Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nabil Saweeres. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nabil, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I love the outdoors! While a lot of people would agree with that statement, it’s easier said than done… Personally, I would prefer to go camping with my family as a vacation. But I realized that’s not a popular option for most. Which I think is a shame. In a world where kids don’t play outside and we’re so “connected”, we loose contact with the people closest to us. I asked myself, “Why don’t people go camping and how can I share what it is I love so much with more people?”.
Answer, it’s not normally comfortable and It’s so much work. Solution, make it as comfortable and easy as possible and people will love it!
This was back in 2009 when “Glamping” was in it’s early days. So we went to a highly recommended destination and had a great time. However, the experience was lacking. I really felt then that I could offer something so much more.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Black Tree Resort exists to give people a space to Rest their body, Reconnect with loved ones, Rejuvenate the spirit and Remember what’s most important. We all need more of this in our lives. And I couldn’t think of a mission that would satisfy me more than that. We offer our guests a true “Luxury Camping” experience (AKA: Glamping). Plush bedding on the most comfortable mattresses, Heavy canvas tents fully furnished with seating and dinning inside and out. A wood stove along with fleece and Pendleton wool blankets to keep you warm. You will also enjoy your own private bathroom and personal golf cart during your stay. Not to mention, each meal is chef prepared, made to order and brought to your tent. Our guest reviews tell the story of what 5 star camping should be.
Professionally, this is my second career. I was in Wealth Management for 20 years before I decided to change gears and start my own glamping resort. Prior to my life behind the desk, I worked in food service, landscaping and light construction. Little did I know, all that would prepare me for the best job of my life. I had a vision for the experience I wanted my guests to have, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to make that happen. As I started to look for “professional” help, I realized I could probably do a better job myself. So I did… I found and renovated the perfect property, worked through government regulations. Designed and built the tents and furniture. I created a full menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and cocktails. I built a team to perfect our process and execution. And we’re just getting started.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Born in Colorado, I spent 14 years living in NYC. I went at the age of 23 to pursue a career in music. Somehow I landed a job answering phones for financial advisors. While I always maintained it was a temporary job, I just so happened to be pretty good at it. Seven years later I was the youngest Senior Vice President at the largest bank in the country. I was enjoying the life my work allowed me to live but I never really enjoyed the work. It was a difficult decision to leave a high paying career, but the answer was clear. The support I received from those closest to me was crucial to my success. But believing in your vision when the world can’t see it yet, that has to come from within. I knew I had something that people needed in their lives and I knew how to give it to them. I also knew I wanted my work to go towards something more tangible and durable than a paycheck.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Working through regulators on a project that is new and isn’t specifically regulated proved to be a great challenge. When building something no one has seen before, you run in to regulations that don’t make sense and shouldn’t apply. While they are roadblocks, they can be temporary if you take the right approach. Patience and understanding of the regulators perspective goes a long way when you’re in a gray area… I learned a lot more than I ever wanted about building codes, water rights, and environmental impact. But it’s prepared me to make valid objections and proposals to the roadblocks I had to face.
Contact Info:
- Website: blacktreeresort.com
- Instagram: blacktreeresort
- Facebook: blacktreeresort