John Stachnik began his career in the travel industry in 1966 at a Washington DC hotel company. In 1970 he founded and became part owner and president of a small Illinois based tour company. There he focused on growing the business, successfully securing over 36,000 passengers a year.

No strangers to the travel industry, in 1979, John and Mary Stachnik founded Mayflower Tours. They converted a spare bedroom in their Downers Grove, IL home into the office and offered five North America air tours their first year in business.

Over the next forty years, the couple has grown Mayflower Tours to offer over 100 itineraries, eight travel styles, tours throughout six continents and providing Life Enriching Experiences to thousands of travelers each year.

Along the way, the Stachniks have accomplished many milestones within their careers. Most notable, John’s two terms as Chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association, as well as his USTOA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Mary’s four Most Powerful Women in Travel honors.

In 2017 John and Mary named industry veteran, Nish Patel, President of Mayflower Tours. John now holds a Chairmanship role and Mary continues as a senior vice president, working to mentor the growing staff.

Each employee of Mayflower Tours is considered a family member, many serving the company for over 25 years and each working to ensure the mission and vision that John and Mary set out nearly 40 years ago to accomplish.