In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford, Logan Meaux and Hunter Runge dive into essential in-field tactics designed to boost rebook rates, ensure client satisfaction, and handle challenging hunts with ease. They discuss the importance of creating comfortable blinds by adding amenities like heaters, hot food, drinks, and snacks to enhance the client's hunting experience. The hosts also highlight the value of going the extra mile, maintaining a positive attitude, and setting realistic expectations to avoid disappointment. Learn how to handle difficult clients with respect and professionalism, ensure safety during hunts, and the critical role of effective communication and feedback in continuously improving your services. Whether you're a seasoned outfitter or new to the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you elevate your guiding business and create memorable experiences for your clients. Don't miss out on these valuable insights—tune in now!

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Welcome back to the GuideTech Podcast! In our 15th episode, host Garrett Shackelford is joined by regulars Logan Meaux and Hunter Runge, along with a special guest, Adrian from X-Field Outfitters.

Join us as Adrian takes us on a fascinating journey from his childhood in Bristol, UK, to his successful career in waterfowl hunting in Alberta, Canada. As a founder and guide at X-Field Outfitters, Adrian shares his passion for creating memorable hunting experiences for small groups. Discover how his background in the butchery business, security, and outdoor recreational management led him to the hunting paradise of North America.

In this episode, we delve into:

- Adrian's transition from the UK to Canada and his path in the hunting industry.

- The philosophy of X-Field Outfitters, focusing on providing a complete and enriching hunting experience.

- The differences between hunting traditions in the UK and North America.

- The significance of a committed and trustworthy business partner, as exemplified by Adrian's partnership with Cody.

- The value of strong business partnerships with reputable companies like Mallard Bay, which has streamlined the booking process for X-Field Outfitters.

Adrian's story is a testament to following your passion and the incredible opportunities that await those willing to take the leap. From traditional hunts in the UK to the vast wilderness of Canada, his journey is as inspiring as it is informative.

Don't miss this captivating episode! Tune in now for a deeper dive into the world of hunting with X-Field Outfitters.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that have propelled our business to new heights. Learn how simplifying decision-making for clients, prioritizing phone calls, and strategic follow-ups can transform your sales approach. Discover the importance of building brand awareness, tracking activities effectively, and creating engaging content.

Key Highlights:

• Simplifying client decision-making
• Prioritizing phone calls over texts for personal connections
• Strategic touchpoints to maximize contact success
• Building trust and brand awareness through consistent social media presence
• Effective activity tracking to ensure no lead falls through the cracks
• Creating attention-grabbing content
• Investing in paid ads to attract and retain clients

Join us as we share actionable insights and proven techniques that you can implement to enhance your sales strategy and grow your business.

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Welcome to Episode 13 of the GuideTech Podcast! In this episode, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux sit down with Vincent Kimbrough, the owner of Prairie Bomb Outfitters, to discuss his incredible journey from being a police officer to becoming a successful outfitter.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:58 - Becoming an Outfitter and Investing in the Guides

09:08 - Creating Structure and Standard Operating Procedures

16:11 - Effective Leadership: Humility and Communication

25:06 - Appreciating and Reflecting on Growth

27:54 - Appreciating Success and Progress

29:30 - The Importance of Consistency

32:49 - Asking for Help and Advice

36:04 - Empowering Employees

48:45 - Future Plans for Prairie Bomb Outfitters

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The importance of investing in your guides and building a strong team.
• How to implement structure and clear communication within your company.
• The qualities of effective leadership, including humility and accountability.
• The value of learning from other successful outfitters and asking for help.
• The importance of taking time to appreciate and reflect on your business's progress and success.
• The key to maintaining consistency in providing a high-quality experience for clients.
• Strategies for empowering and trusting your employees to contribute to your company’s success.
• Vincent’s exciting future plans for Prairie Bomb Outfitters, including expanding into turkey hunting and potentially Canada.

