Small Business Spotlight: Founding Footsteps
About the Business
Founding Footsteps does not take an ordinary approach to sightseeing tours. The Philly based business combines corny jokes, interesting historical tidbits + a love for the city in order to provide travelers with a unique experience!
Image Courtesy of Founding Footsteps
From the Owner
Image Courtesy of Founding Footsteps
What is your name?
Tim McAleer, Founder + Tour Guide at Founding Footsteps Tours
Where is your business located?
Philadelphia, PA
What inspired you to start the business?
First and foremost, a love of Philadelphia. Secondly, the realization that most tour companies in Philly were offering a very similar, somewhat cookie-cutter experience. I wanted the ability to tell deep, interesting stories about the city I love while sprinkling in some humor and having fun along the way.
What about your business are you most proud of?
Being family owned + operated and trying to give back where we can to the community.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Every day is a new challenge. I get to meet people from all over the world and show them the Philadelphia that I love.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
We're one of three vehicular tour companies in the city and the other two are global which made it really difficult to get our name out there.
What do you think makes your business unique?
We're the only BYOB tour in the city and we're one of very few tour companies where the owner is the one actually giving the tours..
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
Entertaining, BYOB, Knowledgeable
Image Courtesy of Founding Footsteps
The Fun Stuff
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
Christ Church - it's a living breathing monument to history and I learn something new every time I go there.
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
Murphs Irish Grill is my favorite restaurant, and my favorite food is the Tuscan Fries from Paesano’s in Northern Liberties.
What is your favorite spot in the U.S to travel to and why?
Either Big Sur in California because it’s the most beautiful, peaceful place I know of, or New Orleans because of the opposite.
Which of the five senses do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
Sight, because you can get an idea of all the other senses through it.
Do you have a travel memory that is important to you?
My first road trip, which took me from the East Coast to the West Coast, introduced me to various cultures, ways of thinking + ultimately gave me the travel bug.
What would the name of your biography be?
Third Time’s the Charm: The Story of a Failed Teacher Turned Failed Comedian Turned Happy Comedic Teacher
What is your favorite 90s jam?
Basket Case - Green Day
Have any questions about Founding Footsteps Tours? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to learn more + book your own tour? Click below!
Image Courtesy of Founding Footsteps