Tour du Jour Beverly Hills

Thanks a million to VoyageLA for including Tour du Jour Beverly Hills in their popular online site that includes inspiring stories from businesses and all things Los Angeles!

Hi Jim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, I dedicated the first fifteen years of my professional journey to the restaurant industry. Beginning as an assistant manager with Sizzler restaurants, I progressed to the role of Area Development Manager by the age of 24, overseeing operations in the Northeast US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Kuwait. Under the mentorship of a great boss, who believed in my potential despite initial reservations about my age, I received invaluable guidance in both business and personal aspects. Through hard work and commitment, I was able to excel in my role, shaping my career path significantly.

In 1995, I was offered a position as the Market Manager for Sizzler in the LA area, which required relocating to LA which I did. About a year later, I left the company and spent the next several years in the restaurant industry which I enjoyed, however, the resaurant biz can wear you down. I spent a few years working as a realtor which was enjoyable, but the real estate competion was fierce and I didn’t have the decades of experience or the client base to succeed. In 2007, I found myself unemployed, unhappy and struggling to find any motivation.

My neighbor suggested that I work with him as a private tour guide for a company called Tour du Jour. At first, the idea of standing on a double-decker tour bus with a microphone was not so appealing and I really didn’t know much about the history of LA. He explained that this job is different in that we tour in luxury SUVs and we typically are just with 2 – 4 people. Very intimate and very private. I joined, I trained and I loved it! A decade later I had the opportunity to purchase the company, and we’ve been growing ever since. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous challenges, both professionally and personally. Nevertheless, I have consistently navigated these obstacles with resilience. One of the most significant lessons I have learned is the importance of pursuing work that brings genuine satisfaction and joy. While I have experienced roles that did not fulfill me, I have also been fortunate to hold positions that I truly enjoyed, which in turn have contributed to a more fulfilling and happier life.

OUR BUSINESS

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
For 25 years, Tour du Jour has been providing unforgettable Los Angeles tours for discerning travelers in the comfort of our luxury vehicles. We’re proud to partner with iconic hotels like Beverly Wilshire, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, and The Peninsula. We also work with the top travel agencies around the globe, to deliver exceptional service. For many of our international guests, we’re their first taste of America, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our amazing team of guides, many of whom have been with us for over a decade, are masters at making guests feel welcome and quickly understanding what sparks their interest. They’re experts at curating tours that resonate, often resulting in rave reviews like “the best tour I’ve ever taken!”

COMPETITIVE MARKET

In the competitive Los Angeles tourism market, differentiation is important. One of our rules is to never ‘make anything up’. We’ve done enough mystery shopping to know how disappointing it is to realize much of what you learned was not quite true. We research constantly since LA is ever changing, especially the fast-paced celebrity real estate market. We do this to ensure the information we provide is current. Our guides deliver factual information through engaging storytelling, catering to diverse interests of our guests. Everything from classic Hollywood enthusiasts to reality television fans.

OUR PASSION

We take great pride in our reputation for exceeding guest expectations, coupled with our unwavering reliability as a trusted tour provider. Having spent most of my life in the service industry, I can confidently say that this is the first organization where receiving a complaint is a rarity. For all of us, witnessing the smiles and excitement on our guests’ faces as they stand under the most famous sign in the world is truly priceless. 

Collectively we’ve given over 35,000 tours and a common question arises: “Don’t you get tired of doing the same thing over and over?” The truth is, the initial thought is often, “Who doesn’t?”

But that’s quickly followed by the realization that every tour is unique. While the core information remains consistent, the people who experience it change. Their questions, their reactions, their individual stories – they breathe new life into the familiar narrative. Then there are the unexpected moments, the spontaneous interactions, and surprises that remind us why we love sharing our passion. 

MAGICAL MOMENTS!

I recall one tour where I had the pleasure of picking up a delightful older couple visiting from Memphis, Tennessee. It was their first time in California, and they quickly shared their admiration for Magic Johnson. I decided to take them to see the exclusive neighborhood where Magic resides, which never fails to impress. Coming back down the hill to return to the hotel, I noticed a black convertible Rolls Royce directly behind us. It was none other than Magic Johnson himself behind the wheel. I positioned our SUV so that Magic would pull up directly alongside us.

When he did, I rolled down the couple’s window, and they were utterly amazed. Magic graciously engaged them in a warm and friendly conversation before continuing on his way. It was a truly magical moment that created a lifelong memory for the couple. They were overjoyed to have had the opportunity to interact with their beloved basketball icon. These moments, big or small, are the reason we continue to find joy in repetition. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Los Angeles is gearing up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. This will be followed by LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Infrastructure enhancements are already underway in preparation for these events. We are optimistic about the positive impact these events will have on our city.

This is who we are at Tour du Jour Beverly Hills! We hope you visit our incredible city in the near future.