It was a perfect day to get out of the sweltering valley heat. On a somewhat “typical for July” 102-degree day at home and the Sierras only an hour-and-a-half away, my wife and I decided to drive up to Pinecrest Lake for the day. At about 11:00, we decided to take the 4-mile hike around the lake. The weather was perfect, the lake was filled to the brim, and the river was rushing into the inlet. There were also several hundred other people who had the same idea as we did, so the trail was crowded with weekend warriors.

Note the consumer information and the "free water for your dog".

At about the 3-mile mark for us, we came across an oasis… Lakeside Lemonade.  Oh, we had hiked past a lemonade stand earlier on our hike, but we weren’t compelled to stop.  This stand was different, though, as three energetic entrepreneurs (Cal, Beth, and Carter) had set up, not just a lemonade stand, but a business.  We pulled up a seat in the cushioned chairs they provided and soaked in the things that made this stand different.

These kids had put together a customer experience for the weary mountain trekker, so much so that they had created their own marketing buzz. As one family walked up, the father blurted out, “We’ve heard about you!”  What entrepreneur doesn’t cherish hearing those words?

I took note of the business principles that had been employed in this operation.  Of course, they had a desirable product in a great location.  But, they had also employed creative pricing practices, customer care services, and consumer information.  They had even “gone green” with their “Recycling” and “Compost” waste baskets.

Yet, even with all of these practices in place, one thing stood out that made their business very difficult to copy.

PASSION!

These entrepreneurs had an engaging energy that was fueled by their desire to make this business work, as evidenced by the tremendous pride they took in what they had accomplished.  They told us how they had added cookies to their product offering as a response to customers’ suggestions last year. Their faces beamed when they showed us the cash box they had invested in with part of their profits.

To all business owners…!!!

Remember the passion you had for your business when you first started it? The pride you felt in your product or services to your customers? The enthusiasm you had when you went to work each day, if you could even call it work?

Do you still have it?  If not, take a hike… around Pinecrest Lake, and get reenergized. Your business will thank you.

To Cal, Beth, and Carter… With your parents’ permission, I would love to add your picture to this article.  They can email me at mfox@gccpas.net and we’ll work it out. I wish you all the best and congratulate you on a successful venture.  I look forward to seeing what you have in store next year.  Who knows, maybe a franchise on the other side of the lake?