Ultimate Hood River Experience

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ali McLaughlin, owner of MountNbarreL, located in Hood River, OR, USA.

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

MOUNTNBARREL offers all-inclusive, locally guided tasting tours throughout the Columbia River Gorge — by bike, Ebike, or shuttle. Our tours include private vineyards, orchard and farm rides and tastings, locally sourced lunch, and seasonal u-pick stops.

Tell us about yourself

I was working in marketing and was at a point where I really wanted to branch out on my own. At the same time, I discovered the gorge wine scene, which despite living here, I never really knew existed. I fell in love! I joined the wine club at the first two wineries that I visited in Hood River, and after riding to the wineries with a friend by bike, I realized that this had to be a thing. Not only did all my friends need to come to have this experience, but people from all over the world. Then there was the huge bonus that this would be my job. It definitely does not feel like work. It fills me up. I love every minute of it!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That’s a tough one. Personally, I’d have to say it’s simply the fact that it worked out the way it did. That it evolved into more than I had hoped. The relationships that I’ve built with our industry partners and guests from all over the world are so priceless. It feels good to be a part of it. As far as business accomplishments, I’d have to say be named in Nat Geo’s Best of the World Journeys for 2022. We’ve had some great interviews and mentions, but this was pretty huge and a complete surprise!

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

Having to be on all of the time. The fear that something will happen and I won’t be able to make payroll. The fear of disasters that are out of my control, like wildfires, port closures, and COVID. As you can imagine, COVID has been the hardest, hands down. There is no manual for these things. You have to build your own and do what you think is right. I am very thankful that the nature of our business allows us to be outside. I think most people really longed to be outside, on a bike, smelling the smells and tasting all the deliciousness. It felt safe and brought joy, so there’s the silver lining. I ended up pretty easily reopening and providing fully distanced tours. It’s still hard, but I try to keep a positive outlook.

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

A mentor of mine said this to me early on, and I never forgot: The dream is always to make money doing something you love and something you’re good at. The more you have of either or both, the better chance you have of success. You can’t succeed without any of them either.
Timing is everything! The experiences we have leading up to starting a business are instrumental. If the time isn’t right, don’t force it. I honestly think I couldn’t have done this successfully a year earlier or a year later. Things just fell into place.
Never let fear or doubt set in.
Be true to yourself and your values. Surround yourself with people you can trust. Serve them as they serve you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mountnbarrel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountNbarreL/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountnbarrel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimclaughlin/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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