Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Bennett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
When it comes to seeking support for Saylor Made Charters, particularly from friends and family, I recognize the importance of maintaining professionalism and boundaries. In the early stages of establishing my business, I relied on industry connections and word-of-mouth referrals, often facilitated by my friends and family who enthusiastically shared information about my services on social media and even became clients themselves.
Approaching friends and family to support my business did present some initial hesitation, as I wanted to maintain a balance between personal and professional relationships. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the unwavering support of my loved ones. It’s been a learning experience, where I’ve had to navigate the understanding that I cannot provide all my services at free or discounted rates. Saylor Made Charters is truly like my second child, and much like caring for a newborn, raising Saylor Made Charters necessitates a collaborative effort, and I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of family and friends contributing to its growth. It truly “takes a village”!
This support has not only aided in the expansion of my business but has also reaffirmed the importance of setting clear boundaries and conveying the value of the services I provide. It’s taught me to strike a balance between personal connections and professional obligations, ensuring that both are carefully considered.
While this journey hasn’t been without its challenges, it has strengthened my belief that building a successful enterprise is a collaborative effort that involves not only industry connections but also the invaluable support of friends and family.
Kayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Kayla Bennett, the proud owner of Saylor Made Charters, located in the heart of Tampa, Florida. My journey in the maritime industry is deeply rooted in my Tampa upbringing, a rarity in a city where many aren’t native. It all began with my pursuit of the STCW certification, which opened doors to working in international waters. This rigorous training encompassed everything from survival tactics to assuming the role of a fire department when out at sea. I was immediately fascinated with the expanse of practical knowledge and experiences this industry had to offer.
My local career started with tour boats departing from Clearwater Beach. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waterways, the captivating wildlife, and forging meaningful memories with regulars and visitors alike. But perhaps what struck me most profoundly was the sense of community woven into the fabric of the boating world. Years later I still look back at my initial time at Clearwater Beach with such love and fondness for all the salty characters that nurtured and encouraged my growth within the maritime industry.
Years of serving as a mate allowed me to accumulate valuable sea time, a stepping stone toward obtaining my captain’s license through St. Pete Sea School. With my OUPV license in hand, I continued to gain experience on various vessels across Tampa and Clearwater, eventually returning to sea school to upgrade to a Masters 100 ton license. The desire to share the transformative experiences I had on the water with as many people as possible in a safe and fun environment ignited my passion for what I do.
I often refer to my time on the water as “water therapy,” and it’s something I believe brings a unique and deeply rejuvenating experience to everyone. There’s an indescribable joy in encountering a manatee or a pod of dolphins in their natural habitat, without having to go to a theme park or zoo. Today, I captain my own boat, guiding it along the brackish waters of the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay, uniquely containing both freshwater and marine life. From river cruising to island hopping in the bay, its always a day to remember.
My journey has also been a journey of understanding and appreciating the delicate ecosystem and diverse wildlife that thrives here. Sharing this knowledge and experience with others is immensely fulfilling. More than just a boat ride, it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and tend to one’s mental well-being. In a world marked by the constraints of COVID and remote work, the chance to step outside, bask in the sun, and enjoy our natural surroundings is essential. It’s about enriching lives and enhancing the quality of living for those that come out for a trip on Saylor Made.
In essence, Saylor Made Charters is not merely a business; it’s a conduit to nature, a rejuvenating journey for mental well-being, and a vessel (pun intended) to create cherished memories. It’s about connecting with the earth, the water, and each other.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The most powerful source of new clients for me undoubtedly stems from the magic of word-of-mouth advertising. While I can put out flyers, or share pictures and videos on social media platforms, nothing quite compares to the authenticity and trust that’s instilled when a good friend or family member shares their experience. As a budding business, I acknowledge that I don’t possess the vast resources of more established businesses. Therefore, I’ve placed immense value on the effectiveness of word-of-mouth referrals.
Furthermore, networking within the maritime industry has proven to be an invaluable asset. In my journey within this community, I’ve been fortunate to create connections with individuals who have come to know my reputation and trust in my services. When people receive recommendations from others they trust, it carries significant weight. The more I’ve immersed myself in this industry, the broader my network has grown, and these connections often translate into referrals of new clients.
In essence, word of mouth, driven by great days out on the water, is the cornerstone of my client acquisition strategy. It’s a testament to the quality of the experiences we create, and it’s a driving force that fuels the growth of Saylor Made Charters.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
One critical aspect that solidified my reputation was my strong work ethic and effectiveness in my role. It’s been my continuous pursuit of excellence, my genuine passion for the maritime industry, and my commitment to fostering positive relationships within the community that have collectively built my reputation. In an environment where hard work and dedication resonate deeply, I’m proud to have earned the trust of my peers and clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: saylormadecharters.com
- Instagram: @saylormadecharters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086526859785&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/saylor-made-charters-tampa-bay
Image Credits
Saylor Made Charters