Bonneville School of SailingTodd and Louise started their sailing school in April 0f 2007. Todd had decided to take an early retirement, he had formerly been BYU's Director of the Visual Art's Department. The sailing school was all Louise's idea. They had been brainstorming so many different ideas, but sailing had been a passion for them both. Todd had first started sailing while in Hawaii in '74. He had been part of the coast Guard in the Army, and learned about helicopter maintenance. There were many underlying similarities with how the water and wind functioned with sails as well as wings. In 2007 the ocuple started developing a curriculum. They wanted something that would be interesting as well as solid and useful. It was important to offer sailing classes that were very hands on.
Todd and Louise feel they went about starting the business backwards. They knew what they wanted and went for it. There has been a fair amount of stress involved, but it has been so rewarding. Working for yourself, you can go further than being under an owner. It has been hard to take risks, since neither Todd or Louise were ever risk takers. But the excitement of accomplishing a goal and broadening the business are so great, and especially when done for yourself.
Todd and Louise say their secret to success is really held in prayer. "Heavenly Father really has made this happen for us. We work hard and do our part, but believe that miracles happen. We are not born business people, but after working and praying at something we have had the right ideas and customers come that we need to further our business success. Heavenly Father helps us step by step by letting us gain the knowledge to run the business as the need provides itself."
Todd and Louise first started coming to the Orem SBDC in August of 2008. "Thanks to the Small Business outfit, we have a wonderful classroom. It's been such a blessing. In the past, we have gone to the Chamber of Commerce and magazine's for space and advertising and it was not helpful. Ken Fakler has encouraged us and given us ideas. From pointint us in the direction of a web page to helping succeed. When discouraged, Ken kept encouraging us and offering more classes to further our education. He has helped us get organized and always knows what to do with employees and advertising. The SBDC also helped greatly getting marketing research and a business ready."
Todd and Louise feel the best part about being an entrepreneur is the excitement of accomplishing things and seeing results happen. There is a lot on the line, and physical demands can no longer be met the same as they were at a younger age, but when you can't quit, you keep on pushing. They are now working on expanding their business to teach classes for kids that are at risk. They recently acquired a boat that used to belong to Roy Disney. It is an ocean racer named "Morning Light". As part of the program for the children that teaches responsibility an dpride, the kids will be learning to make a sail, paint, work on the diesel engine and find out all the details that make it work, all while practicing math and physics to learn how to sail the boat. Todd and Louise feel that courses like this can be very beneficial to kids, and are so hands on that they really hold their attention.
They have also been very involved in the community. They are active members on the Utah Lake Commission Board. This committee has developed courses for fourth graders teaching them about sailing and endangered species that live in and around Utah Lake. They teach the kids about safet issues and how pollution affects the area. They also have programs to draw in youth and couples such as sunset cruises, as well as team building programs that are offered for businesses around the area. Bonneville School of Sailing started out as an idea and a fantasy, and has grown to be a blooming business that is such a wonderful addition to our community.
Bonneville School of Sailing, LLC
Todd and Louise Frye
801-636-5204