I launched a walking tour company with $3,600. Now it's replaced my full-time job
Paul Whitten, 37, founded Nashville Adventures after testing his idea on Craigslist. He formed the company in September 2023 and began with weekend tours the following November, initially offering them without charge.
He kept his Amazon operations job while building the business, then resigned in February 2024, when the company became his main work. He says his new venture now earns more than his former technology-sector salary.
Whitten says his ability to connect people from different backgrounds helped him see a business opportunity. His earlier experience included Army service, the Peace Corps, and volunteering as a museum tour guide while recovering from injuries.
He says he put $3,600 into starting the company, with much of that amount spent securing its web address. The account describes how he moved from a corporate role to full-time self-employment; it does not give further plans for the business.
Key points
- Whitten founded Nashville Adventures in 2023 and tested the idea before leaving Amazon.
- He began running tours on weekends before making the business his full-time job in February 2024.
- He says the venture now pays more than his former Big Tech role.