Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Butler.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My business started as an outdoor equipment rental business: canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats. Everyone bought canoes and kayaks, so those rentals stalled quickly. When the pandemic started, I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. During that year and a half of treatments and surgeries, I researched other niches I could fill the downtime between summer and winter fishing seasons. I started the SM stores and online store at gitsumoutdoors.com, and now we added a pontoon and a 30ft bunkhouse camper to our rental fleet. Listening to my customer’s needs was a big part of this pivot. We also added shrink wrapping boats as a service in the fall to prep boats for storage. This was a huge success as there were no local options available.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
The pandemic hit, so my first year was idled to form my business. Then I was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. I was out of work for treatments, and extra money to put into my business was unavailable. Using what I had was important as I figured out what I was able to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I want to help get families into the outdoors at an affordable price. Spend some time together unplugged from technology. Locals and tourists. My specialty is offering spearfishing rentals in the winter. So many people loved it when they were kids but haven’t done it since. Hearing the stories of their fond memories relived is great. And I was always getting them on fish.
Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I have been trying to source local outdoor products for my online store. I have done product swaps for cross-promotions to help each other via sm. To get more followers and website visits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gitsumoutdoors.com
- Instagram: @gitsumoutdoors
- Facebook: GitsumOutdoors
