Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kurt Zitzelman, Founder of Hemlock Mountain Outdoors, located in Olyphant, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
With Hemlock Mountain Outdoors, I hand craft camping hammocks, tarps, quilts, and accessories in my small shop in northeastern Pennsylvania. My customers range from first-time campers to seasoned backpackers looking for high-quality gear built and designed to last in all kinds of weather. I also offer custom work to those who know what they are looking for but may not be able to find it via more standard offerings.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up outdoors, and as a child, we had a nice large piece of property out in the country. Camping and hiking were just the norms. In fact, I never was a fan of having to play indoors. As I got older, I found that camping was my preferred method of lodging when traveling, and it was almost always in a tent. In 2015 I was introduced to camping hammocks, and at first, I doubted they could be as comfortable or warm in colder weather as a tent. I was soon proven wrong and made the transition to hammocks full-time. After about a year, I started to make my own gear and take it with me on trips. As I showed it off, people started to gain interest. Pretty shortly, I was getting asked to make setups for other people, and it slowly grew from there. Now, I've shipped all over the United States and to several countries around the world. I sometimes get messages from customers showing me pictures of the places they've used my gear. It's almost like being there myself... I love that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment was probably my first international order. I wasn't doing a lot of marketing at the time, so knowing that someone on the other side of the planet knew about my small business was huge. I don't know if that really qualifies. Honestly, every day is an accomplishment. Especially in today's climate where things are so touched and go. Not letting all that way me down is pretty high on the list.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding time. I am a sole proprietor and my only employee. Everything related to my business, I have to handle. Running the website, buying materials, posting on social media, making and shipping the gear, marketing... all of it. Time management is very important, but so is knowing when to stop and take time for myself. I can't ruin my business if I am exhausted. Finding the time to have balance can be difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- First, stick with it. There will be times when things may seem too difficult or you are being taken way outside your comfort zone. Anything worth doing is going to challenge you, so just hang in there.
- Second, it's your business, but there will be a lot of other people who are going to try and tell you how to run it. Some of them will be genuine and helpful. Others, not so much. Listen to what they all have to say and weigh it against what you want. At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you.
- Finally, believe in yourself. If you believe in your idea, others will too. It's amazing what doors will open when you know in your heart that you can do it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hemlockmountainoutdoors.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HemlockMountainOutdoors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HemlockMtOutdoors/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hemlockmtoutdrs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-zitzelman-0b67571a/
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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