Notes from Chris

Episode 1018

Attending summer camp is a childhood rite of passage for many kids. The average camper often heads home with no more than a popsicle art project and some extra sand in their shoes. But former executive recruiter Dave Green came away with something a little different. He turned his summer camp memories of a surprise bus excursion into an experiential event planning company that’s on the road to bringing in $500,000 this year.

This company creates custom-made excursions for clients looking to plan something unscripted for corporate team-builders, bachelorette parties, or family gatherings. The idea started on a not-so-mysterious day long ago. Childhood Dave was at summer camp and boarded a bus with his fellow campers to an unknown destination. The trip ended up with a not-so-exciting conclusion—he says they went to a show or harbor cruise—but the fun was in sharing a mystery destination with a group of friends. That excited, nervous, wonderful feeling stuck with him.

Years later, as a young adult, Dave was successful in his work, but personally feeling a bit blue. He decided to recreate the concept with an annual gathering of friends. They had a great time! Then, when he found himself in the midst of a divorce, he returned once more to the idea of mystery trips and decided that it was time to take a figurative hop back on the bus … this time, as a business venture. He sent out emails to everyone he knew and within a few weeks got his first gig hosting a friend’s 30th birthday. Over the next five years, Dave slowly grew the business, exploring and refining various marketing strategies as he went, and happily doubling profits every year.

To get started, a client contacts Dave with a few ideas and a budget. Then Dave, or a member of his “Mysterious HQ Team,” takes over all the planning. Everyone on the trip signs on to an itinerary known only to Mystery Trip and the group coordinator, allowing the adventure to unfold from there. Trips usually last between four and eight hours and consist of three to four stops. Prices begin at about $175 per person for a 15-person trip.

In the past six years, groups from YouTube, Netflix, Lyft, TOMS, Kaiser Permanente and Airbnb have participated in Mystery Trips. They’ve taken part in music videos, hand-fed animals in a wildlife sanctuary, played basketball on an NBA court, and even recreated the hit We Are the World 1985 single in the same studio where it was originally recorded. It’s all about fun, fantasy, and group bonding. The goal is that having everyone share the same experience creates surprise, delight, and more than a little magic.

Since 2015, Dave has been able to operate Mystery Trip as his main business. He delights in the triumph of being able to do a job that puts him in touch with excited clients and cool experiences on a daily basis. That same sense of childlike enthusiasm and wonder that inspired Mystery Trip in the first place is what Dave hopes to inspire other side hustlers to realize: “Life is way too short not to be happy. That means following a dream. The worst that can happen is you go back to your old job.”

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Mystery Trip: Whether you want to coordinate your own adventure with Dave or just want to learn more, check out his website.
• For his email campaigns, Dave first started using MailChimp and then moved to G Suites (Google). He was then able to use the compatible plug-in YAMM, “Yet Another Mail Merge” which worked well with Gmail.
• For his CRM, Dave uses Insightly finding it ideal for a small business with a limited budget and the need for customization.

SEE ALSO:

• Avid Travelers Turn Finding Deals Into Vacation Planning Side Income: A couple in Washington, D.C. convert their passion for travel into a side hustle planning all-inclusive surprise vacations for those who lack the time to do it themselves.
• Bucket List Becomes Swashbuckling Adventure Tour Company: A small-town Oregonian grows a travel blog into a multiple six-figure business.
• ESL Teacher Turned Travel Planner Sends Clients on Surprise Vacations: An elementary school teacher creates a for-profit service to “whisk away” travelers to surprise destinations.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

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