How The Groove Cruise Started: Jason Beukema - The Groove Cruise/Whet Travel
Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond The Story with your host, Sebastian Rusk! In this episode, Sebastian reconnects with his longtime friend, Jason Beukema, who shares his remarkable journey to success. Starting with a casual cruise with friends, Jason built Groove Cruise into a 20-year-old thriving business. Sebastian also shares his travel company's success and charity-side called Destination Donation. They discuss the mental health aspect of their programming and seek to provide a supportive space for mental health, including suicide prevention courses. It's an eye-opening conversation about getting out of one's comfort zone and surrounding oneself with those striving for success, bringing joy, and impacting positively. With their insightful and valuable advice, be ready to level up in life and be sure to check out Beyond The Story now!
Timestamps
[00:00:05] Serendipitous Meeting: Sebastian and Host's Backstory
[00:03:38] Long-lasting Friendship and the Origin of Groove Cruise
[00:06:17] From Entrepreneurship to Building a Successful Travel Company
[00:09:24] Experiential Travel Business and Charity Foundation
[00:12:47] Preventing Suicide: Importance of Mental Health Programs
[00:15:50] Overcoming fear and bringing joy through comedy
[00:18:53] The Value of Continuous Learning and Growth
[00:21:57] Redefining Wealth and Celebrating Friendship
[00:24:54] Reluctantly Attending a Popular Event
Best Quotes
[00:00:31] That bow tie has since been retired. Good. It's so uncomfortable
[00:03:32] I've never had that type of, you know, fee direct feedback unsolicited before
[00:04:38] You know, you got something that most don't have, and I don't even have it. And it's stage presence and it's talent and it's a gift, but you gotta dial it in
[00:10:11] I had pretty lofty goals But yeah, we've done over 50 island events as well over the 20 years and we've done resorts
All Quotes
[00:10:43] But yeah, we've done over 50 island events as well over the 20 years and we've done resorts. So, yeah, done different different types of stuff, but mainly all in the travel experiential travel. Space
[00:08:29] I remember asking you, like, wow, running a cruise ship. Like, what does that take? And I think at the time, it was a million bucks. Yeah. But it doesn't work right now. Yeah. And then I'm stuck. I'm not shocked
[00:03:23] I'm defeated. It was like 1 in the morning. But before I left, I wasn't taking no for an answer
[00:11:01] I've always had a charity aspect to it. So I started my foundation wet foundation over 10 years ago now
[00:07:02] So my bus I put a business plan together to charter a cruise ship in 5 years. So, basically, double it every year. So do 01/25/5700, a thousand, 2000, which is the smallest mass March market cruise ship
[00:14:03] You gotta find the good in it even though it's absolutely tragic and the good in it is our self-awareness of realizing It is never that bad, and there are resources available and tools available to be able to implement into your life where when a chick gets hectic, it's okay to reach out and make a phone call
[00:03:32] I've never had that type of, you know, fee direct feedback unsolicited before. Like, I need to at least know where you're coming from
[00:09:05] I think you told me that even the dining hall isn't open, like, the dining hall gets turned into a venue as well?
[00:04:38] You know, you got something that most don't have, and I don't even have it. And it's stage presence and it's talent and it's a gift, but you gotta dial it in
[Unknown] We have a huge mental health focus that we recently started
[00:09:57] It's like a billion dollar cruise ship, which if you were to tell me 20 years ago that this kid who's dad was a teacher and mom was a secretary who's gonna be renting a billion dollar cruise ship someday. I mean, there's no way in hell that I even I would believe that I had pretty lofty goals
[00:07:52] And then we basically take over the entire cruise ship, and transform it into a once in a lifetime experience for the community that we're targeting
[00:06:01] And here you are. Like, 20 years later, I think you guys just celebrated the twentieth year. 20 year anniversary is coming up in January. Dude, that is absolutely crazy
[00:02:52] That was my first dose of unsolicited feedback. And when I say I walked back to my room with my head between my eyes. But just head down and, like, I literally checked flights to leave
[00:02:07] But that trip, I will never forget. I still chill I still tell the story to this day because the guy's a dear friend of mine now, but I will never forget Jack Daily ripping my ass wide open at midnight in the in the in the suite
[00:04:04] You think it's gonna get easier. It's just gonna get crazier
[00:05:00] the people that wanna, you know, completely rip you a new 1 if you will -- Oh, yeah. -- are usually the ones that love you the most
[00:00:31] That bow tie has since been retired. Good. It's so uncomfortable. Like, I got, you know, people love the bow tie because they don't have to wear it
[00:12:59] I gotta do something. So onboard the ship, we do have mental health programming, suicide prevention courses, and journaling
[00:11:49] Most people that actually take part in the volunteer experience say it's the best part of groove cruise
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Post 1: 🎙️Listen up, podcast lovers!🎙️ Get ready to go way Beyond The Story with host Sebastian Rusk and guest Jason Beukema! These two old friends catch up and reminisce on their time in Philly, and even share a hilarious story about a critique that left Sebastian feeling defeated. Don't miss out! #BeyondTheStory #SebastianRusk #JasonBeukema #PodcastLove #CatchUp #FunnyStories
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Post 2: 🚨STOP SCROLLING!🚨 Check out this episode of Beyond The Story with Sebastian Rusk and Jason Beukema ASAP! The guys catch up on old times and share some hilarious stories, including Sebastian getting some tough criticism from an unexpected source. 😂 You don't want to miss it! #BeyondTheStory #SebastianRusk #JasonBeukema #PodcastAlert #OldFriends #HilariousStories #MustListen
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Post 3: 🎧 Ready to go way Beyond The Story? Tune in to this episode with Sebastian Rusk and Jason Beukema for some unforgettable laughs! These old friends catch up on their time in Philly and share a crazy story about a critique that left Sebastian feeling defeated. 😅 You need to hear it to believe it! #BeyondTheStory #SebastianRusk #JasonBeukema #UnforgettableLaughs #OldFriends #PhillyMemories
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