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40 Things We’ve Learned From 40 Years in Business!

by | Anniversary, Business, Celebrations, Corporate Events, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Minnesota, Personal Events, Private Charter Cruises, Team Building, Things to do

40 Years!

Wow, has it been quite the journey, but one we wouldn’t change for the world. For the past 40 years, running Paradise Charter Cruises and the Minneapolis Queen has been a wild, wonderful ride—part business, part comedy show, and 100% adventure. We’ve learned that duct tape can fix almost anything, seagulls are nature’s toughest critics, and dinner table business meetings are a family tradition (pass the beans and the P&L report). Every cruise is someone’s special moment, so we’ve mastered the art of great hospitality, contagious smiles, and even working with Mother Nature to put in the order for “Sunny and 75” every day. Through all the sunsets, waves, and unexpected rainbows, one thing is clear: loving what you do—and who you do it with—is the real secret to success.

  1. Excellent customer service keeps customers coming back.
  2. Every cruise is someone’s special occasion—treat it that way with great hospitality.
  3. Never work with your spouse, unless you want the best adventure of a lifetime!
  4. Family business = dinner table business meetings.
  5. Guests don’t remember perfect weather; they remember a great experience.
  6. Positivity is contagious. Try it out.
  7. Lead by example. Your passion is what inspires your team to excel.
  8. The best sunsets come after the longest days.
  9. Clean windows make the views better—literally and metaphorically.
  10. Never give up, even when it feels like you’re in over your head.
  11. A little humor goes a long way.
  12. Every challenge is an opportunity, even when it involves seagulls.
  13. Boats are like businesses: they always need maintenance.
  14. Always carry extra duct tape—it fixes more than you think.
  15. The best ideas happen after coffee… or a good beer.
  16. Don’t let a little rain ruin the party. Guests love a good rainbow.
  17. Laugh at your mistakes before someone else does.
  18. Say thank you. A lot. You’ll quickly learn a business can’t grow with only one person.
  19. Never stand still. A drifting business is a sinking business.
  20. Your team is your lifeboat—treat them well.
  21. Say “yes” and figure out how later.
  22. Community is everything. Give back.
  23. Build relationships, not just bookings.
  24. No matter how calm the water, always expect waves.
  25. People love hearing their names—it’s the simplest touch of luxury.
  26. It’s not just a business; it’s a legacy.
  27. Trust your instincts; they’re your internal compass.
  28. A good captain makes docking look easy—just don’t let them hear you say that.
  29. The simplest gestures often make the biggest impact.
  30. Work-life balance doesn’t mean what you think when you work on a boat.
  31. Don’t forget to enjoy the views yourself.
  32. Smile, it changes everything.
  33. Guests love surprise upgrades. Give them the unexpected.
  34. Laughter is contagious—spread it liberally.
  35. You can’t control the weather, but you can control the vibe.
  36. Every successful event starts with a great plan… and a backup.
  37. Be ready to go above and beyond, even if it means catching a lost hat…or two!
  38. The people you serve define your success.
  39. Celebrate your wins, big and small.
  40. The secret to success? Love what you do, and love who you do it with.
Thank YOU for being a part of this journey with us. Without you, we would not be where we are today.

With Love,

Dave and Denise Lawrance