Meet Aaron Perez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aaron Perez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aaron below.

Aaron, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Optimism, in my view, is one of the most fundamental requirements for success in both business and life. It doesn’t come from external circumstances or possessions but from within—a choice we make every single day. For me, optimism is rooted in being honest and comfortable with myself and others. Happiness isn’t measured in numbers or by the things we accumulate; it comes from living authentically and maintaining meaningful connections.

That perspective wasn’t always easy for me. Like many, I’ve faced times when life felt overwhelming, even unfair. It’s so tempting to fall into the trap of pessimism, to believe the world is out to get you. Just turn on the local news—it’s a constant cycle of crime, tragedy, and injustice. That negativity is designed to keep us fearful and reactive, but I realized it was poisoning my outlook.

Around 2016, I made a deliberate decision to stop consuming all forms of negative media—no more major news networks, no more social media accounts that thrive on outrage or sadness. I realized every negative story was like a small drip of despair into my mental bucket. One day, I looked at that bucket and saw how full it was of things that drained my energy and hope. So, I chose to flip the script. I stopped adding to the negativity and started filling that bucket with positivity instead.

Now, my optimism comes from the intentional choices I make to nurture my mental and emotional well-being. I prioritize activities that inspire joy and gratitude—spending time in nature, going to therapy, staying active in sports, hitting the gym, or even just calling my family. These practices create a foundation for resilience and hope.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have had role models who showed me what optimism looks like in the face of adversity. My father, for instance, overcame an incredibly challenging childhood. Despite experiencing poverty and loss, he chose to break the cycle of negativity. He created the happiest, most loving home for me, teaching me that life’s hardships don’t define you—your response does.

