Exploring Life & Business with Paul Whitten of Nashville Adventures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Whitten

Paul, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey, in many ways, started at 18 with my enlistment in the Army. This foundational period set the stage for a lifelong pursuit of leadership and strategic acumen, further polished by my time at The Citadel, a military academy in South Carolina.

My deployment to Afghanistan in 2010-2011 solidified my dedication to service and adaptability, hallmark traits that have guided me through varied and enriching experiences. Following my military tenure, I embraced the role of a UK Parliamentary Fellow, navigating the complexities of international politics during the critical juncture of the Scottish Referendum and Brexit. This not only broadened my global perspective but also deepened my understanding of policy and governance.

Armenia called next, where I dedicated three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, diving into humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges. This chapter ignited my commitment to global service and community involvement, passions that I carry with me to this day.

Upon returning to the U.S., I ventured into the corporate sphere with Amazon in New York City, acquiring invaluable business insights. Eventually, my path led me back to Nashville, where I leveraged my diverse experiences to launch Nashville Adventures, a premier tour operator in Music City. This endeavor marries my love for history and public speaking with the autonomy of entrepreneurship, all while echoing the lessons learned from my varied and dynamic career.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! My career didn’t unfold as I had planned; I envisioned a different path for me the Army. Unfortunately, during active duty, I suffered severe injuries, including two herniated disks, which prematurely ended my military career in a manner I found deeply unsatisfying. Yet, I firmly believe that when one door closes, another opens. This belief was confirmed when I was granted the incredible opportunity to become a UK Parliamentary Fellow. That period was enlightening, yet witnessing the inner workings of politics steered me towards a different journey again. This time toward the Peace Corps. All these experiences helped me define where my passions are and where I’m most good at.
Also, truth be told, throughout my life, I’ve been in search for a place where I truly fit in. Despite succeeding and doing very well in various endeavors, I never felt a deep sense of belonging. These varied experiences, however, ultimately guided me towards entrepreneurship—a realm where I could create my own sense of belonging.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Nashville Adventures, the leading entertainment provider, specializes in immersive tours across the heart of Music City, USA. As a veteran-owned and operated business, our commitment extends beyond delivering exceptional, customized tours. We are deeply dedicated to supporting the local veteran community by donating 1% of our proceeds to Nashville-based non-profits. Our mission is to highlight Nashville’s vibrant energy, rich musical heritage, and historical significance.

Every time we hear that our tours are the best someone has ever experienced, I swell with pride. Seeing the smiles and reading the glowing reviews fills me with joy. Moreover, my love for the job is boundless. Regardless of how successful this business becomes, I will always lead tours. My enjoyment of this work is immeasurable, and I think that comes across on our tours.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
At the age of 4 or 5, my father constructed a treehouse in our backyard. Despite the considerable time and effort he invested in building it, he still made time to climb up into the treehouse and spend quality moments with me. That treehouse held a special place in my heart, as did the fact that he built it just for me. I vividly recall boasting to all the neighborhood kids about how my father had crafted this wonderful treehouse for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://NashvilleAdventures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_nashville_adventures/