Meet Kevin Hwang of Ultimate Expeditions in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Hwang.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had an interest in adventure travel. I’m not sure where this yearning came from since being born and raised in Chicago, I had little exposure to the rugged outdoors. So, despite my attraction to the wilderness, I did what I thought I was supposed to do. I worked in financial services, which was fine as far as jobs go, but certainly was not my passion.

Until one day I decided I wasn’t going to let the world pass me by while I was busy building spreadsheets, analyzing data, and writing reports. I started travelling on my own – climbing peaks, hiking trails and viewing wildlife in faraway places. This opened up a whole new world for me, literally. I came back from each trip with newfound appreciation for the little things in life and a sense of fulfillment. In short, adventure travel made me happy and was an avenue for personal growth.

I wanted others to experience the same transformation as I did. With the contacts I made overseas, I established operations in just one place to start. We have since expanded to ten destinations and are in process of adding more every year. The funny thing is – as a business owner I still have to build spreadsheets, analyze data and write reports. But being able to take my own trips makes it all worthwhile.

Has it been a smooth road?
For us, dealing with people in third world countries is very challenging. In the countries we operate in, many have a very short-term outlook. I certainly understand why – life is hard in many parts of the world. But to work with us, you’ve got to have a vision beyond the present.

We have had to break some relationships along the way due to our differences in the way we approach things. That’s not a bad thing either. By removing the weak links and replacing them with strong ones, the business becomes even better. “Without struggle, there is no progress.”

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ultimate Expeditions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We take people on their dream trips. Ultimate Expeditions is an adventure travel company specializing in hiking, climbing and safari tours in the world’s most unique, remote, and beautiful places. Our most popular trips are Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Everest Base Camp (Nepal), Machu Picchu (Peru), and gorilla treks (Uganda and Rwanda).

We make adventure travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Adventure travel is a growing segment of leisure travel. I think people are looking for more meaningful and memorable ways to bond with others beyond sitting at a bar or laying on the beach. A good portion of our customers tell us, “I have never done anything like this before.” Because I personally know that having a good first experience can make an adventurer for life, we do our best to make sure each client goes home healthy and happy.

Our expert guides and local staff do such an amazing job of making our trips safe and fun. We know that we are doing things right because most of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals from family and friends. I am very grateful for the team we have in place and the thousands of clients we have served throughout the years.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There are many things I like about Chicago. Some are visual, like the architecture, skyline, public parks and lake shore. Others are more substantive, like the ethnic neighborhoods, cultural events, and good food. But most of all, I like the people. Chicagoans are authentic, open-minded, and ambitious, yet down to earth. When I travel within the USA, I often hear how much people appreciate those with Midwestern roots. I guess I appreciate them too.

I’d hate to say it, but what I like least about the city is the gun violence. Ironically, people in third world countries are afraid of coming to Chicago, but Americans ask me if I am afraid to travel to third world countries, where gun violence is almost nonexistent. Every country we operate in is very safe.

Pricing:

• 9 day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb on Machame Route (Tanzania) – $2,695
• 14 day Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal) – $1,950
• 6 day Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu (Peru) – $1,450
• 5 day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking (Uganda/Rwanda) – $2,820

Contact Info:

• Address: Ultimate Expeditions
  500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 600
  Chicago, IL 60611
• Website: http://www.ultimateexpeditions.com
• Phone: 312-809-7007
• Email: info@UltimateExpeditions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimateexpeditions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateExpeditionsCo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ultimateexpeds
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ultimateexpeditions

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.