Get Up and Scale Podcast

What makes women say yes to one experience and scroll past another? In this episode of Get Up And Scale , we're joined by Madison and Shauna from The Batch App , a leading marketplace for bachelorette parties and group experiences, to unpack how women discover, evaluate, and book experiences—and what operators can do to stand out. From the rise of at-home hibachi and drag brunches to the importanc...

In this packed reunion episode, the hosts dive deep into what's been going on behind the scenes—including big acquisitions, marketing experiments, and the ever-evolving impact of AI on the tour industry.   💥 Topics Covered: TourScale's acquisition of Cruisin' Tikis and integrating 45+ locations Kai's strategy for managing change with nervous franchisees (yes, even overlapping markets!) Justin's c...

In this insightful episode, hosts Justin Buzzi, Kai Kaapro, and Brett Ridenour sit down with Dustin Miller to explore how his platform Conversion Assist is helping tour operators turn missed opportunities into booked tours using cutting-edge automation and CRM systems. You'll hear how smart businesses are recovering lost revenue by automatically texting missed calls, customizing email flows for re...

In this interview, Ryan Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of his success, sharing the story of how the Pedal Tavern concept started, the hurdles of expanding to new cities, and the key factors that have kept the business thriving. Ryan also talks about the future of his business, the impact of growing a lifestyle brand, and what it takes to keep that spark alive as an entrepreneur.

Cameron Clark talks about how his journey in the tourism industry has shaped his approach to scaling businesses with a human-first mindset. Learn the strategies and values behind his growing ventures, from Alaska to San Francisco Bay, and why people matter more than profits. Find Cameron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronclark/

Join us as we sit down with Ryan O'Grady, the CEO of Fotaflo, who's spent 17 years working with tour and activity operators to transform how businesses engage their customers. Ryan shares the origin story of Fotaflo, from filming adventure TV shows around the globe to building a company that's revolutionizing tourism marketing. Discover why giving away media can drive more referrals, repeat custom...

In the kick-off episode of Season 2 of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Brett Ridenour, Justin Buzzi, and Kai Kaapro discuss their experiences and growth over the past year. They highlight the challenges and successes they faced, particularly during the busy conference season. The hosts delve into the new systems they've implemented, including an innovative customer relationship management (CRM...

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, we're joined by Pete Kootsikas, an entrepreneur who has built a multi-faceted tour and activity empire. From launching one of the first party bike businesses in Nashville to branching into boats, retail, and even transitional housing, Pete's story is one of diversification, persistence, and innovation. Recorded live at the Arival Conference, Pete shares the hig...

In this special live episode from the Arival Conference, we chat with Travis Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of TourBase. Travis shares how his company empowers tour operators and entrepreneurs to build their own online travel agencies (OTAs) with a localized, personal touch. We dive into the journey of TourBase, from its origins in Alaska to expanding franchises across the U.S. and Caribbean, and dis...

In this episode, Justin and Brett dive deep into the world of social media advertising, revealing why boosting posts is only scratching the surface. They discuss the power of the Meta Ads Manager, how to properly target customers, and strategies to boost your return on ad spend. Whether you're just starting with paid ads or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers insights you won't wa...

Join us for an engaging episode with Spencer Finch, founder of Mad Moose Rentals & Tours and a partner at RISE Executive Partners. Spencer discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling an adventure tourism business, transitioning from hands-on operations to strategic growth, and the innovative methods he uses to optimize sales and manage seasonal fluctuations. Get insights on creating impactful...

How do you currently manage your time, and are you truly making the most of your day? In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of running a business: time management. They share their personal experiences, favorite tools, and practical tips for managing tasks effectively. Whether you're a solo...

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive into two pressing issues facing business operators today: weather-related challenges and the complexities of marketing funds. The team discusses how unpredictable weather, particularly heavy rains in the Midwest, impacts boating businesses, sharing insights from a small boating shop in Oshkosh and their ow...

