Tips For Starting a Storm Tour Company

[Joey Ketcham]

Definitely not. Just a general observation.

Can I ask what your definition of a "newbe" is?

It's actually "newbie", not newbe.

Newbie is a slang term for a newcomer to an Internet activity, for example online gaming. It can also be used to indicate an individual inexperienced in any other activity. It can have derogatory connotations, but is also often used for descriptive purposes only, without a value judgment.

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

I wasn't necessarily talking about you specifically Justin, just in general would like people to try to be respectful - especially to those who are offering advice

 

[Lanny Dean]

I'm sorry for my general observation. I guess I haven't earned enough respect to disrespect people around here yet.

Short answer: no you have not.

 

[MatthewCarman]

I think one would have to have a few succesfull tours before he/she becomes wellknown. All storm chasing company's have to start somewhere. Just my oppinion.

 

[Justin Wiley]

It's actually "newbie", not newbe.

Newbie is a slang term for a newcomer to an Internet activity, for example online gaming. It can also be used to indicate an individual inexperienced in any other activity. It can have derogatory connotations, but is also often used for descriptive purposes only, without a value judgment.

I'm aware of the spelling and definition. I was asking for Lanny's definition. I wasn't the one who spelled it "newbe". But thanks anyways Mr. Wiki, haha.

I wasn't necessarily talking about you specifically Justin, just in general would like people to try to be respectful - especially to those who are offering advice

Gotcha Jeremy and I understand totally. Good luck and I wish you much success.

Short answer: no you have not.

You're a lot meaner on here compared to the times I saw you on KAKE and TWC.

 

[Joey Ketcham]

You're a lot meaner on here compared to the times I saw you on KAKE and TWC.

I don't think Lanny is being mean at all, he's just being honest and telling it at is it which is a quality that I admire in people.

 

[MatthewCarman]

I don't think Lanny is being mean at all, he's just being honest and telling it at is it which is a quality that I admire in people.

Maybe Lanny did not mean to sound rude but he came off that way to some. We should get back to the topic now before this thread becomes more heated.

 

[Jeremy Den Hartog]

Maybe Lanny did not mean to sound rude but he came off that way to some. We should get back to the topic now before this thread becomes more heated.

Agreed...

Anyhow, since so many have offered advice here I feel its only fair to share one of the 'outside of the box' ideas that I have been considering (I actually sent something similar to this by PM to another member here and requested they not share it with anyone - but what the heck)...

Basically what I was thinking was that there should be some kind of compensation for not seeing a tornado during a paid tour to try to help keep customers happy (this could even be broken down day by day on a smaller scale). In this example, each customer would have their name entered into a drawing...at the end of the tour if no tornado is seen, a name is drawn and that person wins a prize of some kind. Or instead of a drawing and a prize, a refund of 'x' amount of $$$ could be given to each customer. Of course, the problem with doing this is the expense. Just an idea though and there are a lot of different variations one could put on this. The point is to try to keep customers happy, make the tour fun and to lessen the disappointment if a tornado is not seen. From what I've read anyway, If you leave a good impression with a customer, the more likely it is that customer will recommend you to someone they know and NOTHING beats word-of-mouth advertising

 

[David Wolfson]

Clients don't or shouldn't be led to expect they'll see a tornado every time. Deliver severe storms during a bad pattern and an interesting trip. They'll be pleased enough. But what might be an idea along those lines IMO is to offer the clients a substantial discount toward another tour.

 

[Brian Barnes]

Agreed...
Basically what I was thinking was that there should be some kind of compensation for not seeing a tornado during a paid tour to try to help keep customers happy (this could even be broken down day by day on a smaller scale). In this example, each customer would have their name entered into a drawing...at the end of the tour if no tornado is seen, a name is drawn and that person wins a prize of some kind.

If I were to go on a photography tour of Africa (for example) and the brochures mentioned Lions, that doesn't mean that I'm guaranteed to see a lion - it's just part of the possibilities of things I might encounter while on my tour, but if I don't see one and I'm not going to attack the company for a refund over it.

I think the first question you need to think about is why YOU chase. Is it just to see tornadoes? Is that what you think chasing is all about? Or, do you chase because you love the total experience? I think (my opinion) the definition of a great storm chaser is a person who loves the bust just as much as the wedge - because it's a valuable learning experience either way. That might be stretching it a bit, but you know what I'm trying to say...

Everyone wants to take home the tornado trophy at the end of the day, but neither myself nor my customers (or in my opinion, any respected chaser) is strictly out there for tornadoes - "my" opinion - it's the wrong reason to be chasing. And, I'm not a "structure" guy - I want to see tornadoes, but if it ever comes down to when I ask myself why I'm out there and my answer is "just to see tornadoes", then its time for me to walk away from it.

I try really hard to help my customers understand storm chasing as a discipline and practice - for the beauty of the storm and the experience of the chase in itself. Sometimes that experience means a pattern that doesn't see it the way we want it. Sometimes that experience is a forecast that doesn't validated exactly as expected. But - that's the experience.

That's all the advice I'm going to give. I'm a nice guy (usually) I've never walked away from anyone who wanted to say hello while chasing and I respect the majority of other tour operators who I've known for many years, but if you want to be a competitor in this game, I wouldn't expect me or anyone else to make it easy for you - this is very unique and challenging market to be in.

