🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast – Episode 54: "Military Trained. Mission: Protect Your Child."
Host: Jeff Hopeck
Guest: John Nelson
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 54 of the Interesting Humans Podcast, host Jeff Hopeck engages in a profound conversation with John Nelson, a decorated military veteran and the founder of Sun Tours, an educational tour company specializing in high school trips. Drawing from his extensive military background and entrepreneurial journey, John shares invaluable insights into leadership, safety, and the importance of trust within his business operations.
John Nelson's Early Life and Military Career
Early Life and Motivation for Joining the Military
John Nelson hails from a close-knit Irish Catholic family in Clinton, Iowa. As the eldest of six siblings, John's upbringing instilled in him a sense of responsibility and discipline. His father's service in the Korean War significantly influenced his decision to join the military. Reflecting on his early motivations, John recounts:
"I had two brothers, three sisters. I'm the oldest... I talked to my father about his time in the military. He was in the army as well." [02:46]
Military Training and Service
Determined to serve, John enlisted in the Army alongside his brother Jim and best friend Denny Lemke in late 1982. They underwent rigorous training at Fort Benning, including jump school, eventually becoming part of the elite 82nd Airborne Division. John describes the camaraderie and trust developed during this period:
"We built this trust that we had each other's backs, we had each other's sixes. We knew that we were safer together than alone." [11:52]
He highlights the challenges of airborne training, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparedness:
"The hardest thing for me was the first and second jumps. The parachute opening and the landing was exhilarating once the fear subsided." [08:20]
John's service spanned from 1982 to 1987, during the Reagan era, with deployments in various countries including Italy, Germany, and Turkey for NATO exercises. This international exposure laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in international relations and business.
Transition from Military to Civilian Life
Challenges and Support Systems
Upon his honorable discharge in September 1987, John faced the daunting task of transitioning to civilian life. The abrupt shift from military discipline to everyday freedom was challenging, but strong support from family, particularly his wife Dana, facilitated a smoother adjustment.
Education and Career Moves
John pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he majored in International Relations with a focus on Russian and Eastern European studies. His academic journey was influenced by his wife's career with the CIA in Geneva, Switzerland. John furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from a business school in Lausanne, Switzerland, graduating in 1992. His time in Europe enriched his understanding of international dynamics, particularly during the post-Cold War era.
Founding Sun Tours
Early Days and First Clients
In 1993, shortly after the birth of his daughter Sarah, John founded Sun Tours. Starting from his home, he meticulously built the company's database and secured its first client, Vianne Schmidt of Knightstown Middle School in Indiana. John reminisces:
"I was holding my baby girl in one hand and answering calls in the other, hoping she wouldn't cry. It all worked out." [35:17]
Business Philosophy: Quality over Quantity
John was deeply influenced by Michael Porter's principles from his graduate studies, particularly the quality-quantity curve, which advocates for focusing on either quality or quantity to avoid mediocrity. He opted for quality, ensuring each tour was meticulously planned and executed without compromising safety or personalized attention.
"I decided right away I wanted to do quality, so I wanted to run a lean and mean company." [42:27]
Building a Trustworthy Team
Leveraging his military background, John assembled a team of former government and military personnel who shared his commitment to safety and trust. He emphasizes the importance of hiring based on attitude and aptitude, avoiding micromanagement, and fostering a culture of mutual support:
"I have a security foundation from the 82nd Airborne. Veterans understand safety and security like no one else." [39:35]
Stories Highlighting Sun Tours' Approach
Snowstorm in Newark
In March, during a winter storm that stranded groups in Newark, New Jersey, Sun Tours exemplified their dedication to safety and care. John narrates how the company ensured the well-being of stranded students by covering hotel expenses and arranging alternative transportation:
"We paid for everything out of our pocket—hotel rooms, three meals a day, dry cleaning. The safety and security of those people were paramount." [47:10]
Boston Marathon Bombing
During the Boston Marathon bombing, a group on tour experienced the chaos firsthand. Dana, serving as the lead, swiftly implemented safety protocols, communicated with parents and schools, and adjusted itineraries to ensure the group's safety. John reflects on the company's commitment:
"Make it happen no matter what. Don't worry about anything else but the safety and security of those people." [46:53]
These incidents underscore Sun Tours' unwavering focus on prioritizing student safety over logistical or financial concerns.
Personal Insights and Lifestyle
Favorite Historical Periods
John has a profound appreciation for the Italian Renaissance and the Dutch Renaissance, particularly admiring artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Vermeer for their mastery of chiaroscuro. He also delves into ancient history, expressing fascination with the Punic Wars and the dynamics between Carthage and Rome.
Health and Fitness Routine
Maintaining peak physical condition is a cornerstone of John's lifestyle, a habit ingrained from his military days. At 61, he emphasizes a disciplined routine comprising:
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Diet: Predominantly natural foods with a focus on high protein intake. He subscribes to Gary Brecka's amino acid protocols, consuming pure aminos and avoiding processed foods.
"80% of it is what you eat. I went back to the naturals." [75:37]
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Exercise: Daily workouts five to six days a week, starting early in the morning with a consistent sleep schedule.
"I usually get up between 3 and 3:30 in the morning and read, then go to the gym by five." [77:04]
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Balance: While he strictly adheres to a healthy regimen, John allows occasional indulgences, such as enjoying a slice of Tombstone pizza once a week.
"I do give myself a break. I always give myself at least one meal a week that I can go nuts." [76:55]
Unique Aspects of Sun Tours
Safety and Trust
Sun Tours distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to safety, a value deeply rooted in John's military background. Every team member is trained to handle emergencies, ensuring that student groups are always in capable hands. The company's structure allows for seamless operations even if a team member is unavailable:
"If someone's out of the office, another person can take over. We have operations, sales, administration—all covered." [45:22]
Customer Focus
Rejecting a mass-market approach, Sun Tours opts for personalized and high-quality experiences. They cater to groups ranging from 25 to 800 without compromising on the individualized attention each group deserves. This adherence to quality over quantity has fostered trust and long-term relationships with clients.
"I'd rather go for high quality and have less quantity than run it like a cattle truck company." [52:57]
Conclusion and Takeaways
In this enlightening episode, John Nelson exemplifies how military discipline and values can translate into successful civilian enterprises. His dedication to safety, quality, and trust not only drives Sun Tours' success but also ensures enriching and secure experiences for countless students. John's personal anecdotes and strategic insights offer listeners a compelling blueprint for leadership and entrepreneurship grounded in integrity and excellence.
"Make it happen no matter what. Don't worry about anything else but the safety and security of those people." [46:53]
Listeners are left inspired by John's journey from the 82nd Airborne to building a trusted educational tour company, highlighting the profound impact of leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to core values.
Notable Quotes:
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Jeff Hopeck:
"You've stood on a wall. You've done things for this country that are just incredible." [00:00] -
John Nelson:
"We built this trust that we had each other's backs, we had each other's sixes. We knew that we were safer together than alone." [11:52]
"Make it happen no matter what. Don't worry about anything else but the safety and security of those people." [46:53]
End of Summary