Entrepreneur: Canoe Montana shows beautiful side of Big Sky state’s wildlands

Les Dolezal leads canoe trips through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National
Monument, a strip of the state loaded with history.

Gazette Staff

Along the route, Dolezal and his guides relate stories from the area about Lewis &
Clark, Native Americans, homesteading, the military, steamboats on the river, geology, plant
life and wildlife.
But, that’s not the main goal of the trips, says Dolezal of Billings. During the river
season, his Canoe Montana/Montana River Expeditions is operated from 1312 Front St. in Fort Benton.

"Our primary goal is to have each individual come out of the Breaks feeling better about themselves than
they did when they went in," said Dolezal, who has paddled rivers for more than 40 years. "Our primary functions
are relaxing and having fun."

The business can be reached at 622-5882 or
1-800-500-4538 and maintains a Web site at
http://www.montanariver.com

.
Nature of the business:

Outdoor recreation. Our primary business is
providing guided trips through the Upper Missouri
River Breaks National Monument. We convey respect
for all things, these include the river, wildlife, land
(pack it in/pack it out, no trace), and most importantly,
each other.

Why start this business?

I bought the business. It was an opportunity that
appeared at the right time in my life. I took the better
part of a year to size it up. Finally, I realized that I had
been yearning to get out of the office for a few years.

Where did start-up funding come from?

From basically three sources. Prior to buying
Canoe Montana, I was employed at Dain Rauscher as
an investment officer for 14 years. My book of
business was sold to one of my partners in the office. I
sold some real estate that we owned in Billings, and
used funds that I had put away over the years.

How long have you been in business?

I’ve had the business since April ’01. I purchased it from the individual who originated the enterprise five or
six years earlier.

Biggest challenges in running the business?

Finding and establishing yourself in "your" markets.

What was done to overcome those challenges?

Establishing relationships with well-respected people in the industry and sharing ideas with them. Create
growth in my current markets. Find markets that can be served with the current assets and resources of the
company. Finally, where do I want this thing to grow? Find markets you would love to serve and position yourself
in them.

What is being done to expand the business?

We are completely and professionally redoing our Web site. We always want to provide high quality,
affordable trips for individuals, families and groups. I’ve recently joined an international organization to develop
liaisons to continue growing our corporate business. This will allow us to serve the needs of businesses for
reward trips, motivational, team building and other seminars, that I believe can be better done on the river than
in the conference room. As well, I continue to focus and build on providing anonymity, privacy and high end trips
to our high profile clientele.

Your worst business mistake?

I’ve made my share. The biggest (worst?) that I’ve made, I believe, is in taking as long as I did in breaking
out of my comfort zone and making the decision to do what I am doing now.

Advice for someone running a business?

Stay focused.

Number of workers?

We’re a seasonal business. I have one full-time employee. During the season, we have guides, drivers
and kitchen help. At that point, we are utilizing 15 to 20 people.

What’s your five-year plan for the business?

At the end of that period, I would like the business to be: 40-45 percent individual, family, group; 40-45
percent corporate; 10-20 percent high profile.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

Where are you when I need you? Where am I when you need me? I know that I would find it invaluable to
get together with some of you occasionally to share experiences, challenges and ideas. Call me if you are
interested.

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

Twice in my life, including now, I’ve thought that I have my dream job. If this is not yet it, then I’m confident
that the trail I’m currently on will lead me to it.

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