Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce White.
Bruce, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Chicago Beer Experience was a happy accident! The journey began when I was a practicing corporate attorney at a large law firm in downtown Chicago and was laid off at the tail end of the 2008 financial crisis. Just to get out of the house, while interviewing for other legal jobs, I saw a part-time job for a food tour guide at Chicago Food Planet Food Tours. I applied for it and got the job.
I loved it! Leading people around Chicago, showing them the sites and experiencing it through food and history was an incredible and fulfilling experience.
After leading tours for the season, I spoke with the owner about launching a similar concept with something I loved even more than food – beer – and he gave me his blessing. Chicago Beer Experience was born. From very humble beginnings, we now have nine tour guides and lead tours in three different parts of the city.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! I think I’ve learned more about what I don’t know or am bad at. I have struggled at times with finding ways to grow my business. I’ve had to hire some coaches to help me with financials and making sure the business is on the right financial footing. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. Handling the many relationships – customers, employees and vendors, can be a challenge.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chicago Beer Experience Beer Tours – what should we know?
We show people of Chicago by combining craft beer and Chicago history in our walkable neighborhood tours in different parts of the city. I am most proud of the passion and care shown by our tour guides, reflected in our reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp. What really sets us apart from a pure-play beer tour company is the history that we add into our tours.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Adaptability. I’ve faced struggles. I have been too slow to adapt at times but being able to adapt is hugely important to my success.
Pricing:
- Tickets are $62 Weekdays or Sundays; $65 on Saturdays
- Non-Beer tasting tickets are also available for $35 Weekdays or Sundays, $36 Saturdays
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chicagobeerexperience.com
- Phone: 312-818-2172
- Email: info@chicagobeerexperience.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagoBeerExp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBeerExp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicagoBeerExp
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-beer-experience-beer-tours-chicago
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d2057147-Reviews-Chicago_Beer_Experience-Chicago_Illinois.html
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