Get my 147 favorite business ideas for 2025, with full launch plans included here: https://tkopod.co/youtubeD 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 https://www.toastedtours.com/ Timestamps below. Enjoy! --- Audio podcast on all podcast platforms: https://toolkit.tkopod.com/podcast Free weekly business ideas newsletter: https://tkopod.com Private community where we build cool businesses together: https://TKOwners.com Learn more about me: https://www.chrisjkoerner.com/ Business ideas shorts channel: ⁨@thekoernerofficeideas⁩ (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCzjpCGEXR7BU-_SJSl59CGQ) The Koerner Office highlights: ⁨@thekoernerofficesegments⁩ (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYEzHNmI-1oIqimmOnul_fg) AI-enabled accounting software, because Quickbooks SUCKS: https://lazybooks.com/ --- 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 --- For the Algorithm: #KevinThroop #TrailerBus #SemiTruckTour #ShippingContainerMakeover #WineTours #TemeculaWineCountry #CaliforniaAdventures #UnconventionalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInnovation #TeslaInspiration #SocialMediaMarketing #ViralMarketing #BootstrapBusiness #CreativeBusinessIdeas #UniqueExperiences #TourismIndustry #FirstPrinciplesThinking #SmallBusinessSuccess #TransportationInnovation #CustomerExperience