ex-tesla guy turns school bus into a fortune
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I sat down with Kevin Throop, founder of Toasted Tours, and talked about creating his unconventional tour business. Kevin, formerly at Tesla, wanted to control his destiny, starting with $65,000 and a $3,000 school bus. He renovated the bus for wine tours in Temecula, using a “lipstick on a pig” strategy to make it appealing despite limited funds.
Kevin launched with a basic Instagram account, focusing on appealing visuals and honest storytelling. He emphasized customer experience, including wine and food. The move to a semi-truck trailer bus was driven by a desire for expansion and a unique platform. This required ensuring it was legal and insurable, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol. Kevin drew inspiration from Tesla and Apple, aiming for visually appealing products that sell themselves. His vision includes franchising to promote safety and best practices.
https://www.instagram.com/toastedtours
Timestamps below. Enjoy!
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00:00 Introduction to a Viral Phenomenon
00:38 Meet Kevin Throop: The Man Behind Toasted Tours
00:51 From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
01:00 Building the First Tour Bus
01:36 Launching Toasted Tours
01:58 The Early Challenges and Successes
09:39 Marketing and Social Media Strategy
17:16 Operational Insights and Business Growth
22:54 Insurance and Financials
27:15 Expanding the Fleet: From Bus to Semi
27:46 Choosing a New Challenge
28:38 Mitigating Risks and Exploring New Ideas
29:14 The Unique Concept of Trailer Buses
32:04 Overcoming Safety Concerns
33:27 Navigating Legal and Insurance Hurdles
35:22 Building and Launching the Trailer Bus
46:00 Marketing and Public Reception
51:37 Future Plans and Opportunities
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