Ragan Andrew:
Summers in the Bakery
Growing up in her family’s small-town bakery, Ragan learned early that summer meant work, not leisure. Years later, after experiencing corporate life and government work, she finally stepped into her own dream—building a travel brand that’s all about creating unforgettable experiences.
Bio
Ragan Andrew is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in festivals, events, tourism, and public service. Currently with Adrift Tours and Travel, Ragan brings over 16 years of expertise in festival and event planning and has been actively involved in the tours and travel industry since 2006.
Her extensive background includes end-to-end event execution, strategic planning, and small business development, with a strong emphasis on creating memorable experiences and impactful community engagement. In addition to her work in tourism and events, Ragan has dedicated 15 years to city government, where she honed her skills in public administration, civic collaboration, and community-focused service delivery.
Ragan is passionate about connecting people, places, and culture—whether through travel experiences or dynamic local events. Her unique blend of public and private sector experience positions her as a leader in community enrichment and experiential tourism.
Topics
- Lessons from growing up in a family business
- The reality of summer work in tourism towns
- How hospitality shapes leadership and customer experience
- Transitioning from small business to corporate to entrepreneurship
- Creating a brand that reflects your personality
- Why “service before self” still matters
- Building a registered trademarked business from scratch
- Designing travel as an experience, not a product
- The role of grace and focus in business growth
- Turning lifelong skills into a legacy business
Guiding Questions
- What was it like growing up in your parents’ bakery?
- Can you share the “mixing bowl” story from your childhood?
- How did working in a tourism town shape your work ethic?
- What was the biggest contrast between small business and corporate life?
- How did you know it was time to start your own company?
- What does “experience creation” mean to you?
- What’s been your proudest moment with Adrift Tours and Travel so far?
- How did trademarking your brand change your mindset as a business owner?
- What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?
- How have personal wellness changes (like the super patch) impacted your work?