base, expanding into wineries, distilleries, food tours, and sightseeing opened us up to a much wider audience. This allowed us to appeal to different interests and capture a larger share of the tourism market in Kansas City.
Focusing on Exceptional Customer Service: We believe that happy guests are our best advertisers. We prioritize personalized attention, ensuring each tour is fun, informative, and tailored to the group’s interests. This leads to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
Strong Local Partnerships: We’ve cultivated strong relationships with local breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants, and attractions. This allows us to offer unique experiences and exclusive access, setting us apart from competitors. These partners also promote our tours, expanding our reach.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing: We’ve found that nothing beats the power of personal recommendations. Our satisfied guests often share their experiences with friends and family, generating valuable referrals and helping us reach new customers organically.
Targeted Marketing: We use targeted advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook to reach specific demographics who are likely to be interested in our tours. This ensures that our marketing efforts are focused and effective.
This multi-faceted approach, with a strong emphasis on word-of-mouth marketing and exceptional customer service, has allowed us to steadily grow our clientele over the years, building a loyal customer base and establishing ourselves as a leading tour provider in Kansas City.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barleybus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barleybustours
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarleyBusTours
- Twitter: https://x.com/barleybus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySRXrYlzT5f8eKA1Lgh2xg/videos
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barley-bus-tours-and-transportation-kansas-city-2