BayernTrips, LLC was founded by Scott Stephens in 2005. Scott is fluent in German, having studied in Kassel, Germany. His undergraduate work was in German Language studies and European History at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. After school he spent several years in the hospitality industry at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. German friends have told him, "Scott, you are more German than us Germans!" He understands first-class service and relishes his task of revealing Europe's reality to his clients. Scott is joined by his lovely wife, Vonia, on most trips. At home, Vonia handles the main office duties and Scott leads all the tours. Until Dec 2010, Scott was co-owner of Ironwood Plastics, Inc, a successful manufacturing business in Upper Michigan and taught German courses at Gogebic Community College. He is now a Diplom Bier Sommelier, and CELTA certified English Instructor, now residing part-time in Munich.