Welcome to the Get Up and Scale Podcast with hosts Kai Kaapro and Justin Buzzi. In this episode, we dive into the latest news in the tourism industry, with a primary focus on private equity's growing interest in franchising. We examine why franchising is less prevalent in tourism, discuss the potential for replication in various types of tours, and consider both the challenges and advantages of co...

In this episode, we dive into the story of Zoom Room, a dog training franchise that faced significant challenges early on. We explore their initial mistakes, such as picking wrong franchisees and growing without a plan, which led to a two-year moratorium on sales. With a new CEO, strategic improvements, and a focus on unit economics, the franchise rebounded, expanding from 10 to 45 locations. Sour...

In this episode of Get Up and Scale, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour sit down with Jonathan Breines, the business owner of Damn Good Beer Bus, to delve into the world of franchising. Jonathan, ready to franchise his thriving beer tour business, asks insightful questions about franchising strategies, market potential, and the importance of robust systems and processes.  Kai and J...

In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett sit down with Kelsey Tonner from Guest Focus, a tour business coaching practice that has helped over 2,000 tour operators from 75+ countries since 2015. Kelsey shares his journey from being a tour guide in the Canadian Rockies to becoming a renowned tour business coach. They delve into the secrets of creatin...

In this episode of the Get Up and Scale podcast, hosts Justin Buzzi, Kai Kaapro, and Brett sit down with Douglas Quinby, a key figure in the tourism industry and counterpart to Bruce from Arrival. Douglas brings a wealth of information as they delve deep into the dynamics of the tourism industry, including OTA (Online Travel Agency) trends, customer segmentation, and market strategies. They explor...

In this episode of the Get Up and Scale Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Brennen Bliss, CEO of Propellic, an SEO agency renowned for its expertise in the travel industry. Brennen has an impressive track record, starting with humble beginnings and growing into a leader in digital marketing. Join us as we delve into Brennen's journey and explore the latest trends and strategies in SEO and paid med...

In Episode 11 of the Get Up and Scale  Podcast , Kai and Justin welcome Chad Brodsky, founder of City Brew Tours and CBT Group. Chad started City Brew Tours back in 2008 and has since grown it into a thriving franchise business. Join us as we delve into Chad's journey, from starting a brewery tour in Burlington, Vermont, to expanding across multiple cities, and his recent foray into kid-focused sc...

In Episode 10 of the Get Up and Scale Podcast, Kai, Justin, and Brett dive deep into the current market conditions for tourism experience operators in 2024. They discuss their observations from the first half of the year and share actionable strategies to prepare for the future. Key topics include: Market Performance: Justin shares how his business has seen a remarkable 13.7% year-to-date growth d...

Join us on the Get Up And Scale podcast where hosts Kai Kaapro, Justin Buzzi, and Brett Ridenour dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Mike Petrakis, the Founder and CEO of Batch. Mike shares the story behind Batch, a groundbreaking platform that is revolutionizing the way groups plan and book unforgettable experiences. From launching in six new cities in Q1 2024 to creating seamless party plan...

In this electrifying episode of "Get Up and Scale," join us as we catch up with our good friend, Greg Fisher, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Tripshock and WaveRez. From his early days managing a hotel to steering two of the tourism industry's most impactful companies, Greg's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Dive deep into the story of how Tripshock revolutionized the Florida Panhandle's...

Join us on this episode of "Get Up and Scale" as we sit down with the eminent Bruce Rosard, a titan in the tourism and activity industry with over four decades of transformative contributions. With a career that spans the advent of the internet in travel to mentoring budding entrepreneurs through TechStars, Bruce shares his unparalleled insights into the evolution of tourism, the impact of technol...

In this episode of "Get Up and Scale," join us as we explore the multifaceted world of Kevin ONeil, a dynamic entrepreneur whose ventures span from the high seas of Florida's water sports scene to the digital domain of boater education. Kevin, the force behind Destiny Water Adventures and TakeMyBoatTest.com, shares his journey into the software as a service (SaaS) industry, specifically within the...