It was a pleasure to attend the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism last week! A highlight was seeing the Maine Tourism Association’s “Tourism for ME” program receive the well-deserved Leadership and Growth Award. I was thrilled to be included in their program video, featuring our intern from last summer – a truly delightful recognition!
Being part of the video sparked some kind compliments and thoughtful questions about the growth of guiding in our area. Reflecting on those questions during my drive home brought back memories of when I first started in 1986. It's remarkable to think that back then, Ken Bailey and I were the only two guides operating locally – we were the entire landscape nearly forty years ago!
Over the years, it's been wonderful to witness the flourishing of local guiding, starting with sea kayaking and then expanding to include opportunities like my own son's climbing guide service and many fishing guides offering their own unique short-term adventures. I truly believe this growth is positive, as it collectively showcases the fantastic local resources we cherish and should be proud to share with visitors.
While healthy competition is welcome, I do have a few observations regarding practices that could undermine the integrity and long-term success of our local guiding community.
Firstly, I encourage all new guides to invest the time and effort to develop an authentic small business built upon your individual specialties and deep knowledge. While imitation might seem like a shortcut, it ultimately prevents you from establishing a unique identity and connecting with clients who value your specific expertise.
Secondly, I want to emphasize the importance of avoiding shortcuts that could compromise client safety and well-being. Two key areas come to mind. The first is ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. While it represents an investment, I view it as a fundamental responsibility. If, through any fault of my own, a client were to be injured on a trip, my priority would be to ensure their full and swift recovery. The potential costs associated with such an event far exceed what most small businesses can absorb, making insurance an indispensable safeguard.
The second area is diligently ensuring all fishing clients have the required licenses. While it can be a logistical consideration, the availability of online licensing removes many of the traditional barriers. To ensure full compliance, I've even taken the step to become a license agent, allowing me to issue licenses directly to my clients. Simply asking to see a license may not guarantee everyone is covered.
To all the new guides embarking on this rewarding path, I extend my sincere best wishes for long and fulfilling careers. The lasting friendships and rich experiences I've gained have made my small business incredibly worthwhile, and I hope you find the same enduring satisfaction in sharing the beauty of our region with others.
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