Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rob Lawton, Owner of West Bay Acadia, Inc., located in Gouldsboro, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We have built a high-end RV campground next to Acadia National Park. Our customers want immersion in nature and a state-of-the-art infrastructure, including business-class high-speed broadband. This enables guests to enjoy trails and water while maintaining a remote work presence.
Tell us about yourself
I retired from my management consulting company of 38 years (focused on strategic and customer-centered excellence) when starting this new business in 2019. The prime motivator for starting the campground was my observed and experienced encounter with many poor-quality campgrounds over the years. I knew we (my wife and I) could do much better. After our first full year, we achieved a strong customer satisfaction rating of 9.9 out of 10. That's what keeps us enthusiastic.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
A crucial part of our mission is to make a demonstrable impact on the economic development of our depressed rural community. We are doing that, receiving recognition from the Chair of our town council.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The ability and religiously practiced passion for uncovering, understanding, and satisfying the unique priorities of our demanding customers. This is done in an intentionally personal way that they have not previously experienced.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand what your product is from your customer's viewpoint.
- Carefully identify and describe who your intended customers are.
- Make the quality of your product, its outcomes, and business processes differentiated and better than your competitors, so you are never competing on price.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://westbayacadia.com/
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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