Jim (Slotsy) Schlotthauer is recently retired from teaching middle school history for 42 years. He was among the first to take students to the East Coast for American Heritage tours, taking students in 1974. Recipient of numerous teaching awards over his carreer, Slotsy is still very much involved with education. Personally escorting nearly a dozen Americcan Heritage Tours for schools across Southern California, he treats students to his special brand of teaching, telling the little stories that make American History unique. With an emphasis in Civil War history, he is a leading expert in American Military History. Jim Schlotthauer established Slotsy Tours in 1977 along with his son, Randy. The goal of Slotsy Tours has always been to provide "trips of a lifetime" highlighting American History. Starting with a handfull of his students at Nicolas Jr. High of Fullerton, CA, Slotsy now deals with students and teachers across the state. He is a credentialed teacher with a Masters Degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Randy Schlotthauer of Fullerton, California is Vice President, Educational Travel. He is currently a full time instructor of History and Government at Eastside Christian School of Fullerton, CA. He is also Vice-President of Market Development of United Rail Passenger Alliance, Inc. Mr. Schlotthauer assisted with the market study and implementation of private rail tour service between Los Angeles and Oakland in the late 1980s. Mr. Schlotthauer is the former owner and operator of the Union Pacific Dome Diner Columbia River, UP8009, which saw extensive service for private parties, tour charters, and as part of private train movements. Mr. Schlotthauer, through his tour company, Slotsy Tours, is still a major provider of private rail car services throughout the country, and has provided private rail cars to the Walt Disney Company, Chrysler Motors, and Sony Electronics. As Vice President and General Manager of Slotsy Tours & Travel, Inc. in Fullerton, California, Mr. Schlotthauer has a broad background in the travel industry, including cruises and group travel. His company has developed tour programs in conjunction with Disneyland Park, as well as American Heritage Tours to the East Coast and corporate incentive travel throughout the U.S. He has also created and operated tour programs including air and rail transportation throughout the West Coast. From the late 1970s to the mid 1990s, Mr. Schlotthauer was an instructor at Fullerton College, teaching general travel and tourism information and skills, rail transportation principles and management. Mr. Schlotthauer graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California with a Masters Degree in 2005, and from California State University in Fullerton with a B.A. in 1978.

Judy Schlotthauer is also a recently retired teacher, having taught at the elementary school level for more than 30 years. In addition to escorting groups, Judy works to organize tour membership and payments for most school groups. She is also a credentialed teachers, with a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Fullerton.

Mandana Mirghahari was born on January 6th in Tehran , Iran. She attended Hommayoon High School in Tehran . In July, of 1976, her family moved to the United States. She completed her education at West Hill High School in Stamford , Connecticut in 1979. Soon after, Mandana moved to California. She began her college education at Glendale College , and completed it at Northridge University. In 1989, Mandana began her career in the travel industry. Her journey began at Slotsy Tours and Travel. She gained work experience and great knowledge under the wing of Slotsy. Today, she is the office manager for the company she launched her career at. She argues that she is “the best in the West.” She is particularly known in the Iranian community for providing the lowest price on airline tickets, especially to Iran . With only word of mouth, her reputation flourished. From one satisfied customer to another, her status in the industry grew. Mandana provides excellent and caring service to all her clients. Her greatest satisfaction is knowing that her customers had a magnificent time on their trip.

Liz Lesko has over 20 years experience in the travel field and specializes in cruises and incentive groups. She has extensive first hand experience with travel around the world, as well as the expertise to make sure the details are taken care of to make your trip as trouble free as possible.

Our Associate Staff:

In addition to our primary staff, we are proud to have a growing number of tour escorts, all college educated experts in their fields. Among these staff are Vernon Brock, Brittany Mousner and William Lance.