Page 20 - B2B Fall19

SMALL BUSINESS FORTITUDE
WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT IN HELENA AS A SMALL BUSINESS REX SEELEY - MONTANA OUTDOOR SPORTS
Montana Outdoor Sports located at 708 N. Last Chance Gulch, offers a little bit of everything to help you
be ready for your next outdoor adventure! Rex Seeley, owner of Montana Outdoor Sports, started the business in 1984 shortly after his career in the military ended. Rex said he started the business because he did not want to get a “real job” and was an outdoor enthusiast.
“I liked the idea that I could be my own boss,” said Seeley.
While the future of storefront businesses is unknown, Rex said that he tries to stay competitive with the online market by price checking his competitors, and making sure that his customers are treated like family when they come in.
“The future is the internet, but if you create a reason to come to the
store they will come (such as trying on a pair of shoes),” said Seeley, “and you have to be online.”
Rex said while they do not have an e-commerce site currently, they do plan on building an e-commerce store on their website to meet with the demands of online retail. He also recommends anyone who wants to start a business in Helena, Montana, to really know what
the market desires and know the audience that you are trying to attract.
“If you do not know your market or audience, you’re likely going
to set yourself up to fail. You have to set your business above your competition with products and services,” said Seeley.
and help customers take full advantage of what Montana has to offer for outdoor recreation. Lynch also noted that while the online market is competitive, he sees customers still coming to the door because of the unique products and customer service that The Base Camp offers.
“We try to be unique in the products that we offer and cater to exactly what our customers are looking for,” said Lynch.
Tim said that you must connect with the community that you are thinking about starting a business in because those relationships will help make your business thrive and stay alive. ■
TIM LYNCH - THE BASE CAMP
The Base Camp, located at 5 W Broadway Ave, is a Montana owned company since 1975 with folks that
love to share the grand experience of Montana and the Northern Rockies. The Base Camp crew loves where they live, work, and play and want to help you to enjoy our part of the country to the fullest. They have the staff with the knowledge to direct you to all of Montana’s special places and what you need
to get the most out of your visit. Whether you need the right gear and equipment for enjoying our wild lands or just comfortable and durable casual clothing to enjoy Montana lifestyle, The Base Camp has it all.
Manager and Buyer, Tim Lynch, highlighted how rewarding it is to connect with the Helena community
20 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION