OUR STORY: THE CLIFF NOTES VERSION

We create group bonding experiences that bring your team together.

In the spring of 2003, Marc & Darlynne Menkin decided to try something new. At the time, Marc was in sales and Darlynne was a TV news reporter and anchor. Life was sweet but Marc yearned to do something more creative. People often commented how Marc’s natural curiosity and talent for discovering hidden San Diego gems would make him the perfect tour guide, and that’s how the journey began.

OUR ADVENTURES ARE ALL ABOUT...

After much encouragement from friends, the couple launched Where You Want To Be Tours in 2003, a company that offers tours to secret San Diego spots. Eventually, they added fun team building activities to their menu and today, the Menkins are known for their innovative Urban Challenge Scavenger Hunts. In 2015, Where You Want To Be Tours merged with Out of the Ordinary, an award-winning team building company that was founded in 1996 by Carrie Ellwood. Together, the two companies are a major force in the team building and tourism industry and have won numerous awards including Best Team Building and Best Tour Operator by California Meetings & Events and Best Tours for Locals by San Diego Magazine.

The Menkins like to “think big” and take great pride in doing the impossible.

“Whenever someone tells us it can’t be done, that often motivates us to make it happen.”

Giving back and helping others is something both Marc and Darlynne are passionate about.

“We look at our business as a ministry. It’s a real blessing to have a company that’s all about lifting others up, laughter and building strong teams.”

In their spare time, Marc and Darlynne’s personal life closely resembles their work life as they enjoy taking long walks, riding bikes and traveling.

“Sometimes, we can’t tell if we’re working or we’re off because it’s all so much fun!”

Marc and Darlynne Menkin are actively involved with the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego Tourism Authority. They’re also trained marriage coaches for the Rock Church.

Marc Menkin

Owner

Marc's life mantra is simple: encourage others and do all you can to bring people to a better place.

Whether Marc is leading a tour or cheering on Scavenger Hunt teams, he gets to do this everyday. "When people first arrive, they sometimes are uptight or maybe they're worried about work,” he says. “But then, they start to have fun and they turn into a little kid right in front of you. It's so cool."

Marc's passion for creating unique experiences was first discovered while planning an event for the YMCA's Camp Surf Tropical Beach Party in 1999. From that experience, he realized he'd rather be outdoors planning fun events than being stuck in a cubicle.

Then, on New Year's Eve in 2002, he and his friend Charlie were on a hike near Balboa Park when they got the idea to explore unique canyons. Hours later, they discovered all sorts of cool historical tidbits and Marc realized his true calling... to start a tour company that specialized in places that were off the beaten path.

Since that day, it’s been quite a journey for this University of Pittsburgh graduate. “Marc's highly creative so it's interesting to see him create a Scavenger Hunt from scratch," says Darlynne. "He comes up with ideas that blow my mind. He's like a kid in a candy store."

Prior to launching their team building and tour business, Marc did Outside Sales and Business Development in the Direct Mail Industry for 17 years. Marc's professional accomplishments include a Friends of the YMCA Award and Top 50 Most Admired CEO (San Diego Business Journal).

Darlynne Reyes Menkin

Owner

Prior to launching their team building and tour company, Darlynne enjoyed an extensive career as a broadcast journalist. She was in the television news industry for 22 years and during that time, she was a writer, producer, reporter and anchor. In addition to anchoring in San Diego, she worked in New Hampshire, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.

Although she enjoyed being on-air, being a News Director was especially rewarding. “I loved that role because I was in a position to mentor young people and help make their dreams come true,” she says.

That passion for helping others can be seen in their business as Darlynne enjoys finding people with unique skills and then empowering them to use their talents to create transformational team building programs.

Darlynne’s professional accomplishments include a Golden Mic Award, San Diego Press Club Award, Women who move the City and Women Changing the World. Darlynne believes in giving back and serves in several ministries. She’s an on-air spokesperson for the Rock Church and led their Military ministry for three years.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men. (Colossians 3:23)

Find your team building solution today!

