Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Kearns, Owner of Camp Moose Trail, located in Golden, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Camp Moose Trail is a tiny hike in a campground built by and for people that really love being outdoors. The people that love this place are the people already completely in love with being outside.
Tell us about yourself
For as long as I can remember, I have been an outdoorsy type. From family canoe trips in Ontario to climbing trips in BC, I have always been happiest spending time outside with great people. Bringing folks camping just seemed like a natural fit for my personality. My motivation is held in the potential for this to turn into something much larger than myself and the opportunity to work with other inspiring people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making it through the first winter was a huge deal. We had to keep things like dish soap, drinking water, and even stove fuel in the sauna overnight so they wouldn't freeze. We ran out of firewood after our second weekend and were on our heels, trying to keep up for the rest of the winter. New years eve was -30, and it almost seemed as though the guests and staff had to overcome that together.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
At this point, the time commitment is huge; it really does affect you in unpredictable ways. Free time is not really a luxury that exists. I would say that almost everything has taken 3 to 10 times longer than I thought, and setbacks abound.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Everyone says it, and it's completely true. You really do need to love and believe in what you are doing, or your business will turn into a tough life lesson. "Embrace the suck!" is a quote I learned while serving in the army. It is often something I revisit when things get really hard at work. If you are starting something from the ground up, it is going to suck most of the time. (At least for a while). Just don't stop; if you do, then maybe this is just the tough life lesson I mentioned. Also, if you think about anything you have ever accomplished and were proud of thus far, chances are it had a high "suck" factor for a good chunk of that accomplishment. It's okay for things to suck, and it's a reality. Whoever said, "do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life," was definitely selling something. Do you know of anyone proud of the life they have built that didn't work their ass off for it?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.campmoosetrail.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campmoosetrail/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campmoosetrail/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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