016 - They Stole His Store and Gear… But He Kept Going w/ Alex Qasabian of Fishing Station
Release Date: 02/02/2025
The Rising Tidecast
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Summary Alex Qasabian shares his journey from a passionate fisherman, to an accomplished guitarist, to the owner of Fishing Station, a staple in Sydney's fishing community. He discusses the importance of building a supportive community, the influence of his family on his love for fishing, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a music career to entrepreneurship. Alex highlights the significance of customer service in his business and the resilience required to overcome obstacles, including government challenges and theft. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the deep...
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Summary Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior VP of Strategy and Operations at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), discusses her journey from a water-loving family in Ohio to her impactful career in the marine industry. We talk about the importance of networking, the challenges of engaging new audiences in fishing, and the innovative campaigns RBFF has launched to promote fishing and boating. Stephanie shares insights on the significance of data-driven strategies and emotional storytelling in connecting with diverse audiences and retaining participants in the fishing community. We...
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Summary It's not all champagne and caviar. Jack Warwick shares his journey from corporate to becoming a successful yacht broker in Sydney. Jack discusses the allure of the marine industry, the hard work behind the scenes, and the innovative marketing strategies he employs to stand out in a competitive market. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients and creating valuable content to engage potential buyers. The conversation also touches on the realities of the job, the skills required for success, and Jack's aspirations for the future. In this episode, we...
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Summary Leo Chapman, founder of Billfish Gear, shares the story of how his brand started and grew in the fishing apparel industry. The journey began with an Instagram page and the idea to provide a news source for fishing enthusiasts. Leo built a following and eventually added products to the mix, starting with stickers and then expanding to hats and apparel. Along the way, he relied on the help of individuals who believed in the brand and were willing to ship products for him. The company's culture of creativity and high performance continues to attract passionate individuals who want to be...
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Summary Rebecca Whitlocke, founder of Antibes Yachting, discusses her journey in the yachting and luxury industry and the importance of effective marketing and storytelling. She emphasizes the need for authentic and relatable content that resonates with the target audience. Rebecca also highlights the significance of local content and understanding cultural nuances when marketing to a global audience. She advises businesses to focus on the entire content strategy, including distribution and promotion, rather than just creating content. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of...
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Summary In this conversation, Stephen Govel interviews Aaron O'Donoghue, founder of Boatbuy, who shares his journey from leaving school at 15 to becoming a marine mechanic and eventually a marine surveyor. The discussion covers the importance of community in the marine industry, the role of technology in improving boat inspections, and the significance of customer feedback and content marketing in building a successful business. Aaron emphasizes the need for comprehensive reporting systems and the impact of creating valuable content for customer engagement. In this conversation,...
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Alex Qasabian shares his journey from a passionate fisherman, to an accomplished guitarist, to the owner of Fishing Station, a staple in Sydney's fishing community. He discusses the importance of building a supportive community, the influence of his family on his love for fishing, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a music career to entrepreneurship. Alex highlights the significance of customer service in his business and the resilience required to overcome obstacles, including government challenges and theft. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the deep connections formed through fishing. Alex shares his the significance of staff development, leadership, and maintaining a work-life balance, especially in light of lessons learned during COVID-19. We talk about trends in the fishing industry and common mistakes made by newcomers, highlighting the value of experience and education in fostering a supportive fishing community. We talk about the importance of choosing the right boat and the diverse fishing opportunities in Sydney.
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Connect with Alex Qasabian
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Visit Fishing Station 50 Darley Street in Mona Vale
Takeaways
- Building a community is essential for customer loyalty.
- Curiosity in childhood can lead to expertise in adulthood.
- Customer service is a significant competitive advantage, especially in the fishing industry.
- Empowering staff leads to better customer service.
- Work-life balance is essential for long-term sustainability.
- Mistakes are inevitable; owning them is crucial.
- Education and knowledge sharing strengthen the fishing community.
- Simplicity in fishing techniques often leads to success.
Chapters
00:00 Building a Fishing Community
02:45 The Roots of a Fishing Passion
06:12 Music and Its Influence on Life
09:03 Transitioning from Music to Fishing Station
11:59 The Challenges of Starting a Business
15:09 Customer Service as a Business Advantage
18:00 Overcoming Adversity and Setbacks
20:53 Finding a New Home for Fishing Station
24:05 The Impact of Theft on Business
26:18 Overcoming Adversity in Business
27:52 Building a Supportive Community
30:32 Leadership and Team Dynamics
32:35 Empowering Staff Through Experience
36:30 E-commerce and Customer Relationships
38:27 Work-Life Balance and Family
40:39 The Importance of Teamwork
41:48 Resilience and Determination in Business
43:22 Trends in the Fishing Industry
45:11 Community Engagement and Education
46:08 Common Mistakes in Fishing
50:31 Sharing Knowledge in the Fishing Community
54:51 Choosing the Right Boat for Family Adventures
57:07 Experiences with the Grady White Boat
01:00:01 Fishing in Sydney: A Diverse Experience
01:01:39 The Joy of Fishing with Friends
01:05:05 Memorable Fishing Stories and Achievements
01:11:49 Lessons Learned from Fishing and Life