Today we’d like to introduce you to John Phillips.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Charleston, SC, in March of 2021 to take over a struggling construction office for my company. In early 2022, I was looking to get out of the house more and came across an ad for tour guides at a company, telling stories to people in bars. Before getting into construction, I carved out careers in talk radio and TV, plus I spent a decade as a successful public speaker at a Fortune 500, so I knew I had the skills and ability. I had to learn material I could deliver independently, in my style. After spending the rest of my weekends in 2022 doing several ‘themed’ tours, I decided to branch out on my own. I am under no pressure to build this into a monster business; it’s just a way to have more ‘skin in the game’ while entertaining people. The best part of this journey so far is the development of my nightly Ghost Tour. I’ve created my walking route, unique to my business, and it’s a great reflection on how old the city is and tells a very accurate history of events that have taken place in Charleston. Plus, I talk about people who died and haunted the various locations discussed.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The hard part has been getting established with a crowd of people with many options. 100 or more companies or people do this for a living. Getting visibility on Google and Viator requires SEO, and that’s tied to your web ‘footprint.’ If people don’t know you exist, how will they find you at first? Viator also has strict guidelines to meet, even before you can pay to advertise on their platform. I’m pleased with what feedback I’ve gotten, and after a few months, things are improving on that end, but it will take some additional time before I can break through that ceiling and reach more people who want to spend money on guided tours while visiting Charleston.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Charleston Drinking Tours?
First off, I’m local. I’m not a big tour company, so you get me sending you an email or a refund, and of course, I host the tours you take, so I’m going to be the one telling stories, making jokes, hopefully, ones you laugh at. I’m not too serious. I keep things close to the subject matter with folks and try to provide an entertaining experience. When people drink, they say things they don’t make when sober, so I respect paying customers for the words they speak. Sometimes I engage. Sometimes I don’t. I’m proud of the work that has gone into developing both my website and the logos that define each tour. I spent a great deal of time thinking of titles that would reflect the subject matter with my twist as opposed to what most companies advertise or describe as ‘ghost’ tours. People ask ‘will I see any ghosts on this tour?” and I was quick to point out that yes, but only if you look in the ”shadows’ for them., hence Shadows of the Peninsula. As for the True Crime tour, we do Holy City Homicide! was a no-brainer and a perfect way to play off the city’s nickname.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
As a kid, I took long trips to Canada with my parents and sister. I spent many days and nights in Toronto and fondly reflected on those days. This was in the late 1970s and into my college days a decade later. I was going camping with my family also. We had 50 acres near Dubois, PA, and we grew potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and beets. Anything that could be developed in the dirt, since we didn’t live there and couldn’t ‘tend’ to crops like most farmers could, my father used this strategy to make extra money and barter with others. Those memories are still fresh in my mind despite occurring over 40 years ago.
Pricing:
- Spirits of Prohibition Tour – $85/person (Includes 3 drinks!)
- Holy City Homicide! Charleston’s True Crimes – $35
- Shadows of the Peninsula Ghost Tour – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlestondrinkingtours.com
- Instagram: charlestondrinkingtours
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-phillips-61b2a9175/
