About Us
Group Coordinators, a destination management company, was founded in 1985, by Julie Saucier. In November of 2022, Andreas and Michelle John acquired the company to add to their vision of inspiring others to live their life to the fullest. They are the proud founders/owners of a regional lifestyle magazine called Nspire Magazine, which Andreas has been publishing for over a decade. In addition, they own Nspire Tours, which their son, Kyler, operates. Michelle has been serving people as a nurse for the past 20 years, and made a decision to join the family business to follow her passion of creating meaningful experiences for others to enjoy. We are committed to provide memorable experiences for our guests and will focus on our niche of coordinating group tours, events, and activities.
Our Team
PRESS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 15, 2022: Group Coordinators sells to Coeur d’Alene Company
After 37 years of touring groups around the Pacific Northwest, Julie Saucier, owner of Group Coordinators says she has sold the company to Andreas John, owner of Nspire Magazine and Nspire Tours. “I am ready for the next chapter in my life and Andreas will be the perfect fit to take my place”.
Group Coordinators is a Destination Management Company, offering custom-designed tours specializing in the area’s rich history, taking advantage of the many wineries, breweries, and unique attractions in the area. “I will miss working with meeting planners who are unfamiliar with the area, creating a program that delights their attendees and makes them look good. I’ll also miss all our vendors that were so wonderful to work with. Spokane and North Idaho have changed so much in the last 37 years and every year there are more and more great options of places to take guests to the area”. Over the next three months, Saucier will work with the new owner to ensure it is a smooth transition for their clients.
“Julie has been an integral part in sharing the wonders of Spokane and North Idaho for many years. I look forward to working with the amazing team she’s built over the years to continue her legacy.” Say’s new owner Andreas John.
Michelle John, Owner
Michelle John worked as a registered nurse before acquiring Group Coordinators with her husband in 2022. She spent 20 years caring for patients mostly in the home health and hospice setting. In the final two years, she advanced to a clinical director role where she honed in her leadership skills. This career allowed Michelle to master her organizational skills while providing empathetic services to the people and families that she cared for. It has been an impactful career that will remain a part of her existence for the remainder of her life.
Michelle was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. She is familiar with the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a result. Michelle has a passion for adventure and enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, kayaking, exploring, and recently learning the history of the area she grew up in.
She has planned many vacation getaways for her family over the years, and always seeks adventure and memorable experiences. She has taken her family all over the region and abroad on exhilarating getaways as far as Europe and Mexico. Michelle considers planning to be one of her strengths and is looking forward to taking guests on unforgettable experiences!
Harla Jean Biever, Tour Manager
Harla Jean started as a tour guide 30 years ago and became tour/office manager in 1992. She is responsible for gathering information about the Inland Northwest, past and present, to use as a reference for our guides and as a basis for putting together historically accurate and interesting tours of the area.
Harla Jean has taken thousands of Spokane conventioneers and tour groups through the Northwest and plans the outbound tours to destinations including the Oregon Coast, Seattle, Vancouver, BC, and Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.
Lori Farnell, Guide
The hospitality industry has been Lori’s career and passion for over 40 years. Throughout her career in hotel management and most recently as the owner of her own Inn, Lori has rolled out the Welcome Mat to countless guests and friends. As a native of Eastern Washington , she loves to share her knowledge of the history and culture of the area and of the early pioneers and innovators who have helped shape Spokane and its surrounding communities. She enjoys getting to know the variety of people she meets on her tours and strives to make sure that each guest has a fun experience! She looks forward to welcoming you on her next tour!
Jan Juday, Guide
Jan is a traveler, artist, teacher, master gardener… too many interests, too little time! She loves sharing her interests, along with the city she calls home.
Ali Shute, Guide
Bio coming soon…
Dick Jensen, Guide
Bio coming soon…
Cali West, Office Manager
Bio coming soon…
Affiliations
Inland Northwest Tourism Professionals