Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, we dive deep into what it means to be a professional in the hunting and guiding industry. From reading your clients and adapting to their personalities to refining skills like calling, decoy placement, and communication, we cover it all. Hear real-world examples, common pitfalls, and actionable tips to create the ultimate client experience. This week we cover topics such as: Understanding Clients:Guides should read the room an...
Send us a text The podcast discusses a group’s annual hunting trip to Whiskey Lou's lodge in Nebraska, featuring Mallard Bay team members. The conversation highlights: Lodge Overview: The lodge, a 2,500-square-foot facility with ample amenities like bedrooms, a large kitchen, and multiple living areas, is praised for its comfort and hospitality.Hunting Experience: The group shares anecdotes of their hunting outings, including challenges like warm weather affecting duck availability and travel...
Send us a text In Episode 28 of the GuideTech Podcast, our hosts dive into the emotional side of the guiding industry, discussing how leaders and guides can effectively balance client experiences, team support, and personal challenges. Through their candid conversation, they uncover the nuances of leadership and team dynamics that are essential for creating memorable, positive experiences for clients, even when the hunt doesn’t go as planned. Listeners will gain insights into the unique deman...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett, Logan and Hunter dive deep into the importance of road shows for outfitters in the hunting industry. Whether you're an experienced outfitter or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make the most of every trade show and boost your bookings. They cover essential topics like: - How road shows can build trust and lead to future bookings - The importance of budgeting and planning for ...
Send us a text In this episode, Garrett, Logan and Hunter explore the challenges outfitters face during off-peak times and share strategies to keep the cash flowing year-round. They dive into how expanding offerings—like adding pheasant hunting—can help fill seasonal gaps, and why financial management is critical for long-term success. You’ll learn: How to generate revenue in the off-seasonThe importance of financial forecasting and budgetingWhy separating personal and business finances is ke...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, we sit down with Samuel Wallick, COO of Whiskey Sloughs, to explore the critical elements of leadership and management in the fast-paced world of hunting and outdoor operations. Samuel shares his journey from wildlife biology to becoming a key leader at Whiskey Sloughs, offering insights into the importance of organization, communication, and building trust with employees. He dives into the challenges of working with family, staying mot...
Send us a text In Episode 24 of the GuideTech Podcast, Justin shares his expert advice on how to build meaningful relationships with landowners to secure hunting permissions and navigate the complexities of hunting leases. Learn how effective communication, respect, and land management can help you create lasting partnerships that open doors for future hunting opportunities. In this episode, you’ll discover: Strategies for connecting with landowners and farmersHow to turn a "no" into future p...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, we sit down with Grant from Whiskey Sloughs to dive into the essential elements of sales success for outfitters. From building strong client relationships to mastering the art of follow-ups, Grant shares how accountability and consistency have driven his business to new heights. In this clip, Grant breaks down: Why calling 200-300 potential clients is just the beginning.The importance of follow-ups for closing deals.How to identify seri...
Send us a text Join hosts Logan, Garrett, and Hunter as they dive into the early teal and dove hunting season in Nebraska. In this episode, they reflect on some of their most successful hunts, share the challenges they faced with their new lodge and employees, and discuss the importance of delivering high-quality experiences for their clients. Key topics covered: Early teal, dove, and prairie dog hunting success storiesOvercoming communication and task management challenges at the lodgeProvid...
Send us a text In Episode 21 of the GuideTech Podcast, guest Wade Skeen talks about the critical elements that drive success in the outfitting industry. Join us as we explore the importance of having local knowledge, deep community roots, and strong relationships with landowners and guests. This episode covers: Local Expertise: Why being invested in the community and knowing the land is essential for outfitters.Business Expansion: The challenges and rewards of growing your outfitting business...
