OUR MAP
Maps are useful in telling us something about where you have been, where we are now, and where we will be going in the future. Our map has 4 Stages, 10 Territories, numerous rocks, rapids, swamps, canyons, forks... and, of course, The Falls. There are cemeteries, camp grounds, and picnic areas for celebrations. You can have a printed 11X17 copy of our map. Just contact us and we will send it off to you.
It has been said that, “If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.”
Family Owned Businesses, like all businesses, travel a rather predictable course. And, we have the map that can help you to recognize where you have been, where you are now, where you don't want to go, and where you do want to go in the future, If you would like an 11 X 17 printed copy of our River Map, just contact me, and one will be mailed to you.
Every adventure begins in the Sea of Opportunity. Pure potential births every dream. You know this is true because either you, or someone that came before you, had a dream that emerged into the business that is now yours.
Only a novice would start out on a Whitewater River Rafting Trip without a map, and yet that is exactly what almost every family business founder does. He or she has a dream; a vision of what could be, that has captured the imagination, and fired the spirit within.
For most, the Dream Drive never really goes anywhere. Most dreams never get to see the light of day.
But, for those with enough gumption, the dream makes it to the Launch. Immediately, the Start-Up business is confronted by rocks and rapids, by unforeseen forces that challenge faith and fortitude.
Then, working in the business becomes all consuming. The founder knows, and hopefully his or her family knows as well, that survival depends upon the amount of time and energy, the courage and tenacity of the founder, and those who are close by. This small crew has to battle their way through the Consuming River Canyon. It is do…or die. And when the going gets tough, there is no one to turn to but themselves.
If the crew has survived the Canyon, then the founder and the crew have been tested. They have become organized. Now, they can enjoy the Profitable Paddle. Here they have solid leadership, their culture is healthy, and their improved systems are working effectively. An occasional Rapid or Rock is encountered, but now, with confidence, these challenges are navigated with relative ease.
Then, the leader and crew come upon the Wise River Fork. The choice made here is of enormous significance. One fork takes the crew up the River of Fortune. The other fork, where the current is going rather naturally, runs flatter. If the decision is made, wittingly or not, to go with easier current, the die is cast.
Soon, the leader and crew come upon the Courage River Fork. To take this fork, they must confront their fears. It won’t be easy. It is tighter, harder, there are more rapids and rocks, and the journey seems longer. But, it is the only way back to the River of Fortune.
In the distance, there is a faint rumble.
If, instead of exercising courage, the status-quo is followed, one soon comes upon more rocks and rapids and then… the Desperate River Fork. The faint rumble is now clearly discerned; it is The Falls that lie ahead, and there one is greeted by certain fatality.
The Desperate River Fork will take you, the leader, and your crew, on an adventurous journey. You will work you way up and around the Last Branch of the Turn-Around River. The canyon walls are steep, the river is fast, the rocks and rapids are plentiful, the swamps are suffocating, but… it is the only way back to the River of Fortune.
Should you lack the courage, there is one, yes, one Last Chance Portage. Our crew will carry you over hill-and-dale back up-stream, re-launch you, and give you yet another chance to take the Desperate River Fork. There is no avoiding the Last Branch of the Turn-Around River if you want to avoid The Falls, and we will give you that chance.
If it is by fate or foolishness that you end up at The Falls, we will be there along with you, to bring it all to an honorable end. Your final Death Grip Drift can be done with a lot of denial, or with a lot of class.
The gentle Remembrance Riffles, where the water lightly cascades over the small remaining rocks, will bring you inevitably to the Dead Sea.
From the Sea of Opportunity to the Dead Sea.
Along the way, there are Campgrounds where you can rest, there are moments of joyous Celebration, and there are Cemeteries for those who have been lost.
"If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else."
However, if you do kow where you are going, you can be the master of your destiny, and the captain of your journey.