Small Business Spotlight: Walk the Burgh
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Get to know the Steel City as you explore the magnificent downtown and learn the rich history that Pittsburgh has to offer. Interested in moving your tour a little faster? Be sure to check out their other touring company, Bike the Burgh Tours!
Image courtesy of Walk the Burgh Tours
FROM THE BUSINESS
Image courtesy of Walk the Burgh Tours
What is your name?
Valentina Scholar
Where is your business located?
1049 Penn Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What inspired you to start the business?
When moving to Pittsburgh 5 years ago to marry who is now my husband, I discovered all these magnificent buildings and fascinating bits of history. That's when my desire to share them kicked in. I had started my bike tour business (Bike the Burgh Tours) the year before, soon after that I realized that not everyone feels comfortable on a bike. So I decided to make my knowledge also accessible to non-cyclists.
What about your business are you most proud of?
The high quality and in depth information we provide without getting boring. We have great narratives where at the end of the tour all the puzzle pieces are put together. That's our strength!
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I enjoy the most the fact that every day is different. I also really like working with the people I selected, and trying to be a good team leader.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
Rising competition which copy my concepts.
What do you think makes your business unique?
Excellent customer service. We make sure that every customer knows that he/she is getting appreciated. We also try to accommodate everyone who wants a tour. And every single phone call is being returned!
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
historical - excellent - enthusiastic
THE FUN STUFF
Image courtesy of Walk the Burgh Tours
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
The Omni William Penn Hotel, the oldest still operating hotel in town (103 years old)
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
Gaucho: Fantastic food + service for great value
What is your favorite spot in the US to travel to and why?
New York City. No other city is so colorful, has literally everything to offer you can possibly imagine, and gives you so much energy and so many new ideas. Maybe also because I met the love of my life there!
Which of the five sense do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
I am a very visual person (although my eyes are not even that good :-). I always look up!
Do you have a travel memory that is important to you?
Getting to see the sunrise while walking along the ocean cliffs, past these gorgeous mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. I will never forget that natural and man-made beauty.
What would the name of your biography be?
For the Love of History
What is your favorite 90s jam?
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Image courtesy of Walk the Burgh Tours