A business is born!

Well, it’s been a long time coming – for me at least.  I started with this idea about a year ago, after becoming frustrated with trying to find some specific hunting apparel items that none of the major retailers were carrying.  My logic was that if I’m frustrated finding the right upland gear, there probably are several others across the country that experience the same frustration.  And the ‘idea’ for Uplanders Warehouse was born. Going from ‘idea’ to reality was a bit more difficult.  I didn’t go into this venture completely blind – I do have some prior experience in the outdoor/sporting goods industry, and I do have a lot of experience in the web ‘marketing’ arena.  But working for someone else is a totally different story than setting up your own business.  I quickly learned that the day doesn’t end at 5pm when you’re working for yourself.  And you mind never shuts down to give you a moment’s rest. 

It’s taken twice as long, and cost twice as much as originally anticipated    Shouldn’t be a surprise, but I’m an eternal optimist – and always hoping for the best.  And I hope I never change in that regard. 

So what goes into launching a new business?  You’ve got to create the business legally.  You need an identity – a nice logo always helps.  You need to source product – in my case from various upland hunting manufacturers.  You need to find good technical resources to setup your infrastructure (computer hardware, software, etc.).  In my case, you need a good web programmer to build out this ‘dream’ you had.  And you need a lot of patience, several sleepless nights – and a bottle or two of Advil.  And you’re done. 

Problem is, I’m so exhausted from this whole exercise, I don’t have the energy to celebrate.  Something tells me though, that as soon as that first web order comes through, I’ll be dancing a jig!   

None of this would have been possible without the help and support from family (a very patient wife, a generous mother, etc.) and friends.  A big, hearty thanks to all for their help and support.  

But the hard work doesn’t end – this is just the beginning.  I just attended the annual Shot Show in Las Vegas (more on that later), and I already need to get my orders ready for next fall.   We’ve still got a lot more existing product that needs to be added to the website as well.  I’d better get back to (my very own) business!