By Sarah Gianelli EBS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
BIG SKY – Lone Mountain Sports has been in business since
the opening day of Big Sky Resort in 1973. The original owners were Harry Ring
and Russ Jones, both former ski instructors at Bridger Bowl. At the time, it was
the only ski shop at the resort and originally located in the Mountain Mall.
When their 10-year lease was up, they moved the shop off the
mountain for one year. Lone Mountain Sports moved into its current location in
the Arrowhead Mall when the retail complex was completed in 1984.
Scott and Carey Foster began working for Ring and Jones that
year. Scott became the manager of the rental shop and Carey worked in the
retail shop and became a buyer. They eventually bought the business in the fall
of 1992.
Lone Mountain Sports continues to be the only
privately-owned, full-service ski and rental shop and retail location at the
resort. While the business has grown, Carey said they have stayed true to their
roots, offering helpful service and great equipment to locals and visitors
alike.
As part of this ongoing series, Carey shared her thoughts
with EBS on the reasoning behind their success and longevity operating as a Big
Sky small business.
Explore Big Sky: What has
been the key to your success?
Carey Foster: Our
success is largely due to our employees. We have a great group of folks, with a
core that has been together for quite a long time. Our location is also a big
part of our success. We have a captive audience on the mountain. We back that
up with great, friendly employees that are knowledgeable.
EBS: What are the biggest
obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
C.F.: I think the
biggest challenge is finding affordable housing in Big Sky. The cost of doing
business is much greater than when we first started.
EBS: How has the business
landscape changed since you started out?
C.F.: There are
more sporting stores at Big Sky [Resort] now, which is great for the customer.
The advent of internet shopping has changed the buying nature of the consumer. That
hurts us in some ways but is helpful in others. We see a lot of folks who have
purchased boots online and need help with the fit. Or they bought a ski that
seemed perfect for them and wasn’t.
EBS: What is it about Big Sky
that compels you to stick it out through the hard times?
C.F.: We have
been extremely lucky in our 25 years. It used to be that if we had snow, we
were busy. We did have a few years that were lean. We’ve been busy, especially
the last couple years, because Big Sky has gotten so much bigger and people
know how great it is. Obviously, this year is the perfect storm—we have snow
and other places don’t.
EBS: What is one of the most
memorable moments you have had as a residen and /business owner in Big Sky?
C.F.: We have
been in Big Sky since 1981. There have been so many memorable moments over the
years. We’ve seen people from all over the world and all walks of life come to
Big Sky and love it. We got married and started a family here. We’ve had
employees get married and start families of their own here. We’ve seen Big Sky
go from a little place to a world-class ski resort. It’s been fun for sure.
EBS: Why do you think so many
new businesses fold relatively quickly?
C.F.: It’s hard
for new businesses. Getting a loan isn’t easy and the price of leasing retail
space is steep. There is more competition now, especially in the Meadow.
EBS: What advice would you
give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
C.F.: Treat your
employees like family. They are the face and heart of your business. Realize
that you will need to put in countless hours of work to reap the benefits of
being self-employed.
EBS: What’s the best piece of
business advice you’ve received?
C.F.: Believe in what you do. Be happy, you are selling fun.
EBS: Where do you see your
business in 10 years?
C.F.: That’s hard
to say. We’ve been at Big Sky for 37 years and owned Lone Mountain Sports for
25 seasons. Time will tell …
