A few years ago, segway city tours were an alien concept in Prague and Rome. Thanks to Jaroslav Endrst, tourists have a new and interesting way to discover these two beautiful cities. Jerry, as this cheerful person is popularly known as is the founder and manager of Segway Experience Prague and Segway Fun Rome that offer various guided city tours riding on the fun vehicle, segway.
Travelling has always been a passion for Jerry. Starting off as a tour guide, he worked for many travel companies during his University days. Jerry’s jovial nature, good knowledge of the city’s attractions and his remarkable narration capability made him a favorite. In between working as a tour guide, Jerry was also thinking of starting something of his own. Being an innovative thinker, he was hooked on to launch something new and unique. Attending a Microsoft event in Prague as a tour guide became the turning point in his life. He found the idea of initiating segway tours in Prague and so started Segway Experience Prague. Following the popularity of Segway Experience Prague, Jerry introduced segway city tours in Rome by starting Segway Fun Rome.
Today, Segway Experience Prague and Segway Fun Rome are most preferred by tourists when it comes to travelling around the city on a guided tour. All the tours are accompanied by polite, joyful and experienced guides who have great story telling talent.
Jaroslav Endrst’s vision of offering exclusive to the travelers is still consistent as he believes that there is no rest and no endpoint in the road to success.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
During my University days, I attended a Microsoft event in Prague as a tour guide. One of the tours was on segway. At that time, there were no segway tours in Prague and it clicked on my mind that why not introduce this new and fun way of exploring the city. So, I started Segway Experience Prague. Its success gave me inspiration to achieve higher. After 4 years, I launched Segway Fun Rome.
How do you make money?
I make money from the tourists taking segway tours from my company. Segway Experience Prague and Segway Fun Rome offer various guided segway tours across the city.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It took me around 1 year to establish a strong base in Prague and near about 3 years in Rome.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes. Since it was a completely new thing in Prague, I was really apprehensive. The first two months at the initial stage were not at all good and I was extremely anxious whether I will be able to clear my debts. But, I never lost faith and confidence in my decision to do something new and unique. I worked really hard and it paid off.
How did you get your first customer?
Initially, I went on the street personally to spread the word about http://www.segwayfun.eu/. Two girls from Belgium were the first to take my guided segway tour. They happen to be very good friends of mine.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
One is striking online presence. Another one is a professional sales team that communicates with clients impeccably.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My sharp focus on making no compromise on quality and giving strong motivation to my team to offer highest quality service.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Nothing is more gratifying for me when I see great rapport in my team.
What are your future marketing strategies?
Since internet is becoming the most important field of marketing, I would like to focus on our digital marketing wing more than ever.
What business books have inspired you?
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt is one my favourite books.
What is your message for young entrepreneurs?
Never stop yourself from thinking unique and materializing new ideas. Give the best you can and leave the rest to the destiny.