Plenty of entrepreneurs dream about jetting off to exotic locations and running their businesses from scenic beachfronts. And that’s exactly what Lisa Roland and her partner, Flair, get to do on a daily basis. Their company, Unplugged Yacht Charters, provides scenic yacht charters for visitors to Antigua. Read about their journey and the business in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
What the Business Does
Offers exotic sailing experiences.
Roland says, “We are a catamaran charter company, offering week long sailing charters in Antigua, West Indies. Our beautiful Lagoon 450 is fully crewed with a Captain and a chef, and specialize in all things ocean!”
Business Niche
Going the extra mile for every customer.
Roland says, “Whether it is sailing through the night to make sure our guests get to that extra special destination they dreamed of, arranging specialized outings, or working in depth to ensure all travel goals are met, the most common theme in our client reviews is that we have always gone above and beyond. Some times it comes down to picking up that sweet treat a guest mentioned in passing!”
How the Business Got Started
Because of a lifelong love of sailing.
Roland grew up sailing, then joined the yachting industry, along with Flair.
Roland explains, “After building excellent client rapport and a million ideas on how we would do things we finally decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship and launch our very own company.”
Biggest Win
Receiving positive feedback from customers.
Roland says, “Being a new company, our biggest win so far was when we reached out to our past clients and asked them to leave a little testimonial. The response we got was overwhelming, and the things they said were so heartwarming, it was an instant confirmation that we were doing the right thing.”
Biggest Risk
Investing in a long-term lease.
Roland says, “We have decided to lease a boat for the full season, with confidence that we will be able to fill bookings. Stay tuned for the result!”
How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000
Starting a community outreach program.
Roland explains, “Of course there is an endless list of gear, equipment, water toys, money to go towards advertising, and general expenses, but one thing we are working towards is developing community outreach programs for all of the incredible places we are so fortunate to operate.”
Namesake
The family boat.
Roland says, “We got the name Unplugged from my family boat growing up. When we were getting ready to launch, I had to call my parents and ask them if I could carry on the family name!”
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Images: Unplugged Yacht Charters, Flair and Lisa Roland