Steven “Stevie” Garcia, the founder and CEO of Empire Tours and Productions, is a true testament to the power of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. From humble beginnings to becoming a seven-figure success, Steven’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Over the years, Stevie has made personal sacrifices to create a brighter future for his family and worked tirelessly in pursuit of success in the highly competitive production experiences and sightseeing industry.
Stevie’s path to success began with his early exposure to the hospitality industry, working as a young teenager and throughout his college years. After graduating from the University of New Orleans with a degree in history, Steven’s passion for the subject led him to Taiwan, where he discovered his love for leading historical tours. This experience sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, laying the foundation for what would later become Empire Tours and Productions.
Upon returning to New Orleans to care for his son, who has autism, Stevie recognized the need to generate substantial income to support his child’s specialized care. Faced with limited options, he embarked on the challenging journey of starting his own tour company. Stevie worked tirelessly for a decade, often earning only a hundred dollars a week, and dedicated himself to scaling his business and achieving financial stability.
“I was looking at that situation when I was around 26, and I thought about what career I could get into to pay for my child’s help and still maintain a life together,” Stevie explains. “I realized that the only way someone like me stands a chance is by starting a business.”
The road to success was not without sacrifices for Garcia. As a father of a child with autism, he confronted the immense financial challenges associated with providing proper care. Steven highlights the disparity in available resources, where those with more financial means can access significantly more support for their children.
“If you’re on Medicaid, you get about six hours of therapy a month from the government. But if you have $150,000 a year to spend, it’s a different story,” Stevie says. “If you have that amount sitting around, you can get 60 hours a week of therapy. It’s one of those things that’s really unfair.”
In his quest to provide his family with a better future, Stevie ended up missing out on some truly precious moments with his sons. His work demanded so much of his time that he had to be away for long stretches. He was determined to build a thriving business while still fulfilling his role as a father. It wasn’t easy, but his love for his family and his drive to succeed pushed him forward.
“The biggest sacrifice was my kids,” Stevie says. “During that time, I missed my eldest son’s childhood. He’s autistic but wasn’t self-aware, so he didn’t notice when I was away. But my younger son would scream, cry, and chase me out the door.”
Stevie admits that working all the time took a toll on him both mentally and physically. His lifestyle consisted of constantly eating out, entertaining, and drinking. However, Stevie has recently been making some changes health-wise.
“In the past two years, I’ve lost around 40 pounds,” Steven says. “I’m trying to exercise and make positive changes.”
When Stevie reflects on his early days as a business owner, he’s open about his mistakes, acknowledging a previous lack of respect for authority. However, a turning point in his journey came when he embraced the concept of servant leadership, focusing on caring for and supporting his employees.
“This aligned with the rise of the millennial and Gen Z generations who value these qualities in the workplace,” Garcia says. “It was beneficial for me as I learned how to retain high-quality employees who cared about both me and the company.”
Stevie emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude in both personal and professional life. Through daily reflections and expressions of appreciation, he recognizes the blessings and opportunities that have come his way. This mindset has allowed him to navigate the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the hospitality industry with resilience and optimism.
Looking to the future, Stevie Garcia has ambitious plans for Empire Tours and Productions. While the company currently has locations in Chicago, New York City, Charleston, New Orleans, Wisconsin and the Ohio River Valley, he envisions expanding the business to new areas, such as the Caribbean and Europe, focusing on high-end productions and unique experiences. Additionally, he plans to establish a foothold in major English-speaking cities like London, tapping into the vast tourism opportunities present in those markets.
While Stevie’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by hard work and dedication, he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement with his family in the coming years. With his sights set on building a home in the Caribbean, he envisions a tranquil life away, surrounded by the natural beauty that inspires him.
“I’m preparing to move in July and build our dream house in the Caribbean,” he says. “We plan to retire there and leave the hustle and bustle behind.”
From his modest beginnings to the creation of Empire Tours and Productions, Steven’s unwavering commitment to his family and relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled him to great heights. Stevie’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding us that with hard work, resilience, and a passion for what we do, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams.
