Back in 2011, I thought of operating a small recreational company. My town had not offered Jet-ski Rentals since the 1980’s, never knew the reason why back then. With zero funding & 5yrs experience repairing equipment. I was committed to the task. Entering the business arena was intimidating. No one, I knew had knowledge in the area, I was pursuing.
While involved in this journey, I learned what not to do. This is why, I am writing this now in 2022. Before I really got started, I asked officials from the town recreation Department, What was required in order to use the building at the City Beach. They asked for a Business plan, million dollar insurance policy and demanded the store front be staffed during Beech operation hours. Of course, it sounded reasonable but I couldn’t afford staff. My budget was just bare bones, which included rental equipment, life vest and a web page. It was ALSO very hard to get follow-up questions answered from city officials regarding their suggestions.
When putting many aspects of the plan together, governing bodies appear to not recognize obstacles already faced by the Business owner. Beginning my company was a true “Do it Your Self Endeavor” And since this was the actual case I decided not to depend on others to give me answers I needed. I would do it, without them! ..Not looking back either!
With this new found perspective, I was free to think on my own addressing issues of delivery, storage repair, maintenance, sales and advertising. So many things to think about had me multitasking to the limit. Almost to great inefficiency.
Now what?
Beefing up the budget:
Realizing no one was coming to the rescue or cared that much about what I was doing? Or at least until it was up and running, but by then I wouldn’t need much help. I saved religiously every pay day. Added money my mother left me from her death $2300. At the half way point, I noticed manufactures were selling canoe carrier trailers for 2500 without kayaks or canoes on them. Those items were sold separately.
Developing the habit of not wasting money, time, food or any other resource was a big help. Money saved in one area often led to having more cash for more things in the end! In all I obtained five trailers worth of equipment. Enjoy the pictures …
A side benefit was that my daughter, her boyfriend and others could enjoy the summer fun riding the local river. This adds another element, they could act as a Word of mouth for the business !!