Member Spotlight: Lazy Dog Adventures

This week's Member Spotlight is on Lazy Dog Adventures owned by Sue Cooper. See what they told us about their business and the Chamber by clicking on the title above. 

Q: How many years have you been in business?   
A: 24

Q: Tell us a little bit about your business. 
A: We offer kayak and paddleboard tours and rental as well as run a charter boat paddle and sandbar trip.  We also have a full line of Lazy Dog merchandise that we sell at our “shack” and online.  We are located at Hurricane Hole Marina.

Q:  What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
A: With a crew of 20 we are primarily female and range in ages 20-65.  I run the company as a “lifestyle” job.  Staff are encourage to enjoy their life and not let work get in the way.  Yes we all have to work for a living but as things come up ie unexpected guests, travel, opportunities…I encourage the staff to participate in doing what they love.  We all cover to each other when things come up.  I joke that if a staff member wants to go away to travel for a month, that is encouraged and when they come back they are right back where they left and then its my turn LOL.  The more you enjoy life the more you will enjoy working at Lazy Dog.  There is no such thing as a 2 week vacation, take as much vacation time as you like.  Work hard, travel and play hard.  We don’t run Lazy Dog on a hierarchy.  We all do everything and everyone has the responsibility to be able to do everything.  I started the company out of a 10x10 shack and still run it out of a 10x10 shack.  I’ve been able to grow the business without having to grow our space.

Q:  As someone doing business in the Key West area, how does the chamber help you?
A: The business networking socials were extremely helpful especially in the early years of business. I always came away with some valuable piece of advice or learned something from a fellow member.

Q: Do you have any advice for new business owners?
A: Do I ever, lol. I wrote a business book called The Lazy Dog Way on all I’ve learned in business over the years. I’m passionate about helping others, especially those just starting out. I doing speaking gigs around the country and host local workshops and online courses in growing your business, life and brand. 
1. Find something you are passionate about because that is what you will be doing day in and day  out.  You want to love what you do.
2. Consistency is key.
3. Your job is your way of life.

Q: When you’re not working, where in Key West do you like to spend your time?
A: Out on the boat with friends and our dogs at the sandbar.

Social media: 
Facebook :
Sue Cooper - https://www.facebook.com/suecooperkw
Lazy Dog - https://www.facebook.com/lazydogkeywest

Instagram :
Sue Cooper – https://www.instagram.com/lazydogsue/
Lazy Dog - https://www.instagram.com/lazydogkeywest/
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Website – www.LazyDog.com