Mar 02 2025 53 mins 2
Simon Locke
Co-Owner
Colombia57 Tour, Travel & Logistics
Simon grew up on a dairy farm in the beautiful New Forest, England where he developed a strong love for the countryside and fishing. His adventures in various industries helped him build valuable business skills—starting with Mechanical Engineering at an automotive leader and later launching his own successful startup focused on oak timber frame buildings.
During three amazing years of hitchhiking and walking through South America and Asia, Simon discovered his passion for travel. A special moment in Colombia opened his eyes to a fantastic business opportunity. In 2006, he teamed up with co-owners to establish Colombia57. Since then, he has worked hard to develop departments and internal structures while using his creative and friendly communication style to help make the company one of Colombia's top full-service receptive tour operators.
summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Simon Locke, co-owner of Colombia57, who shares his incredible journey from a farmer's son in Hampshire to a travel entrepreneur in Colombia. Simon discusses his early life, the call to adventure that led him to South America, and the surprising experiences he had in Colombia that changed his perceptions. He reflects on the challenges of running a business in a foreign country, the importance of family support, and the evolution of his company over the years. The conversation highlights the beauty and diversity of Colombia as a travel destination and Simon's passion for sharing it with others.
takeaways
- Simon Locke's journey began on a farm in Hampshire.
- He pursued a rock and roll dream before traveling.
- Traveling was a way to find something different in life.
- Colombia was a surprising and welcoming destination.
- Colombia offers a diverse range of experiences.
- Family support played a crucial role in Simon's journey.
- The travel industry in Colombia has evolved significantly.
- Colombia57 focuses on providing tailored travel experiences.
- Simon emphasizes the importance of personal connections in business.
- The future of Colombia57 looks promising with ongoing developments.
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