The Challenges of Seasonal Businesses

I interviewed the most interesting NFIB member a few weeks ago. The story I was working on was about the rising cost of health care, but during the interview, I spent lots of time learning about this woman's business, the oldest commercial river touring company in the Grand Canyon. Doesn't that sound like a fun business? I immediately envisioned rafting trips and star gazing and being one with nature. Turns out Joy Staveley and her husband, Gaylord, get to do all that--but they also face the same headaches every other business owner faces--affording health insurance, retaining key employees and dealing with government regulations. If you ever daydream of a business you think might be more adventurous than yours, check out this Q&A with the owner of an Alaska tour operation on the WSJ's small-business blog. It gives some great insight on the ups and downs of seasonal businesses.