A revered figure in the tour business, John’s five-decade-long career left an indelible mark on colleagues and the industry he served so faithfully.
As I write this column, the travel community bids a heartfelt farewell to John Stachnik, who passed away this July at the age of 82.
I had the opportunity to work with John not once, but twice. First, as a green behind the ears college student where I assembled tour packages in Mayflower’s operations department. Here, I learned the nuances of tour operations, skills I still use to this day as we develop the Leisure Group Travel product.
In 1995, at an ASTA dinner at the Holiday Inn O’Hare, John and I hatched the idea for Chicago’s first inbound receptive company. That evening, Chicago Unlimited was born. This is where I learned how to be an entrepreneur – why relationships matter, how to understand financial statements and profit margins. It was John who taught me to not chase sales at the expense of profit, a lesson he confided in me that it took him too long to learn.
I had a great teacher, and there’s no doubt I wouldn’t be writing this column if it weren’t for those early learning experiences.
John Stachnik’s Lasting Legacy
John’s journey in the travel industry began in the hotel business, but he hit his stride in the bus tour biz. Alongside his wife Mary, John founded Mayflower Tours, a company they guided for nearly 40 years. The Mayflower name became synonymous with quality and memorable group travel experiences for Chicagoland senior citizens. As the industry grew, so did Mayflower’s presence, first with a national tour product (revolutionary for its time), then expanding beyond domestic destinations to international tours, then European river cruises.
John’s influence extended far beyond Mayflower Tours. He was a pivotal figure in the National Tour Association (NTA) and the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA). His leadership was particularly notable at USTOA, where he served as chairman not once, but twice. Under his stewardship, USTOA navigated various challenges and opportunities, solidifying its role as a vital advocate for tour operators and travelers alike.
John’s colleagues and peers remember him not just for his professional accomplishments, but for his personal qualities that endeared him to so many. John’s approachable nature and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression and his ability to forge relationships was instrumental to his success.
As we remember John Stachnik, we celebrate a life dedicated to making the world more accessible and enjoyable through travel. His contributions have left an incredible mark on the industry, and while we mourn his passing, we also honor the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together through the joy of travel.
John Stachnik will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on through his family and the countless journeys he helped to create.
Farewell, John.
– Jeffrey Gayduk
