Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyson Wharton.
Hi Tyson, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sioux Empire Travel started as a need for my community. My wife was a Travel advisor, and we thought the process could be done better in my area. We started Sioux Empire Travel as a community-focused business, helping anyone in the community with travel questions, concerns, and help. We are here to serve the community vs. “selling travel.” In the Midwest, people still care about talking to someone they know and trust, who will have their back while traveling from home. Five years later, we have been voted Sioux Falls Local Best 2 years in a row and won several awards for our community outreach and professionalism. At all times, we try to be your friendly neighborhood travel agency.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to owning a small business is not paved. It can be a rocky, unexpected journey, and then add a worldwide pandemic on top of that! But I thrive on challenges and pivot when necessary, but we stay the course of our mission, be invested in your client’s trip, and serve their interests. Another struggle we had early on was being asked, “Why do I still need a travel advisor? I have the internet.” I feel like I wasn’t taken seriously at the start by the SBA and other small business “help” in the area. So I leaned on other like-minded small business owners to learn and grow. After covid, I haven’t had that questions asked to me since. Other challenges are the same as any other small business owner: trusting others, finding good help, getting our name out there with no ad budget, and setting up the structures I would need for the long run. It’s still a work in progress every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sioux Empire Travel. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Sioux Empire Travel is a one-stop shop for your travel needs, founded on community and Midwestern service & values. We provide our clients with experienced concierge travel assistance via email, phone, and by appointment. We believe planning your perfect vacation should be stress-free and easy every time. Everyone at Sioux Empire Travel is invested in your experience. We provide a value you cannot get with other booking companies and online engines by providing low travel planning fees with unmatched service. Plus, we have your back in any emergency with our pre-departure education and 24/7 emergency assistance until you return home. We offer customized services to meet your needs and budget. By utilizing our vast and exclusive preferred travel partners, along with our local business relationships, we can offer our clients more for their vacations.
In 5 short years, we have had the honor of being awarded:
2018 Travel Quest Community All-Star Award
2021 Travel Quest Network Monarch Agency Award
2021 – 2022 Sioux Falls Local Best Travel Agency
2022 – Travel Quest Network Monarch Agency Award
2022 – 2023 Sioux Falls Local Best Travel Agency
Sioux Empire Travel is a locally grown; a small business focused on our clients and our community. We give back as much as possible and support our local non-profits and small businesses.
What would you say has been one of your most important lessons?
NETWORK ~ Nobody can succeed by themselves. I have learned to be a successful business owner, you need to get out there and meet people, join organizations in your community, and get involved with business & non-profit boards and organizations. Also, not all “experts” know everything. No small business is alike, and nobody knows your vision in your head. If you have a clear vision of what you want, go for it, even if people around you don’t understand or get it. Because if you succeed, they will.
Contact Info:
- Website: siouxempiretravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siouxempiretravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxEmpireTravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQjp-Oz18Z0nx6mN8fSwMyA