Alex

Thank you for everything you did to make this event great! Not to mention all you did to make the event even happen in the first place.

You two were a pleasure to work with, as was the team you brought in, and I will certainly be recommending your group to others. You went above and beyond, and our entire team had an amazing experience. Love the pictures as well. Can’t wait to share the link with the team. Such a cool bonus!

Servicenow.com

Audra H

I had a group of 40 professionals in La Jolla for a seminar and needed some fun activities so I found Out of the Ordinary Group & Team Adventures simply because of the catchy name! And let me tell you, their name says it all! Not only do they offer "out of the ordinary" events and excursions, they also go ABOVE and BEYOND to give everyone a wonderful experience! The best part for me as a Meeting Planner was, instead of using separate vendors for all our activities, we were able to use Out of the Ordinary for all 3!!! We did the Sip n' Score games at our Welcome Reception, the Wellness Walk through La Jolla with breathtaking views and for our team building we did the Bike Build Charity Give Back and were able to donate the finished bikes to a wonderful local organization, It's All About the Kids, just in time for Christmas! Thank you Darlynne, Marc and the entire team at Out of the Ordinary for all your help!

Babett Hirzel - Embassy Suites

First and foremost just wanted to say THANK YOU both for such a fun-filled experience on our scavenger hunt.

They all loved it ...What a great time spent together – and that is what it’s all about. Getting to know each other better and having some fun and laughs along the way. Still can’t get over Jason singing that song..haha.

Thank you again, I admire you both so much and can’t wait to partner up again hopefully in the first quarter to do something on a bigger scale with the entire hotel team.

Wishing you and Marc Happy Holidays and thank you for brightening up everyone’s day! You have my dream job!!!!!

Amanda Union Bank

As someone who has planned many team building and corporate events, I have to say that hands down, Out of the Ordinary takes the spotlight on professionalism, reliability and delivering an unforgettable experience. When I was tasked to plan a team building/holiday party in less than 4 weeks, I was so relieved to be working with a company that really has it together! Marc & Darlynne are so enthusiastic and really know how to think outside of the ordinary with every detail. I am so used to the behind the scenes chaos that typically plays out on the day of an event, but OOA's team was so polished and calm. Definitely a relief! I was even able to enjoy the event myself and participate as a guest.

Liana, Encore Semi

We booked the urban scavenger hunt at Balboa Park, in San Diego, for a company gathering and we had a great time!
Darlynne and the other guides were very helpful, guiding us through the park and giving us clues when needed without influencing the game. We all feel that we know better the city we live in, and we received great feedbacks from our whole team, so I can say that it was a lot of fun. Liana G

Beth Visit Santa Barbara

Darlynne and her husband Marc did a great job with a video coaching session for how to best present on Zoom. The content was customized to our audience with pre-questions from Darlynne. I would recommend her for this type of training if your organization can benefit in these days of working virtually.

Shoshana E Thermofisher

My work team did an Outrigger Canoe Challenge recently and everyone enjoyed the event! It was fun and exciting and really helped to bring the team together to enjoy the day outside of your typical working environment. The staff was very friendly, professional and attentive and everything was set up and coordinated perfectly. They made everything super easy from the 1st phone call to the actual event!

Chelsea B. High Tech Elementary

Our school, High Tech Elementary Chula Vista, did The Amazing Race scavenger hunt with Out of the Ordinary and had a blast! They were very professional, organized and fun! We just got to sit back and enjoy. I would highly recommend them for group building activities.

Lois J., Milgard

We always have fun with Out of the Ordinary! I know San Diego is in our future and I will always keep you in mind.

Annette G., Yesco

Just wanted to thank you, Marc and your entire team once again. From the beginning of our talks to the end, it was a great experience. You made us look good. Thank you!