Send us a text In Episode 20 of the GuideTech Podcast, Peyton Huval shares his journey of finding fulfillment in the outdoor industry by loving what he does and doing what he loves. He reflects on the critical role of building strong relationships and being part of a reliable team that delivers on promises. Peyton’s upbringing and experiences cultivated a strong work ethic and determination, which have been pivotal in his multifaceted role at Mallard Bay. As the company has grown, Peyton has ...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, host Garrett Shackelford, along with co-hosts Logan Moe and Hunter Runge, welcomes Brandon Bustos, the owner of Panhandle Flyways. Join us as Brandon shares his journey from a hunting enthusiast to running one of Texas's premier hunting outfitters. Discover how Panhandle Flyways specializes in Sandhill Crane hunting and the unique advantages of working with close friends in the business. Brandon opens up about the challenges of transiti...
Send us a text Join us for Episode 18 of the GuideTech Podcast as host Garrett Shackelford and Joel Morrow delve into the critical topic of managing cash flow in the outfitting industry, featuring special guest Hunter Runge. In this insightful discussion, Hunter shares his expertise and experiences as an outfitter, covering essential topics like the importance of collecting deposits, understanding and managing expenses, and the long-term benefits of owning a lodge. Learn how effective cash fl...
Send us a text Join Garrett Shackleford, Logan Meaux, and Hunter Runge as he interviews Gage Grissom, owner of Texas Blaze Outfitters. In this episode, Gage shares his journey of starting and growing his outfitter business, the challenges he faced, and the importance of building strong client relationships. Learn about the strategic use of debt, investing in quality equipment, and the significance of starting small. Gage's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring outfitters and anyone i...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford, Logan Meaux and Hunter Runge dive into essential in-field tactics designed to boost rebook rates, ensure client satisfaction, and handle challenging hunts with ease. They discuss the importance of creating comfortable blinds by adding amenities like heaters, hot food, drinks, and snacks to enhance the client's hunting experience. The hosts also highlight the value of going the extra mile, maintaining a positiv...
Send us a text Welcome back to the GuideTech Podcast! In our 15th episode, host Garrett Shackelford is joined by regulars Logan Meaux and Hunter Runge, along with a special guest, Adrian from X-Field Outfitters. Join us as Adrian takes us on a fascinating journey from his childhood in Bristol, UK, to his successful career in waterfowl hunting in Alberta, Canada. As a founder and guide at X-Field Outfitters, Adrian shares his passion for creating memorable hunting experiences for small g...
Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that have propelled our business to new heights. Learn how simplifying decision-making for clients, prioritizing phone calls, and strategic follow-ups can transform your sales approach. Discover the importance of building brand awareness, tracking activities effectively, and creating engaging content. Key Highlights: Simplifying client decision-makingPrioritizing phone calls over texts for personal connectionsStrategic touchpoin...
Send us a text Welcome to Episode 13 of the GuideTech Podcast! In this episode, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux sit down with Vincent Kimbrough, the owner of Prairie Bomb Outfitters, to discuss his incredible journey from being a police officer to becoming a successful outfitter. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:58 - Becoming an Outfitter and Investing in the Guides 09:08 - Creating Structure and Standard Operating Procedures 16:11 - Effective Leadershi...
Send us a text In Episode #12 of the GuideTech Podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux, CEO and founder of Mallard Bay, and Hunter Runge, owner of Whiskey Sloughs Outfitters, sit down to discuss the essential skills of time management and task delegation. They explore strategies for balancing CEO responsibilities, scaling an outfitting business, and applying the 80-20 Rule (Pareto Principle) to enhance productivity. This episode is packed with valuable insights for outfitters, entr...
Send us a text In this episode of the GuideTech podcast, hosts Garrett Shackelford and Logan Meaux interview Hunter Runge, the owner and CEO of Whiskey Sloughs, an outfitter in Nebraska. Hunter shares the inspiring story of how Whiskey Sloughs began as a passion project among friends and evolved into a successful business known for its exceptional hunting experiences and strong company culture. At just 19, Hunter made a pivotal move by acquiring a world-class duck and goose property, setting ...