We recently connected with Ashley Chouinard and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When my husband Bill and I took over Wild Blue Adventure Co. we were brand new to the business world. Bill is a flight nurse and I am a teacher so we thought we would run Wild Blue in our spare time and it would be a fun passion project. Bill has been around airplanes since he was a little boy, but didn’t get his pilot’s license until his early 30’s. Giving aerial tours in a World War II biplane around the New River Gorge was a dream that Bill had. I loved the idea of blending nostalgia, adventure, and a love for my home state. We knew purchasing the biplane would be expensive, but justified it as an investment. An asset with low risk and a high potential for joy for our family and other families, so we said yes.

Fast forward 3 years, Wild Blue was thriving. In 2022, when we got the call that changed everything. The property we were leasing was coming up for sale, the risk was very high, but Bill and I went all in. We knew long-term this was the right move and we had to take the risk to grow. 2022 brought a huge learning curve. Purchasing the property meant we were also purchasing the short-term rental house, which we were both excited to take on, but looking back, totally unprepared for this endeavor. We had no idea how hard branding, managing, and maintaining a short-term rental house would be. At any rate, we were up to the challenge and The Aviator’s Lounge was born–a space that mirrors the same vintage charm and spirit of adventure as our flights.

By 2023, everything seemed to be taking off, but literally and figuratively. We had a very strong start to the season. Flying season was great, rental season was booking solid…Our dream felt within reach. Then in July 2023, everything came to a screeching halt. Bill was in a paragliding accident and shattered his ankle….consequently shutting down our flying season at Wild Blue. It’s important to note that we live in southern West Virginia and own an open-cockpit plane. Our normal flying season in May-November, so to lose our pilot in the middle of revenue season was devastating to say the least.

This accident really forced us to work ON our business and not IN our business. Prior to this accident, nearly everything we did was hands-on, mostly just the two of us. We had very little help outside of our family. When Bill was sidelined, we had to find new ways to keep things running. The first thing we did was enlist help from the WV Hive, a business coaching organization that helps entrepreneurs across southern WV. They helped connect us to classes and mentors that helped us strengthen our businesses–the systems, marketing strategies, and organization. We also made a big, and honestly scary, move, we hired a part-time cleaner at The Aviator’s Lounge. For a small, seasonal business, this was a huge expense for us. But that decision paid off in ways we didn’t expect, even while Bill was recovering, the rental house continued to book and generate income.

At the time, Bill’s injury felt devastating. Everything we had worked so hard to build suddenly came to a halt. But looking back two years later, we can see it for what it was—a turning point and a chance to grow. We were incredibly fortunate that before the accident, we had been budgeting for a major maintenance project on the property. By pressing pause on that expense, we were able to redirect those funds to keep us afloat during Bill’s recovery. It was not glamorous, but it was practical and gave us the breathing room we needed to regroup, refocus, and move forward with intention.

The best advice we have for entrepreneurs or folks interested in starting a business is homework and growth mindset. One, do your homework. Know your markets and competition. If someone says you are the only person offering a product or service, see who your indirect competitors are. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Fresh eyes can save you expensive mistakes or worse, your peace. Two, embrace a growth mindset. Listen to podcasts, read books, harness the power of your brain. My husband is annoyingly positive, (I say that with love. haha) In any situation, he will use it as an opportunity for growth while I spiral. It took me a long time to see the opportunity in the obstacle of his injury. But once I did, it changed the way I approach challenges—in business and in life. At Wild Blue Adventure Co, the sky is not the limit.

Bill & Ashley Chouinard own and operate Wild Blue Adventure Co. & The Aviator’s Lounge in Fayetteville, WV—home of America’s newest national park–the New River Gorge.

www.wildblueadventurecompany.comwww.aviatorsloungewv.com
They can be found Facebook, Instagram, & Tiktok @wildblueadventurecompany

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My husband Bill grew up in western Canada. His father was a hobby pilot and his business kept him traveling, so Bill was always around planes. He always knew he wanted our children to grow up around airport life.

At Wild Blue Adventure Co, we offer scenic, biplane rides in a 1943 Boeing Stearman. It was used as primary trainer during WWII.

Prepare for landing at this vintage loft-style home-The Aviator’s Lounge. Minutes from Fayetteville & the New River Gorge. Unwind in luxurious loungers by the heated saltwater pool, 10-person hot tub, & fire pit for cozy nights under the stars. This spacious retreat is perfect for families & groups with a well-equipped kitchen, outdoor grill & patio, large breakfast bar, inviting living area, yard games, & more. If you want to make first-class memories together with laughter & fun, BOOK NOW!

What sets us apart is the personal connection we bring to everything we do. We’re not a franchise or a faceless business. We are a family who genuinely love this community and the adventure culture that defines it. Every detail–from the craftsmanship of our aircraft to the vintage decor in our lodging–reflects the same love of flight, history, and hospitality.

We’re most proud of how these two dreams–Wild Blue Adventure Co. & The Aviator’s Lounge–have helped share the magic of flight, boost local tourism, and create lasting memories for thousands of visitors. At the heart of everything we do, we hope to inspire people to look up, explore more, and follow their hearts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

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Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

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Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildblueadventurecompany.com; www.aviatorsloungewv.com
• Instagram: wildblueadventurecompany, aviatorsloungewv
• Facebook: Wild Blue Adventure Co.
• Other: Tiktok: wildblueadventurecompany, aviatorsloungewv

Image Credits
house/plane—Jay Young, Iron Arch Photography
Bill & Ashley–Candace Adkins, AHD Photography