Member Spotlight on KIRK FISHER
Louisiana Yachting & Boating Center
Interview conducted by Winnie Hart, Communications Director
Please tell us briefly about your company.
Louisiana
Yachting and Boating Center is the largest high end yacht and boat
dealership in Louisiana and Mississippi. We sell only the highest
quality boats and focus on service after the sale.
So why did you join EO and how long have you been a member?
I
had wanted to join for some time. I was approached to join earlier this
year and was excited to be a part of a great organization.
How did you come up with an original idea for your business?
I
had been in the newspaper business for many years but wanted to start a
side business. After completing my market research I discovered an
opportunity in the high end yacht and boat market in LA and MS. I
completed a business plan and presented it to several manufactures and
launched the concept on the North Shore of New Orleans.
What do you like best about your business?
I enjoy the complexity of working with multiple profit centers and refining the start up operation to increase sales and profit.
How much money did you have to invest to start your business?
$1.3M
What are your current annual revenues and number of employees?
In 2006 we had $3M in annual sales which grew to $12M the next year. I currently employ 17 people.
What is your proudest accomplishment(s) to date in your business?
Increasing sales and showing a profit in 2007.
When did you first realize you were going to be an entrepreneur?
I've always known that I would be an entrepreneur. I just needed to find the right niche to fill at the right time.
What is your greatest accomplishment in your entire life?
Getting named one of Press Time Magazine's "Top 20 Under 40" in the newspaper industry in 2006 is something I am very proud of.
What are your biggest personal strengths?
Work ethic.
What about your biggest weakness?
I am stubborn to a fault.
Why do you think you have been successful?
I feel I have a strong work ethic and a family and wife that supports my endeavors.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I enjoy playing the guitar.
What is something you hope will be written about you in your obituary?
I
hope to have made an impact and a difference in the lives of my wife
and children and that I was a good husband and father. (Those of us
that work 80 hours a week need to remember to take time for our
families.)
On a lighter note, what do you do for fun these days?
I like to spend time with my wife and kids. I also enjoy good wine and time with friends.
Got anything big coming up on the horizon for you personally or with business that you want to share?
I plan on taking a boat trip to the Florida Keys with my family.
Who has the biggest influence on your life?
Doug
Manship Jr. He gave me my first big job as Director of Operations and
Business Manager with The Advocate (the Baton Rouge daily newspaper).
Without that opportunity I would not have had the knowledge or
confidence to start my own company.
If you could spend an entire day with one person who would it be?
Warren Buffet
How long has your company been in operation?
We are just starting our 3rd year.
What lead you to EO?
I
believe all entrepreneurs need a good outlet to discuss business and
life issues with others that are facing the same struggles.
How has your initial experience been?
I am relieved to be a part of a group that understands the challenges I face. 