There's always room for one more however, so don't let anyone discourage you (not even me). Jump in, spend your money and make it happen. If you're a people person and you're good, you'll survive - it's almost a rule of nature. If not, then you had the experience and you lost - so what? I think you're wasting your own time though by asking for advice on this topic on ST. You might try however going to the SBA and asking for a business mentor.

Good grief, did I miss anything? lol.

 

[Lanny Dean]

You're a lot meaner on here compared to the times I saw you on KAKE and TWC.

I don't think Lanny is being mean at all, he's just being honest and telling it at is it which is a quality that I admire in people.

Not quite sure how to address this one and to be honest, I do not feel like I have to. But for for the betterment of this thread (and because I have had a few glasses of wine) I am going to try.

Justin,
Joey's post is dead on....I was not being mean. I just call things as how I see them. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you the same. I make no real effort to be politically correct or "nice"... I do not feel I need to. To me, it is a waste of time and IMO can create more problems than being up front and honest. Of course, my views do not necessarily represent my company or those who may or may not be affiliated with it or with me. That said, right, wrong or indifferent I do call things as I see them. No matter what the situation is...that's just who I am. And unless I feel wrong, I will make no apologies for it. I do not believe in pussyfooting around to make someone else feel better about themselves. This includes you.
As you might imagine, I have taken much heat from the chase community over the years for the way I am, some have belittled me, some have hated me, some have even cursed me, but...most do respect me or respect what I have done.
You mentioned my time at KAKE and TWC, and my response to that is:
what you see is what you get. I am no different "on air" or in person than I am while in this forum.
As far as the "Newbie" comment, I believe Joey gave a wonderful definition and I do not understand why you needed mine, therefore; I do not feel as though I need to address this one other than to say that IMO, I do not think that newbie's should be allowed to post in the advanced forum for obvious reasons. This also includes you. Again, I am not being mean it's just my opinion.

In getting back on the reason for this thread, apparently some felt as though I should give a detailed outline on the in's and out's of the tour business. I would love for those same people to take the time and ask Roger or Dean or Charles or Brian and see what kind of answer they might give.
I think you will find that you will get the same basic answer. It certainly won't be in a public forum as I have put it but, you will no doubt get the same reply.
Over the last 19 years, I have worked very hard to get where I am at today and in IMO that's the key...hard work.
As I have already said, (before and after the Newbie decided I was wrong) THE BUSINESS IS THERE. You just have to go get it. Jeremy, if it is something you want, try it. Do not let anyone tell you that you can't or it will not work.
And by all means get to know other tour companies. This may help you in the future.
Example: I have a friend that also runs a tour company, and while there is no doubt competition between us, I have sent possible guests his way and he has done the same for me. While we do not put this in public light it boils down to a respect issue.

There is your answer...thats all the advice I am going to give.

 

[Stuart Wilson]

Hi Jeremy

I wanted to post in you thread when I fist saw it but I have to say I was quite taken aback and put off by the first page or so.

My comments are from the perspective of a tour customer (from the UK). I took my only tour in 2008 which I booked in the Autumn of 2007. Obviously the main concern, to begin with, was to find a short list of 3 (or so) possible tour companies. As I was booking early there was no issue with full tours at that time. Basically I took the opportunity to obtain personal recommendations and to that end the weather forum I frequent here was invaluable. I figured if I could find people who had toured or worked for those companies (above and beyond the tour company website), and there was a low 'complaint' rate then I was reasonably happy to consider tat company. For me, I chose a company that toured for 14 days, rather than the customary 10 or 7. Two resaons for this:- Better chance of seeing severe weather and also travelling so far means better to spend more days chasing.

I think you also want to consider what sort of tour you are offering people - Are you just going to taxi your customers from a motel to the target and then out again? Or are you going to try and be more interactive - ie explain the target selections (days out and then on the day), explain the use of radar and satellite images? I say this because that was the only aspect of the tour I took that was lacking (for me).

 

[Andrew Stoller]

IMO, storm chase tours are the epitome of a niche business, and it's all about the people who operate them. A fancy website or an AM General Hummer aren't going to transform your operation into Silver Lining Tours!

The vast majority of people who pay for a chase tour will do their homework and go with the group that has decades of experience and a proven track record.

It doesn't take long to find reviews and testimonials from the big names - Roger Hill, Charles Edwards, Lanny Dean, Dean Cosgrove, Reed Timmer. I think if you're going to fork over a few thousand bucks, you're going to go with these folks.

Anyone can get to that level though, but it takes time, a ton of hard work, documented and publicized success, but it also takes camaraderie.

If you have the time, desire, THE MONEY, and the drive, go for it!

 

[Steve Worthington]

Lanny
would God Complex Syndrome be a safe bet? J/K

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

Reed Timmer

I didn't even realize Reed had a tour company. I think you'd have to pay me to tag along with Reed -- not because he's not incredibly talented (he obviously is), but because I have this idea that at some point in the tour we'd be orbiting a wedge at 3,000 feet and Reed would look in the rearview mirror with big eyes and scream:

YOU GETTING YOUR MONEY'S WORTH BACK THERE?!!! YEAAARRRRGHHHHHHH!!!!!!