Paddling Through Waters - Central Coast Outdoors

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Flaherty, Owner of Central Coast Outdoors, located in Los Osos, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We guide kayak tours on Morro Bay in California. It's an easy place to kayak and is chock full of wildlife, so we get a lot of families, youth groups, and people who have varying amounts of kayaking experience.

Tell us about yourself

I've been in the outdoor guiding world since 1991. I love taking people out and showing them a great time. My particular passion is interpretive work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having a near-perfect rating on TripAdvisor.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Especially for a very small business where you are essentially an owner/operator, the biggest challenge is that you have to oversee everything personally. I get decision fatigue.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Make a business plan.
2. Be prepared to throw out the business plan once you start getting business.
3. Always be thinking of what the customer wants.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.centralcoastoutdoors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralcoastoutdoors/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-flaherty-23a6274/

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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