Josh Cook and his team make summers around Lake Macatawa memorable for locals and visitors alike with boats, bikes and more.

Michigan summers are the perfect time to get outdoors and on the water. And in almost every lake town, there’s an entrepreneur renting kayaks.

Four years ago, Josh Cook started such a business with a $5,000 loan from Consumers. Each year since, he’s expanded the business and has grown 1 Adventure in Holland into a quarter-million-dollar business.

Back home in Michigan

Josh grew up in Ludington and Grand Rapids. College beckoned him out of state for several years but he moved back to Michigan to be near family and friends. In 2014, he launched his kayak rental company in Holland.

The first year went well. The next year business doubled. And the year after that it doubled again!

Along the way, Josh joined forces with business partner Matt DeWitt. They acquired another company on Lake Macatawa, Coast 3, and greatly expanded the fleet. Customers looking for summer fun now come to 1 Adventure for speed boats, pontoons and Seadoos, plus paddle boards, bikes and ebikes. And kayaks, of course!

Another record season

Business continues to grow at an enviable pace with very loyal customers.

“We’re 400% ahead of last year in reservations,” Josh told us in mid-May. “We just bought two new boats [financed through Consumers].

“Our customers are about 40% locals and 60% vacationers. We get a lot of repeat customers who rent boats five to seven times per summer. A lot of times they are people who used to have a boat but don’t like boat maintenance,” Josh said. Customers can simply arrive at the dock and take the boat out with no hassles. “We keep the equipment spotless, and the fuel is always full.”

Four seasonal employees keep everything afloat and make sure people stay safe.

“We hope to rent to all,” Josh said. If you don’t have boating license, staff provides a short tutorial before renters take the boats out.

“It has been so exciting to see the growth of 1 Adventure Company!” said Michele Chaney, vice president of Consumers’ Lakeshore market. “Both Josh and Matt are great guys, and they have worked hard to provide memorable experiences for their customers.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with 1 Adventure Co. as they provide many vehicles and ways to have fun on the water in Holland.”

If you find yourself in Holland this summer, grab your sunglasses and sunscreen and get outdoors for fun with 1 Adventure Company!

Building relationships to help you succeed is what our business development managers do best. Call 800-991-2221. We’re here to help you grow your business!

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