When you have a great idea, sometimes you just need to go for it––even if the timing is not ideal. Though Joshua Bernstein ’22 was a full-time student and athlete, that is just what he did.

The concept for his business, Touredlt, came after his experience touring colleges. Touredlt connects prospective college students with current students for personalized, one-on-one college tours. This gives prospective students the opportunity to choose a tour guide based on shared interests. Currently, the company serves over 500 colleges and has over 1,000 tour guides for users to choose from.In addition to running his business, Bernstein is a junior center on the NCAA Div. III Tufts University Men’s Basketball team and is majoring in computer science.

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Bernstein’s business, how he balances all of his commitments, and his memories from Berkshire.

What inspired you to launch your business, Touredlt?
When I visited Tufts, I was being recruited for basketball, so I toured with a player who was also a computer science major and Jewish. Because of that, I got to see Hillel (the center for Jewish life on campus), the gym, the locker room, and the lab—everything that actually mattered to me. It was a completely personalized experience. 

In contrast, my sister’s college tours were with one guide per a group of 50 students. This meant she couldn’t ask many questions or see the parts of campus she cared about, like dorm rooms or academic buildings. I realized prospective students needed an option to get a more customized and meaningful college tour experience, which led to the creation of TouredIt. 

What advice would you give anyone starting a business?
I have learned that success is much more about hard work than pure skill. You do not need to be the best at something to start a business, but you do need to outwork everyone else. A great idea alone will not get you far—execution is everything.

A lot of people get stuck in the mindset that they need to be an expert before they start, but the truth is, you learn as you go. The best entrepreneurs are not necessarily the smartest or most talented; they’re the ones who keep pushing forward, problem-solving, and adapting when things don’t go as planned.

Also, do not be afraid to start before you feel ready. Every successful business started as an idea that someone ran with. Take action, test your idea, listen to feedback, and be willing to iterate. Most importantly, surround yourself with the right people—mentors, advisors, and a strong team—who can make all the difference.

How do you manage your busy schedule?
I plan every minute of my day in my calendar, even time hanging out with friends. This ensures I stay productive, keep up with my responsibilities, and do not waste time. Balancing being a full-time student, athlete, and entrepreneur means there is always something that needs to get done, so being intentional with my time is key. I also prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, making sure I tackle the most critical things first. Having structure helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures I can give my full focus to whatever I am working on, whether it is a class, a game, or a business meeting.

At the same time, I recognize the importance of balance. Scheduling downtime or social activities is just as crucial as scheduling work because burnout is real. Staying disciplined with my schedule allows me to be efficient but also be available for the things that keep me motivated and energized.

What Berkshire class inspired you?
Advanced Humanities Research (AHR) with Dr. Perot was one of the most impactful classes I took at Berkshire. While it was a humanities-based class that involved a lot of writing, something I have actively avoided throughout college as a STEM major, it had one element that I absolutely love: creativity.

The class was unique in that we had the freedom to research and write about a project of our choice. That level of independence and intellectual curiosity was something I had never fully explored before. It was not about checking boxes or completing assignments for a grade; it was about diving deep into a topic purely because it interested me. That freedom to pursue something I was genuinely passionate about is what I now realize was the start of my entrepreneurial spirit.

Looking back, AHR taught me how to take ownership of my work, think critically, and follow through on big ideas—skills that are directly applicable to launching a business. The idea of researching something just because it excites you is the same mindset that drives entrepreneurship. You identify a problem, immerse yourself in understanding it, and build something meaningful around it. That class showed me the power of curiosity-driven work, and in many ways, set the foundation for the way I approach TouredIt today.

What are your fondest memories of your time at Berkshire? 
One of my fondest memories was during the grind of COVID when we unexpectedly had a snow day. It was late at night, around 11 p.m., when we all got an email from Mr. Mulder announcing that the next day of classes was canceled. After months of structure, restrictions, and the stress of navigating school during the pandemic, this felt amazing.

The second the email hit our inboxes, everyone ran outside into the snow, celebrating like little kids. We were throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and just enjoying the rare feeling of spontaneity after such a rigid time. It was one of those moments where nothing else mattered—no stress about school, no pressure, just pure fun with friends.

That night really stood out to me because it reminded me how important it is to embrace the unexpected and enjoy the little moments. Berkshire was filled with intense academic and athletic commitments, but it was times like these—where the whole community just let loose and had fun together—that made it so special.