Meet Maurice Egan

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

Hi Maurice , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is something deeply ingrained in who I am—but it didn’t form in isolation. It was shaped, challenged, and ultimately forged by the powerful influence of mentors who believed in something bigger than themselves, and in me. Two of the most pivotal figures in this journey are Joseph Grenny and Tim Stay—visionary leaders, social scientists, and co-founders of The Other Side Academy and The Other Side Village.

Joseph Grenny taught me that real change is possible—not just for systems or communities, but for individuals, starting with radical honesty and relentless accountability. I watched him lead with clarity and compassion, always demanding excellence not for the sake of achievement, but because it honors the people we serve. From him, I learned that hard work isn’t just about output—it’s about integrity. Showing up, giving your best, and owning every part of your journey, especially the hard parts.

Tim Stay brought a quiet strength to everything he did—his example of servant leadership was a daily masterclass in humility and grit. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, never asking for recognition, always focused on the mission. Through him, I saw how entrepreneurship isn’t just about ideas or profits—it’s about building something that lifts people up and creates lasting impact. He showed me that work becomes meaningful when it’s anchored in purpose.

These two men have shown me what it really means to work hard—not just to push through, but to build something transformative with your bare hands and your whole heart. Their mentorship continues to shape how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up in every opportunity. They’ve taught me that work ethic isn’t a skill you acquire—it’s a character you build, one honest day at a time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Today, I serve as the Recruitment Director for The Other Side Village, a groundbreaking master-planned tiny home community in Salt Lake City for people emerging from chronic homelessness. But the path that led me here wasn’t easy—it was built from the ground up after overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. I’ve been clean and sober now for 19 years, and that transformation fuels everything I do today.

What makes my work truly meaningful is that it’s deeply personal. I’ve walked the same road as many of the people we serve. That firsthand experience allows me to connect with others in a way that’s authentic and deeply rooted in hope. At The Other Side Village, we believe in second chances—and more importantly, we create the structure, support, and community that help people succeed. Being a part of that is more than a job—it’s a calling.

In addition to my work with the Village, I’m also the owner and co-founder of SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off and Local Food Walking Tours. These ventures were born out of a love for Utah and a passion for storytelling. With SLC Bus Tours, we offer a vibrant, accessible way for visitors to explore Salt Lake City’s historic and cultural landmarks. Local Food Walking Tours, meanwhile, brings people face-to-face with the beating heart of our communities through food—highlighting local chefs, hidden gems, and the rich stories behind the cuisine.

We currently operate food walking tours in Salt Lake City and on Park City’s iconic Main Street, showcasing everything from elevated mountain cuisine to historic bites that tell the story of Utah’s evolution. It’s not just about tasting food—it’s about experiencing place, people, and passion in every step.

What’s most exciting right now is our ongoing expansion. We’re adding new restaurants to our Salt Lake City tours, and enhancing our Park City offerings with even more locally owned restaurants and chef-led tastings. This summer, we’re also launching a combination hop on hop off bus tours with our food waking tour.
Through it all—whether I’m recruiting future Village residents or guiding guests through Utah’s food scene—my mission stays the same: to create connection, opportunity, and transformation. I’m living proof that recovery is possible, and that with the right support and relentless effort, you can rebuild a life—and help others do the same.

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?

Looking back on my journey—from addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to becoming the Recruitment Director for The Other Side Village, a successful entrepreneur, and 19 years clean and sober—I can confidently say that three qualities have been absolutely pivotal: resilience, humility, and consistency.

1. Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about showing up every day, especially when everything feels stacked against you. In my lowest moments, when I was living on the streets or sitting in a jail cell, resilience was the quiet decision to not give up. It’s what carried me through recovery, rebuilding my life, and eventually stepping into leadership.
Advice: If you’re early in your journey, expect obstacles. Don’t fear them. Build your resilience by staying focused on small wins—one day clean, one honest conversation, one goal reached. Over time, those small steps become your foundation.

2. Humility
Real change starts when you admit you don’t have all the answers—and when you open yourself to learning from others. I’ve had incredible mentors like Joseph Grenny and Tim Stay, who’ve taught me the power of honesty, hard work, and servant leadership. I’ve never been afraid to ask for help, to listen more than I speak, and to stay teachable.
Advice: Seek out people you admire and learn from them. Be honest with yourself and others. Humility isn’t weakness—it’s the doorway to growth.

3. Consistency
Recovery, leadership, and entrepreneurship all demand consistency. Whether I’m recruiting someone into The Other Side Village or running a food tour through Salt Lake City or Park City, it’s the daily discipline that makes the difference. Showing up on time, doing the hard stuff even when it’s not glamorous, and staying true to your word—those are the habits that build trust and results over time.
Advice: Start by creating daily routines. Keep your commitments, even the small ones. The more consistent you are, the more people will come to rely on and respect you—and the more confident you’ll become in yourself.

My journey—from survival to stability to success—has been full of lessons. But if there’s one truth I’d offer anyone starting out, it’s this: you are capable of more than you know, and with the right mindset, mentors, and momentum, you can transform your entire life.

If you want to see that transformation in action—or just hear more stories of hope and hustle—join me on a Local Food Walking Tour. We don’t just share great food; we share real stories that nourish the soul. localfoodwalkingtours.com

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—we’re always looking to collaborate with passionate, creative, and community-minded individuals and businesses who want to showcase the best of what Utah has to offer.

Through SLC Bus Tours and Local Food Walking Tours, we offer unforgettable experiences that highlight the culture, history, and culinary heartbeat of Salt Lake City and Park City. But we know there’s so much more to uncover—and collaboration is the key to making these experiences even richer.

We’re actively seeking partnerships with:

Local restaurants interested in boosting foot traffic and visibility by offering exclusive discounts to SLC Bus Tours ticket holders. It’s a win-win: we bring guests right to your door, and you turn them into loyal fans.

Hotels looking to enhance their guest experience by offering curated food and city tour packages. Let us be your go-to partner for high-quality, local entertainment options that guests rave about.

Chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans who want to be featured on our walking tours, sharing their culinary story and craft with engaged, food-loving guests.

Tourism boards, concierges, and event planners who want to elevate their offerings with authentic, local experiences tailored for visitors and groups.

Artists, musicians, and local creators interested in adding live elements to our tours or special events.

Local product makers and boutique businesses who want to be part of our routes, tastings, or souvenir packages.

If you’re passionate about storytelling, hospitality, and community—and you want to collaborate on something that drives value to your brand while enriching Utah’s tourism experience—we want to hear from you.

Let’s build something memorable and meaningful together.
Reach out through our website at localfoodwalkingtours.com, and slcbustours.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: localfoodwalkingtours.com slcbustours.com
• Instagram: localfoodwalkingtours slcbustours
• Facebook: slcbustours localfoodwalkingtours

Image Credits

Maurice Egan