4 minute read
Our Story & Our Team
1981 JOE DISCOVERS HIS PASSION
In 1981 Joe graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in American Studies. Throughout his coursework, Joe enjoyed learning about the American Experience as reflected in its history, culture, architecture, literature, art, and music. His studies focused on America’s dramatic founding, its revolutionary ideals, system of government, and the historic figures who have put their imprint on our nation’s story.
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JOE
1981 JOE ENTERS THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
In 1981 Joe landed a job as a tour director. Leading tours throughout North America, Joe realized the best way to learn about the American Experience is through travel – to witness in-person places only described in history books. Travel makes history comes alive.
1988 AMERICAN CLASSIC TOURS IS FOUNDED
Joe founded American Classic Tours to design, market and operate upscale, all-inclusive tours throughout America. The tours are infused with an historical perspective in relation to the broader American Experience. The first trip was in May of 1988 to Nashville, Tennessee with Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff at the Grand Ole Opry!
–Judy, November 2018 1989 FIRST HIRE AT AMERICAN CLASSIC, MARY PELC!
After interviewing Mary for 10 minutes, Joe hired her on the spot! With her outgoing personality and great sense of humor Mary was a perfect fit for American Classic Tours. For 30 years Mary has charmed thousands of travelers as a tour director. Mary also is head of our Reservations Department.
1991 JOE MARRIES SHEILA
Joe married Sheila, the love of his life, in 1991. While Sheila has spent the last 29 years primarily focused on raising their four children, she has always been involved in operations at American Classic Tours and has been the supportive backbone to Joe and the team. Sheila has been working full-time at American Classic Tours since 2016.
1993 JD IS BORN
Joe and Sheila welcomed their first child, Joseph Conroy Jr, also known as JD. More on him later…
1993 KIRSTEN JUNG JOINS THE TEAM
Kirsten joined the team in 1993. Her strong work ethic coupled with her warm, easy going manner have won the admiration of travelers over the years. After being the lead tour director for 10+ years, Kirsten became the Director of Tour Operations at American Classic in 2005. Her expertise creates the best itineraries in the industry!
2001 SUZETTE HORYZA JOINS THE TEAM
After partnering with American Classic for many years as a group leader, Suzette officially joined the American Classic Tours team in 2001. Suzette is a tour director and tour designer. A true “Renaissance Woman”, Suzette is blessed with many talents from designing scarves to painting landscapes to playing the ukulele on trips! Her compassion for others is her hallmark.
2002 MARY ELLEN SPOKAS JOINS THE TEAM
Having lived in Illinois, Texas and the Marshall Islands, Mary Ellen joined our team in 2002. As one of our most experienced tour directors, Mary Ellen loves sharing her enthusiasm for travel with new friends she makes along the way.
2004 JAIMIE CARLSON JOINS THE TEAM
Coming from behind the “Cheddar Curtain”, Jaimie left her native Manitowoc, Wisconsin to join the team in 2004. Jaimie is a tour director where she combines her efficient manner and engaging personality. Jaimie is also a tour designer whose attention to detail is unmatched!
2016 JD JOINS THE TEAM
JD joined the team after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign with a degree in History. His energy and enthusiasm shine through as a tour director. As the head of marketing, his innovative ideas have resulted in American Classic Tours being available to a broader market.
2018 AMERICAN CLASSIC LAUNCHES TOUR TV
Thousands of people have already tuned in over the last couple years to American Classic Tour TV. Episodes starring JD & Joe Conroy feature discussions on American history, art, architecture, geography, topography, culture and cuisine. Many episodes include an in-depth preview of our latest tour releases with premium offers & discounts. Tune in on YouTube, Facebook or our American Classic website – amclassictours.com
2021 SANDRA KELLEY JOINS THE TEAM
Originally from Texas, Sandra Kelley has brought her southern charm and hospitable nature to American Classic Tours. With an extensive career in the airline industry, Sandra is the Director of our Airlines Department. Sandra's calm, friendly demeanor and passion for history and culture combine to make her a valuable tour coordinator.
2021 DONNA RIGDON JOINS THE TEAM
Hailing from Kentucky, Donna joined our team in 2021 as a Tour Director. Donna's big heart, warm smile, and lovely singing voice welcome travelers as she leads tours across America. “This family owned business puts you 1st, from the moment they pick you up at your door to the return to your home. I love that you never have to think about tipping, because the company pays all of them, including drivers, luggage handlers, tour guides, wait staff, etc. The local tour guides are full of local history, funny anecdotes, etc. We loved the summer beauty of the Canadian Rockies and were overwhelmed by the fall color on their Rocky Coast of Maine trip!”
– Sue, October 2019
2023
OUR LARGEST COLLECTION OF TOURS EVER!
Our 2023 Collection of Tours features more destinations than ever before! A new format to our catalogue highlights tours from Alaska to Key West and from San Diego to Nova Scotia. Since 1988, thousands of people have joined our vibrant community of travelers to experience the most beautiful destinations in America.
