Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Ryan.
Hi Tyler, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in New England on the water, but up there, it was like 4 months, between ice! I moved to Charlerston in 2002, bought a jet ski, and spent every moment I could tearing up the ICW. After moving to Lexington in 2005, I found Lake Murray and got a boat. If you have ever owned a boat, you know that you will suddenly have a ton of friends – all of which never seem to have gas money.
I would often have friends offer to give me cash to take their spouse or GF out for a date night, which seemed awesome to me, however, what I didn’t know is that as soon as you take more than gas money for a boat ride, you become a commerical business, and if you do not have a Merchant Mariners Credintial (Captain’s License) issued by the Coast Guard, it is a federal offense. Thankfully, it wasn’t me that learned that the hard way, but after a friend got a major charge, I decided that charters were a great business opportunity.
I had enough time on the water and experience to qualify for my MMC, so I went to Sea School, and earned my Master Captain’s License, Lake Murray Boat Tours was born. I also started teaching boating, and after becoming a Nationawlly Certifed Instructor (NASBLA, NSBC, and NauticED), and created the “Boating Boot Camp.”
Currently, I run LMBT, and teach boating through the Boot Camp, and work with 2 boat clubs on the Lake,
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business, and growing it is never a “smooth” journey, but it hasn’t been as bad as several of my friends in their various ventures.
Some of the struggles, besides building a solid book of business are generally beyond control. When you run a hospitality tour business, you are often at the mercy of Mother Nature. Clearly, when it is a cold or wet season, it can have an impact on the bottom line and the ability to grow.
The other aspect is that we are dealing with boats, and if you have ever owned a boat, you know that the best 2 days of a boat owners life are the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it. There are often issues, but and small with equipment that can have an impact also.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lake Murray Boat Tours. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lake Murray Boat Tours is the premiere concierge boat charter company on Lake Murray. We speciaize in experience tours, offering various tours, including bar hopping, beach tours, sunset and sunrise tours, history, real estate, and island exploration tours. We also work with guests to customize the perfect experience.
In addtion, The Boating Boot Camp offers hands-on boat training and education. With our Nationally Certified Boating Instructor, we offer various training programs, from the basics to specific skill building such as trailering, anchoring, navigation, and more.
LMBT is First Responder owned, and all of our Captains are licensed United States Coast Guard certifed Merchant Mariners.
What makes you happy?
I love being out on the water, which makes is really great to run a business related to something I am passionate about. There is something theraputic about being out there, and having the opportunity to share that with guests is awesome.
I’ve also found that many people have aprehensions about the water, and helping them overcome their fears and really come to love the water is super rewarding!
Pricing:
- 290 / 2 hours / up to 6 people, including boat, fuel, and Captain
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LakeMurrayBoatTours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captaintylerryan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captaintylerryan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/captaintylerryan
