new business Archives

What A Year!

What a year! In 2017 at Lakestyle, we were busy getting the business up and running after a successful time at the Edmonton and Calgary boat shows. It was fun to plan what our booth was going to look like, think about the logistics of getting the dock sections, bumpers, ladders and hardware all in and out. We met some great people with tons of ideas. We saw a lot of smiling faces as people walked away with one of our sandal key chains. Our social media presence continues to grow as do product sales. I met some great guys out in Sylvan Lake, Buffalo Lake, Gull Lake and beyond. It is hard to believe that a full year is now behind us and to imagine that Lakestyle was only in its infancy a short time ago.

Lakestyle - Sunset on the lake

I’ve learned so many things. I’ve learned that you have to be dedicated and persistent, that you have to dare to dream and believe in what you do. I’ve learned that there are many ups and downs (even to this day!) and that you cannot take anything for granted. There are so many supportive people who help bring an idea to reality. And you can’t forget about your family. They are truly my cheerleaders through and through, helping out wherever possible, and being there emotionally when the times are tough and celebrating when the times are good!

We had a lot of fun exploring different ideas for using our docks. From portable decks to duck blinds, to tundra or bog boardwalks to fly-in fishing camps. And lets not forget about the traditional dock at the lake! We continue to look at the many ways that Tommy Docks products can be used to support recreational adventures.

Lakestyle - blue sky and canola fields

All the while, we were able to have some fun at the lake, enjoying time with friends and family. It was a time of many firsts. We got to see friends getting up on skis for the very first time, kids challenging and successfully completing a full 360 on the kneeboard, others daring to slalom ski after a 20 year hiatus. There is nothing quite like hearing and feeling the excitement, as a group of kids (young and old) goes for a ride on the tube, hoping that they almost get bumped off! Great times reminiscing about the stars in the hot tub at night or sitting around the campfire sharing stories, all the while knowing that the next day has even more in store.

We loved playing yard games, tag, hide and seek or chilling out in the hammock. We spent so much time going for walks in the garden, picking Saskatoon berries, raspberries, cherries, apples or rhubarb secretly hoping that Mom or Grandma would make us yet another pie. Mmmm. Pie and ice cream on a hot summer day – can’t be beat!

Lakestyle - Lighthouse on lake

As we watch yet another sun set in these cold wintery days, we have to stop and think about how blessed we are to be able to build, create, share, and enjoy all of these wonderful lake things. I’d like to thank all of those that have stayed with us on this journey so far and look forward to another great season in the coming year!

All the best,

Kevin

Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systemsand accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!

Riding Waves

Recently, I was fortunate to be able to make another trip to the ocean. The weather was somewhat stormy when I first got there. Waves were what I considered to be big. I am sure they were nowhere near what others would consider even significant. As I gazed out off the pier I saw several people floating on their surfboards. I spent some time observing their actions and as I did so I realized there are so many parallels between what they were doing and what it was like to start a new company.

You need to have an idea and a passion for what you do. You must be willing to get up in the morning with a drive to improve and a willingness to try. Grab your surfboard, put your second skin on and brave the water’s cold embrace. Starting a business is ignited by a passion, a belief that something needs fixing, that there is a problem that you can help solve, and ultimately that others feel needs a solution, whether they know it at the time or not. You take the plunge.

Practice. I would wait and watch as wave after wave passed by. Then one really good wave would come, the surfer would paddle, jump on her board only to fall off within a mere second. But she never gave up. In starting a business, it takes a lot of practice. Whether it is your sales story, the way you simply converse with potential clients or the presentations you give, you must practice and in doing so, gain confidence. Sometimes, often a lot of times, you won’t succeed. But you keep practicing.

Along with practice is patience. Each wave reveals its true character, sometimes too early, sometimes too late. The key is to wait for the next chance at success. And when that time comes she jumps on her board and gives it 100% effort. Patience is key in any business, whether it is a new one or not. Hard work will lead to success, but you can’t expect success on the very first wave that comes. Being patient allows you to prepare, plan and focus so when the next big break comes, you are ready.

And then comes her chance. She paddles hard, flips on her board and rides the wave. It only lasts a short while, but she did it, and it was amazing. I wanted to clap as I knew just how much effort it took for that one moment of time. It was beautiful and I knew that it wouldn’t be the last. When you get that break in business, celebrate the opportunity, execute it well and know that what you’ve been able to do was worth the practice, patience and reward.

“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

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