From world explorer to local legend in Tacoma.

Chris Staudinger didn’t set out to become a tour operator. But after traveling to over 60 countries, working as a videographer, journalist, and travel writer for outlets like BBC, Expedia, National Geographic, and Discovery Network, he knew what made a tour exceptional. He’d taken thousands of them, after all.

So when he founded Pretty Gritty Tours nine years ago in the Pacific Northwest, it was with a mission: to shine a light on one of the most under appreciated destinations in the country, his own backyard.

“I have a deep passion and conviction for the Pacific Northwest,” Chris says. “It’s an unsung hero as far as destinations go. It deserves an advocate, and that’s what I love doing.”

A Tour Built on Curiosity and Community

He wasn’t always this enthusiastic. Growing up in the region, he couldn’t wait to leave. But after years of globetrotting, his perspective shifted. “The more that I see around the world, the more I recognize. We’ve got it really good here.”

Pretty Gritty Tours has grown from a single ghost tour into a powerhouse platform, offering over 60 unique experiences in and around Tacoma.

But the foundation is still the same: storytelling, historical depth, and a little bit of fun.

“Our ghost tour was the first thing we ever launched, and I still love it with my whole heart,” Chris says. “It’s exactly what I want in a tour, you learn something real, but the story sticks with you because it’s wrapped in a magical narrative.”

That balance of education and entertainment is no accident. Chris’s background in journalism taught him the power of narrative, and his time on the road helped him understand what travelers really crave: authenticity, engagement, and a connection to the people guiding them.

“I’ve been on thousands of tours. The great ones always had an infectious love for the place. That’s what we try to emulate here.”

Innovation Rooted in Passion

Chris is the rare kind of innovator who makes new ideas look effortless.

His secret? Let curiosity lead.

“I just love to explore and find the new nooks,” he says. “Luckily, people tend to be interested in the same things I am. So I follow my own interests, and it works.”

It has led to dozens of new tours, from historic deep-dives to quirky cultural walks. But the innovation doesn’t stop at the itinerary. Pretty Gritty Tours has also led over 160 free virtual tours, produced countless social media history shorts, and regularly hosts free public-access events for the community.

“In the tourism industry, don’t be afraid to give stuff away,” Chris says. “I think it’s important that communities are allowed to access their history without a paywall. And when people see what we offer, many of them come back and book a tour. It builds trust.”

Leadership with Empathy

As Pretty Gritty Tours has expanded, so has Chris’s role. With a team of 34 guides, his focus has shifted from being on the ground every day to leading from behind the scenes.

“The hardest part is letting go,” he admits. “So much of our success came from me being at the front lines. But as we grow, it’s not feasible. I’ve had to learn to trust my team.”

And that trust pays off. Chris uses the Enneagram personality framework to help his guides identify what success looks like for them individually. Then, he gives them the space and tools to thrive. Saying that he wants people to reach that high standard on their own.

He believes when they understand what motivates them, they perform at their best. “I want our guides to feel like they’re doing what they love, and seeing results. And I want our guests to feel that energy every time they take a tour.”

The Secret to Lasting Impact

Chris’s vision for the future is rooted in collaboration. Rather than expanding tours for the sake of scale, he’s building a platform for other storytellers. For Chris, the most rewarding moments are simple.

“There’s no truer testament than when someone comes back. When I see a return guest, I know I did something impactful. That’s the best kind of feedback.”

It’s also a reminder of why he chose this path in the first place.

“Being a tour guide is the ideal job for me. It allows me to enrich my community, get feedback, and keep learning. Plus, yeah, I like hearing I did a good job,” he laughs.

This approach ensures that Pretty Gritty’s tours remain personal, passionate, and community-focused, even as the company scales.

That’s the Pretty Gritty difference. And it’s why Chris Staudinger continues to be one of the Pacific Northwest’s most creative and committed voices in tourism.

In Tacoma or just passing through?

Let Chris and the Pretty Gritty team show you the city like you’ve never seen it before. From haunted history to hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover at prettygrittytours.com.