Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Wiesen.
Hi Katy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Matt Wiesen started working at Crystal River Outfitters when he was just 15 years old. At that time the shop offered Kayak & Canoe rentals on the Crystal River. Matt spent his summers working there never thinking one day he would own the business and turn it in to what it is today.
During summers between college, Matt would come back to manage CRO each summer. In the Winter of 2024, the former owners of CRO reached out to Matt to tell him they were selling the business. At that time. Matt was actually majoring in Tourism Planning & Development with a minor in Small Business Management and set to graduate in May of 2024. A local bank took a chance on Matt and gave him loan to buy the business. Matt graduated and quickly came back to Glen Arbor to open Crystal River Outfitters for his first season as owner!
His wife eventually came on board to handle the bookwork and management of the business. Over the years and with the help of the management team, Matt & Katy added The Cyclery, M22 Glen Arbor and Coastal. These businesses, along with Crystal River Outfitters now make up the self-proclaimed Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District.
What started as one store operating in the summer, has now turned into a year-round destination offering kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, bike rentals, shopping, wine tasting, and winter rentals, plus much more!
Katy & Matt owe their success to customer service, consistency and the support of their amazing team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Wow- have we had our share of highs and lows!
The Glen Arbor straight line wind storm of 2015 where winds over 100 mph destroyed landscaping and left us without power during the busiest month of the summer. We were forced to close during a very crucial week and tourism was affected thereafter.
COVID- dealing with supply chain issues, social distancing requirements, and recreating the way to do business was intense and scary. Fortunately, people flocked to Northern Michigan to get OUTSIDE and play!
A tragic accident and fire in August 2021 destroyed Crystal River Outfitters. The shop closed and had to be rebuilt.
It’s been a rollercoaster but definitely taught us resiliency.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our goal is to continue to showcase that Glen Arbor does not shut down in the fall, winter and spring. There are plenty of reasons to come play and shop year-round!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crystalriveroutfitters.com
- Instagram: thedistrictglenarbor
- Facebook: crystalriveroutfittersrecreationaldistrict
