Today we’d like to introduce you to J.R. Shaw.
J.R., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Galveston and along Galveston Bay and have always been interested in the history of the area. I have also been engaged in outdoor activities all of my life. When my wife and I moved back to Galveston from Houston in 2018, I found myself running through the beautiful historic districts of Galveston and would often stop when I saw tourists reading historical markers and give them some more in-depth history about the area. After a year of watching tours pass by our loft on the Strand, I decided to start my own tour. As I was developing the tour, I stumbled upon a few Instagram accounts of running tour companies across the globe. I fell in love with the idea and started Galveston Running Tours in 2019. Galveston Running Tours is a 5k guided run through Galveston’s historic downtown area and the East End Historic District. There are approximately 20 locations where we stop, and I tell you all about the history and cultural significance of the area/subject/building/person in history related to the location. The tour takes about 1.5 hours.
Throughout 2020, people were desperate for outdoor activities that were family-friendly and active. Galveston Running Tours took off, and I started booking groups almost every weekend. I fell in love with sharing the history of this island and found so much joy in changing the perspectives of people who had no idea Galveston was anything more than a beach town with water that usually isn’t blue. In 2021, after nearly 2 years of giving in-person tours, I decided to expand and digitize the tour. I created an audio tour available to everyone for free called Galveston Unscripted, which is available for free on Galvestonunscripted.com and every major podcast platform. Today, Galveston Running Tours has evolved to running and walking tours under the Galveston Unscripted “umbrella.” Along with the frequent in-person tour, the audio tour can be done by running, walking, driving, or from 1,000 miles away. I have been able to pursue my passion for providing active, engaging history tours with Galveston Running Tours; I am able to pursue my true calling, which is to preserve and promote accurate history with the Galveston Unscripted Podcast and Audio Tour, which has achieved hundreds of thousands of downloads.
Last year, I decided to quit my job and take on podcasting, social media, and historic preservation through media as my full-time career. Without Galveston Running Tours, none of this would have come to fruition.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First, very few in this area of Texas have seen or heard of a running tour, considering most areas of Texas are expansive, and you need a vehicle to really see the sights. Luckily Galveston is relatively easy to navigate on foot. Promoting through social media and local word of mouth was key, which is a challenge in itself. I have never had training as a tour guide, I had to learn how to lead groups and make sure everyone was happy along the way. Building a tour booking system that works for me was and still is the hardest part, considering giving tours is not my only endeavor. Hiring the right people is insanely tough.
To be honest, when you create something new or novel and can only provide the service yourself, you don’t want to overload yourself, so this tour has grown and evolved at a pace that I am very pleased with.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started working in the maritime industry in 2012 and left the industry in 2022. I worked in various positions, from a Superintendent of port operations to a Sales and Account Manager for a large company, a well-known port operator.
I cannot sit still. I have always had a few things going on at once, like dabbling in photography, e-commerce, and helping other people start small businesses.
When I started Galveston Running Tours and Galveston Unscripted, I finally dove head first into a passion and began putting all my past experience to work for myself.
Today, I am most known for Galveston Unscripted Podcast and Audio Tour that stemmed from Galveston Running Tours. I devote my days to creating podcasts, researching history, and consulting with museums, nonprofits, universities, and historical sites across the country to build audio guides and/or podcasts.
I am most proud of myself for taking a leap into business ownership and entrepreneurship, as it can be full of unknowns, and you never know how it will turn out. I am running into the unknown which is exciting.
I am set apart from others as I am not afraid to experiment with new practices in the real world or online. I have a knack for conversation and developing relationships which truly has helped me throughout my entire life. I strive to provide as much value as possible and an elevated experience to my customers, listeners, and anyone I am speaking with.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is building something that lives beyond my physical self and being able to pivot on a moment’s notice. When people write books, they preserve their knowledge and legacy in some way. I want to continue creating things that live beyond my physical self like an experience, positive influence, or provide education and knowledge while I’m not around. Never stop teaching. Never stop learning. A person or business being able to pivot on a moment’s notice is the most important skill someone can have in this century. Evolving and changing tactics are essential in the digital age. With technological innovations like A.I. and a constant stream of information from social media and the ever-expanding internet, this morning’s plan will be outdated by dinner time. I once heard the quote “adapt or die,” and I think is becoming more and more relevant in business every day.
Pricing:
- Running and Walking Tour $35 per person
- Galveston Unscripted Audio Tour Free
Contact Info:
- Website: Galvestonunscripted.com
- Instagram: galvestonunscripted
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galvestonunscripted
- Twitter: @galvunscripted
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@galvestonunscripted
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/218JxEbia0edP5FODKqiRW?si=e5e40fcbcb274d7e
Image Credits
Lisa Shaw
J.R. Shaw
