A Boji Beginning

The wind picked up in the distance and we could see Lake Okoboji begin to ripple. An eerie presence came over the small resort-town in Iowa while strange energy pulsed first in the air, and then in our souls. The talk of a retail shop, dedicated to the needs of both surfers and tourists began to take shape. Where to put it and what to call it; these were the difficult questions being presented at what felt like such an early stage. The next few seconds happened at such speed and with such elegance that I can only describe it like this, “Why don’t you call it Boyguna?”

The name stuck to the dream like fireflies to my windshield. A glowing reminder of the dream we made that August day. Shortly after, it was discussed and agreed upon that Boyguna Surf Shop needed to be more that a shop, but rather, a complex. The first of its kind, Boyguna would offer the standard retail merchandise, the surfing equipment, the opportunity to rent said equipment, and the services of a full-time repair shop for that gear. But we don’t stop things there – not only will we sell surfing, but we will be surfing. By way of a music venue, bar and grill and seafood counter, Boyguna will stand for all that can be achieved by way of a board, long or short, and the liquid freedom it requires.

The inspiration and hope took place in 2005 and four years later, solid stepping stones are being laid. After entering the business world, I have come to realize that a dream is nothing without drive. The determination to actualize something as profoundly new and nearly impossible as Boyguna must spring from soul. It must be fueled by the heart, the mind and the physical drive within two relatively young men. The business plan/model is to be created over the 2010 (pronounced twenty-ten) year and will be reviewed by a field professional. Starting small is inevitable if we are not able to solicit investors, yet it seems that if the goals of the operation are presented in that perfect manner, the curious will come. They will come in suits and they will leave with one less check in their book.

You have been introduced to Boyguna and now know a little about the mission. Let it settle in and get used to the name Boyguna. Please pronounce it correctly, “boy-goo-nuh”. Think, “boy” and then “Laguna” without the “La”. You got it! Your word-of-mouth is important to our popularity in these early planning stages. If you are interested in starting your own surf shop some day, follow this blog. It is a real-time log of what it takes to create a shop. Look at that optimism, friends! I am already assuming it will work; I have been assuming such for four years and a couple of months. Stand by as I will update constantly on what I am doing to make this happen. As a Co-CEO, I will be getting advice and council from my partner in surf, Brian Boyer. Together we will share our strife, struggles and eventual victory every step of the way.

My name is Kyle Anderson, and when I jump in the water, I don’t get wet. The water gets Kyle Anderson’d.