Key Quotes:

• "You gotta invest in the people, man."
• "If it's wrong, it's my fault."
• "Cherish what you have created already and enjoy that to its fullest extent."
• "Consistency is key."
• "Ask for help. For me, I didn't ask for help."

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In Episode #12 of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux, CEO and founder of Mallard Bay, and Hunter Runge, owner of Whiskey Sloughs Outfitters, sit down to discuss the essential skills of time management and task delegation. They explore strategies for balancing CEO responsibilities, scaling an outfitting business, and applying the 80-20 Rule (Pareto Principle) to enhance productivity. This episode is packed with valuable insights for outfitters, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to improve their business operations and prevent burnout. Tune in to learn how to delegate tasks effectively and ensure your team is performing at its best.

Additionally, Logan and Hunter share personal experiences and actionable tips on prioritizing tasks, the importance of trusting your team, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. Whether you're running a startup or managing an established business, their advice will help you focus on what truly matters, making this episode a must-listen for anyone aiming to optimize their workflow and achieve long-term success.

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In this episode of the GuideTech podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux interview Hunter Runge, the owner and CEO of Whiskey Sloughs, an outfitter in Nebraska. Hunter shares the inspiring story of how Whiskey Sloughs began as a passion project among friends and evolved into a successful business known for its exceptional hunting experiences and strong company culture. At just 19, Hunter made a pivotal move by acquiring a world-class duck and goose property, setting the stage for their future success. The discussion delves into the roles of the co-owners and employees, emphasizing the importance of respect and camaraderie within their team.

Hunter also outlines the vision for Whiskey Sloughs’ future, aiming to expand to multiple locations while maintaining their core values and commitment to continuous learning and improvement. By prioritizing the business side of outfitting and creating personalized, exceptional experiences for clients, Whiskey Sloughs has set a new standard in the industry. Tune in to hear about their journey, the impact of their unique approach, and how they are helping to change the outfitting industry for the better. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!

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In episode 10 of the GuideTech podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux dive into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of mental health in the guide service industry. They discuss the significant impact mental health has on business operations and client experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to maintain a healthy work environment. The conversation highlights the challenges owner-operators face, the potential for burnout among guides, and the necessity of fostering open communication and support within the team. Logan shares personal insights on managing mental health, stressing the value of living in the present and the role of faith in overcoming tough times.

The episode also explores the importance of having the right team members in the right roles to ensure business success and client satisfaction. Garrett and Logan discuss strategies for recognizing when an employee might be struggling and how to address these issues before they escalate. They emphasize the need for vulnerability and honesty in the workplace, encouraging leaders to create an environment where employees feel safe to express their concerns. By sharing their experiences and practical advice, the hosts aim to provide valuable insights for those in the guide service industry to improve both their personal well-being and business performance.

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In Episode 9 of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux dive into the intricacies of goal setting, leadership, and fostering a healthy work environment within outfitters and charters. They start by reflecting on a recent trip to Montana and the valuable insights gained from having guests Joel and Ryan on a previous episode. This leads them to revisit Episode 7's discussion on leaving a legacy and setting goals.

Logan emphasizes the importance of breaking down yearly goals into manageable quarterly objectives (OKRs), which are further divided into 90-day and weekly sprints. This approach allows for adjustments and informed decision-making as circumstances change throughout the year. They discuss the significance of the 90-day timeframe, aligning goals with company vision, and tracking progress effectively.

The conversation delves into strategies for overcoming adversity and maintaining accountability in goal pursuit. Logan stresses the need for leaders to take ownership, avoid blame-shifting, and foster a culture of learning from failures. They also touch on the psychological aspects of goal setting, including the value of sharing goals with trusted individuals for accountability and support.

The discussion extends to the importance of understanding employees' personal goals, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive work environment. Logan highlights the role of leaders in empathetically addressing employees' challenges and aspirations, emphasizing the impact of caring for team members on customer satisfaction and overall business success.

The episode concludes with an announcement about GuideTech's upcoming goal-setting system for clients, aimed at assisting outfitters and charters in navigating challenges and achieving their growth objectives.

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