Scott Fraser is located in Battle Creek, but his business goes wherever water flows in Michigan.
That covers a lot of ground.
Fraser, who opened Highland River Adventures June 15, says he has recently been asked up to the Pere Marquette, for example.
"We're not limited to just this area," Fraser says.
He and his two employees offer kayak rental services in addition to guided kayaking tours, backpacking and wilderness training tours, corporate team-building, overnight excursions, weekend campouts and more without set physical location. He also works with a variety of community groups and with Team River Runner, which provide veterans with a free chance to kayak.
His company is available seven days a week and willing to travel.
"We cater to our clientele," Fraser says. "We pride ourselves on being able to serve whatever need you bring to us."
Where they go depends on the group and where it wants to travel, Fraser says. "Michigan has a lot of beautiful waterways that are so underused."
Fraser doesn't play favorites with the waterways, either.
"They're all equally good as far as I'm concerned," he says. "I like to paddle them all."
Fraser had done some guide work before he retired from the entertainment industry and decided to open Highland River Adventures as a retirement business. It is also a seasonal business due to its location in Michigan.
"It's weather dependent," Fraser says. "I'm looking at (being open) April to the end of October."
And by next April, Fraser may be ready to expand the business.
"There's no doubt in my mind it will expand," Fraser says. "There are communities nearby that have already expressed an interest in bringing my business to their community. It's very possible we'll be putting in another location in a nearby community in the spring.
"I'm quite happy with how things have progressed -- better than I anticipated in the first year. The fact that we've been able to work with Team River Runner and help veterans and still keep the business moving is just paramount."
Writer: Fran Wilcox, Second Wave Media
Source: Scott Fraser, owner, Highland River Adventures
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