Meet Jim Hinckley | Telling people where to go since 1990 through books, presentations, and work as a tourism development consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jim Hinckley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jim, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?

Working this hard is a sure death, albeit a slower one than starvation.

Self employment is often more challenging than working a standard 9 to 5 job that provides the illusion of security with a regular paycheck. It is more frustrating, causes an array of worries and concerns, and requires an inordinate investment of time. But the rewards are truly priceless.

Creativity is unleashed. Opportunities are discovered. And you have a rare and incredibly satisfying opportunity to make money while providing a service that enhances the world you live in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To date I have had twenty one books, and hundreds of feature articles published. The reward has not been limited to the financial kind. It is the friendships made, the inspiration provided to readers, and to the adventures that have resulted from my work. The lessons learned have been many. And resultant of international travel and friendships, my world view has been broadened. In turn this has allowed me to see opportunities that had been overlooked in the past.
The key to my success has been in partnerships made and an ability to be flexible. My diverse background has served me well in this capacity.
If Jim Hinckley’s America had a core tenant or goal, it is to inspire or encourage people to move from their comfort zone. To travel. To try new things. To develop intimate relationships with people who have different or opposing views.
A component of Jim Hinckley’s America is the development of educational programs. This includes community education programs for community colleges, presentations at high schools domestically as well as internationally, and programs for tour groups.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That is a wide open question. Kingman, Arizona is at the heart of a surprisingly diverse array of attractions. We are at the center of the longest uninterrupted remaining stretch of Route 66. Along that section of the highway are places such as Grand Canyon Caverns. The historic tourist attraction provides dining above or below ground, and wheelchair accessible tours or spelunking.
The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area on the outskirts of Kingman is laced with miles of scenic hiking and mountain bike trails. There are also historic 19th century roads in these mountains.
We have several award winning microbreweries, and an award winning distillery that offers gourmet dinners in a 1918 railroad dining car. And we also have wineries, some with event centers.
Within a 100 mile circumference of Kingman is the Grand Canyon, white water rafting, the casinos of Laughlin, fishing, a diverse array of museums and Lake Havasu City. Diamond Creek Road is the only vehicular road to the bottom of the Grand canyon.
And there are an array of events held most every weekend of the year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, my dearest friend. She has consistently served as a loyal and trusted advisor, therapist, travel companion, and partner. Most of my adult life was spent in blue collar occupations – ranching, truck driving, mining, construction, etc. But I have had a passion for books and reading since childhood. And as a result there was a childhood dream of becoming an author.
With encouragement from my dearest friend, I submitted and sold my first feature article to a leading publication in 1990. Writing consumes huge blocks of time, and she has always been an honest sounding board for ideas. And she always makes sure I eat as there is a tendency to lose track of time with projects, especially when deadlines are approaching.
And when I took the plunge, and walked from a full time job to launch the multifaceted Jim Hinckley’s America travel network, she encouraged me. She has patiently and steadfastly encouraged me when doubts about success begin creeping in.

Website: https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshinckley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimhinckleysamerica

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hinckleyj

Image Credits
Jim Hinckley’s America, Judy Hinckley