And my mother’s strength and positivity in the face of a terminal illness was another life-changing example. When she could have succumbed to bitterness or fear, she instead embraced life fully, refusing to waste her days on sadness. Her mantra was, “No pity parties.” That courage and perspective taught me to cherish life and focus on what I can control.
Ultimately, my optimism comes from the recognition that I dictate my own reality. If I choose to see the good in people and the world, that becomes my truth. Every day, I consciously decide to live a life full of hope, joy, and purpose. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I grew up in a small farm town in rural Canada and later moved to Chicago in the 1990s. After earning my Finance degree from DePaul University, I began working as a junior broker at Smith Barney, experiencing the fast-paced world of finance at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade. While I gained professional experience, I found the work uninspiring and craved something more fulfilling.
At the same time, I was exploring music as a creative outlet. What began as a hobby turned into an unexpected opportunity—signing records with a London-based label and performing as a DJ across North America. By day, I worked my finance job, and by night, I flew to cities like Vancouver, Las Vegas, Mexico City, Boston, and Cancun for gigs. Eventually, I realized that music not only brought me more joy but also provided financial stability. In 2009, I left the corporate world to pursue music full-time and relocated to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas turned out to be a city of connections and opportunities. Early on, I noticed a trend: friends and colleagues were always reaching out for advice on planning their trips. Whether it was finding the best parties, restaurants, or private events, I naturally became a go-to resource. This led me to partner with a like-minded individual to launch a business that specialized in crafting unforgettable experiences.
Fast forward to today, I’m the co-founder of GXP Tours, a company dedicated to bringing high-end, VIP experiences to everyone—not just the elite. Traditionally, experiences like bottle service, private parties, and VIP nightclub access have been exclusive and costly. I wanted to change that. GXP Tours curates accessible, 5-star experiences for the average person without compromising quality.
For example, our “Nightclub on Wheels” package offers complimentary access to a high-end lounge, a private party bus stocked for the perfect pregame, a photo stop at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, and VIP entry to one of the city’s top nightclubs—all for under $100 per person. Another fan favorite is our “VIP Bottle Service at On The Record” package where guests enjoy a private VIP table, celebratory bottle service, and access to hidden karaoke rooms, all for under $199 per person—including taxes and gratuity. These packages, which would traditionally cost thousands, reflect our commitment to making luxury experiences accessible.
For me, the reward isn’t just about creating memorable trips—it’s about being part of the moments people cherish forever. Whether it’s a bachelor party, a milestone birthday, or a long-overdue getaway with friends, I take pride in helping people make memories that last a lifetime. GXP Tours represents more than just a business; it’s a passion project that brings the magic of Las Vegas to everyone, and I’m excited to continue growing and innovating in this space.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience and Persistence
Setbacks are inevitable—bigger, more challenging, and more frequent than you might ever imagine. But here’s the key: don’t quit. No matter how insurmountable the challenges feel, resilience is what gets you to the other side. There will be times when the odds seem stacked against you, when the path forward is unclear, and when quitting feels like the easiest option. In those moments, remember this: success isn’t about never failing; it’s about refusing to give up. Persistence isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, uncomfortable, and sometimes exhausting. But if you keep going, step by step, you’ll find your way forward.
Patience and Adaptation
In an era of instant gratification, social media often paints an unrealistic picture of success. You see the highlights—people launching businesses and seemingly living the dream within a few years. The reality? Most businesses take far longer to find their footing. Statistics show that 50% of new businesses don’t even make it to year five, let alone hit the million-dollar mark. That’s why patience is critical. You must remain relentless in your pursuit of success while understanding that great things take time.
Additionally, the landscape of business is constantly evolving, especially with the rapid pace of technological advancements. What worked five years ago may not work today, and you need the ability to adapt quickly. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay flexible. Tried-and-true strategies are valuable, but complacency is dangerous. Embrace change and be willing to pivot when necessary—that adaptability could be the difference between survival and obsolescence.
Ambition and Drive
Motivation can be fleeting, but ambition is what carries you through the long haul. Many people start their journey filled with passion and excitement, but maintaining that energy day after day is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart. Drive means showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. It means finding solutions when problems arise, staying focused when distractions are everywhere, and pushing forward despite failures.
Failure is inevitable—your business may not succeed on the first try, and you might make costly mistakes. That’s okay. The only way you truly lose is if you give up. If you remain committed, keep a positive attitude, and stay motivated through the highs and lows, you will succeed in the long term. Success isn’t linear, but it always rewards those who persevere.
Advice for Those Starting Out
Embrace failure as part of the process: It’s not a detour; it’s part of the journey. Learn from it, grow, and keep moving.
Cultivate patience: Understand that success takes time, and focus on building a strong foundation rather than chasing quick wins.
Stay adaptable: Commit to lifelong learning, keep up with trends, and don’t be afraid to change your strategy as the market evolves.
Fuel your drive daily: Find ways to stay inspired and motivated—whether that’s through goal-setting, mentorship, or surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals.
With resilience, patience, and relentless drive, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your vision.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, but overall, I believe you’re much better off focusing on your strengths and collaborating or delegating to cover the rest. To explain this, let’s think about forming a band. In any successful group, each member has a specific role that plays to their strengths. The lead singer doesn’t need to play drums or guitar, and the drummer doesn’t need to write the lyrics. Everyone stays in their lane, focusing on what they do best, and together they create something extraordinary.
The same principle applies to business—or really any venture. If you’re incredible at sales but not great at administrative work, then you should focus on maximizing your sales efforts while hiring an administrative assistant to handle the behind-the-scenes tasks. Specializing in your strengths allows you to put in the time and repetition needed to truly excel, just as a guitarist perfects their craft through countless hours of practice.
Now, there are situations where it helps to brush up on other aspects, but only to the extent that it enhances the team’s overall performance. For example, a drummer might benefit from understanding song structure or collaborating on lyrics. Similarly, in business, understanding the basics of operations, marketing, or finance can help you make better decisions and communicate effectively with your team. But you don’t need to master every skill.
If everyone in a band tried to play all the instruments or micromanage each other’s roles, they’d lose the harmony and energy that makes them great. Instead, by trusting one another to own their part, they can produce a sound that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
Advice for Others:
Play to Your Strengths: Just like the lead singer focuses on vocals, figure out what you’re great at and dedicate yourself to mastering that skill.
Build Your Band: Surround yourself with “bandmates” who complement your weaknesses. A strong team is made up of individuals who excel in their respective areas.
Learn Enough to Jam Together: While you don’t need to play every instrument, knowing the basics of how they work can improve collaboration and communication.
Trust the Process: Success is about teamwork and trust. Rely on others to do their part while you focus on your role.
When everyone focuses on their strengths and comes together with a shared purpose, you create harmony—whether in music, business, or life. That’s how you achieve greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gxptours.com
• Instagram: /gxptours
• Youtube: /@gxptours
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gxptours

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Image Credits

Alex Cinco Photography
Jolly Media