Meet Jhon J Garcia | Anthropologist, Artist, Entrepreneur.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jhon J Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jhon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As any other person, I am the result of internal processes as well as outside factors beyond my control. I never imagined I’d own a business but rather pursued the idea to apply my skills, time, and dedication to a company where I could grow personally and professionally. So after getting my Bachelors degree in Anthropology that is exactly what I did. Then the recession of 2008-2010 happened, I was laid off, and I found myself needing to reinvent my professional life. So I can say my thought process behind starting a business was to find some degree of independence while trying to find something I loved and was good at.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Tons Of Fun Tours offers highly specialized private Jeep Tours in South Florida. We also cater to corporate groups and include boat tours in the Miami Area.
The company was the first to think of a private fun format for tours, so that set us apart for a while, but with growing competition it is the quality of the tours we offer that truly sets us apart. We’re proud of essentially a flawless record after hundreds of tours, the passion we have transferred about South Florida unto countless visitors, and we’re excited to continue to be an outlet for Miami’s potential as a city. We really are passionate about our region.

It definitely takes a LOT of work for a small business to thrive. So it feels like you can only get there with passion, and love for what you’re offering. We spent years building sales channels, establishing a reputation, and perfecting the science of providing fun, safe, and meaningful experiences. Of course life throws unexpected things at you so after the pandemic it feels like we are starting again. That was definitely the biggest challenge so far. I couldn’t say all challenges have been overcome but you obviously spend lots of time restructuring, cutting down costs, and treating every client/sale, like a diamond.

Through this long process I’ve learned that businesses have multiple layers upon which they function. And individuals have different strengths to help build those layers. An important lesson for me has been to recognize what strengths I bring to the business and when it is appropriate to look for talent and ideas elsewhere.

Having said all of that I would like anyone who is curious about the many facets of Miami and South Florida to know that we are very passionate about sharing all the info and knowledge we have with them. I want any potential client to know they’ll be greeted with a smile from genuine folks that are willing to go the extra mile to meet their demands. A tour with us is more like a journey through places, time, culture, and nature. And at the end it always feels like you’ve met a new friend.
That’s how we present Miami to the world, and believe me people bring lots of ideas about what Miami is or is not. We provide very meaningful context, and surprise our guests with the sights and info we present.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Woao. I would definitely want to convey how much contrast there is in the area. As well as the amazing renaissance the region has undergone through the last 30 or so years.

So I would absolutely include visits to our National Parks. The Everglades of course would be in that list, some of the coolest people are out there, indigenous folks who have a deep connection with Everglades as well as the descendants of early pioneers who developed a wonderful culture.

Then I’d emphasize the contrast by visiting sites which are completely different such as Wynwood. I was once a young art student with a warehouse in the area so I have a very personal connection to it.

I’ve also developed a deep passion for all our water, so a visit to the bay would be on the list, going up the Oleta River, a cold drink and a snack at the Blue Marlin Fish House, touring beautiful homes along the bay as well as all those little islands that make it such a unique body of water.

There’s also the immense amount of culture we have, so a visit to the New World Symphony would be on the list as well as the many museums, from Eclectic ones like the Paradox, to the more world class Perez or Frost.

I also enjoy sharing South Miami and those communities that people are not really aware of such as Pinecrest, Gables by the Sea, Coconut Grove and many others. Whether biking, kayaking, boating, or cruising around I’d make sure they see Key Biscayne as well. Such a idillic otherworldly place when you drive from Brickell with all its high rises. Seeing a portion of the keys would be wonderful and visiting one of the many rooftop bars would be included as well. All in all I feel my friends would want to come back for more.
Specially considering the food. Garcia’s Seafood Market is definitely a favorite for a genuinely fresh meal, there would be lots of Peruvian restaurant visits as well. I particularly think we have a great food scene here. And finally, if they had the energy at night I would want to share our music scene. I have always been active in that area so to meet local bands, artists, and visit the many venues we have from Lagniappe to multiple breweries would be on the list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, my entire family including my two daughters are a huge source of inspiration for me but to be more specific my Shoutout goes to one of my professors who eventually became a very good friend. He was the person that introduced me to the Everglades and a lot of the reputation Tons Of Fun Tours has developed through the years comes from the Experiences we offer in the Everglades. His name is Scott Sherouse and he’s witnessed all my efforts and growth through the years. Plus he has always been supportive of my initiatives.

Website: Tonsoffuntours.com

Instagram: @tonsoffuntours

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Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34438-d4459015-Reviews-Tons_of_Fun_Tours_and_Rentals-Miami_Florida.html