Meet Steve Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Walker.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I loved the concept of offering ebike tours from the start! Our small independent business is the original and best fat tire cruiser electric bike tour of the “Happiest City in America”. A sensational guided adventure of all the gems of Boulder, on the most fun and easy-to-ride thing on two wheels. Soar alongside sparkling Boulder Creek, through lush open spaces, historic downtown, Chautauqua, the University of Colorado, and charming neighborhoods on Boulder’s exclusive network of paved bike paths, safely away from car traffic.

Magically fly up even the steepest hills without breaking a sweat, including an exhilarating yet effortless journey to the top of a mountain to bask in the stunning views. Feel like a kid again as you reconnect with yourself, others, and nature. It’s a trip you’ll never forget! Our story is on the website under About Us, but I didn’t start the business, I purchased it from the original owner in 2019, two years after he created the concept.

I loved the idea and wanted to scale the business to allow more people to see the known and not so known parts of Boulder, on a really fun ebike! That’s the allure, taking people out on a two-hour ride up and down hills and neighborhoods, a major University, and up to a National Historic Registered landmark that kisses the foothills of the rocky mountains.

The business is starting its seventh season. We operate nine months out of the year, seven days a week, and have a wonderful, committed staff that returns each year to take new guests out to experience Boulder uniquely. Imitation is the best form of flattery, and our business model has spurred two competitors, (one ex-employee and one customer) that now offer ebike tours that don’t close to the experience we offer.

We are a proud independent small business that offers a special service to the Boulder community. The town knows our custom-designed and built bikes! We’re referred to as the “Blue bike brigade”. Our clients show up, leaving the stress of modern-day living behind, expecting a fun, exciting, and educational experience. When the tour is over, our customers have a big smile on their faces and wish the ride wasn’t over.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What struggles?? There are no struggles when one operates a business. Just kidding. Quite the opposite.

1. Staffing.
2. Scheduling staffing.
3. Did I say staffing?
4. Operating 7 days per week.
5. Risk Management- This is a high-liability business.
6. Weather- Sometimes I feel like a “farmer”.
7. Overhead and Insurance- We carry lots of insurance policies to cover our bases.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a 7 on the Enneagram. That means I get bored easily and like challenges. It also means I like to create and build ideas into action. This is my third career if you want to call it that. I’ve lived in two countries and have traveled to at least 23 others. I’ve worked for three Corporate 500 companies and the Energy Efficiency /Sustainability industry and have owned and operated three small businesses.

In the continental United States, I have lived in New England, grew up in the South on the Eastern Seaboard, and now in Colorado. I’ve been married for 22 years and have two children. I have lots of energy and stay very active. I embrace life with a passion, I live life with purpose in the hand of the Lord. I believe we are all blessed in our ways.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Patience, patience, patience, and expect change. Hopefully for the better and in the right direction. In any kind of business, expect the unexpected. That may manifest as a positive thing or a negative. But your business will not stay static due to the kind of culture we live and operate in. No business does. You keep an open mind and one has to be committed and consistent with the idea.

My advanced word last year during my physical health limitation was “Conviction”. No matter what size of business you lead, proper leadership will also bring pressure and stress. So my advice is to have a good plan to minimize those outside forces when they start to multiply. Have a healthy stress relief button you can press to help manage and alleviate those stressors, so you can stay on track and function.

Also, start your business with the notion you are on a “learning curve”, do not expect to know everything. It took two years for me to learn and understand how to run an outdoor tour operation and handle the general public with all the variables that come with it.

I’ve never been a tour guide or worked for a tour operator before, but I had the inner strength and confidence I would learn how to do it and be successful, which I did. You have to believe in yourself before you even start to think about owning and operating a business you’ve had zero experience with in the past. Then the magic happens.

Pricing:

• $105 per public tour per individual
• $135 per private tour per individual

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bouldertourcompany.com
• Instagram: @boulder tour company
• Facebook: @boulder tour company