Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Neeld.
Hi Zack, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally relocated to the Miami area from North Dakota when I was 3 years old. Talk about a scenery change!
Of course, we all know that “party vibe” that Miami has to offer and is known throughout the world, but few people know about the natural wonders Miami has to offer as well! And no, I’m not talking about the airboats and gators out west, I’m talking about the 280 parks that Miami-Dade provides for all of the residents and visitors of beautiful South Florida.
While attending the University of Florida, I was fortunate to work with the new owners of Get Up and Go Kayaking – Tampa Bay location, Amber and Bryon Buzzi. My wife and I stayed in contact with the Buzzi’s as they continued to develop and expand their kayak tours, bringing light to the wonders that the west coast of Florida has to answer. I continued to be intrigued about this kayak venture and studied the Get Up and Go Kayaking website to find there was a large hole in the map of locations: Miami.
I reached out last year to Bryon’s brother, Justin, who is the founder of Get Up and Go Kayaking, and inquired about the area. Miami was still waiting to be developed and if I could get the paperwork done: it could be mine. And this is how Get Up and Go Kayaking – Miami was born.
Get Up and Go Kayaking – Miami is proudly owned and managed by myself and Tiffany Pyke, a Miami native. Fast forward to the summer of 2022, the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and all of the mangrove crabs are waiting for you to come to visit them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The Get Up and Go Kayaking family is a very tight and supportive one. Justin and his team do an amazing job helping his franchisees acclimate to becoming new business owners and are there every step of the way on your road to success.
Of course, the road to paddling the mangrove tunnels of North Miami Beach was not a perfect one. We too have been impacted by some staffing shortages that many businesses in our area are experiencing.
We also have some unique logistical issues that some of the other Get Up and Go Kayaking franchises do not experience, if you’ve ever tried to park in Miami- you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!
But overall, we have been very fortunate to be welcomed with open arms by the community and our guests are able to enjoy the beauty of Miami with ease.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tiffany studied at the College of Central Florida and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
She developed her career in logistics and distribution before most recently learning the importing business in Miami. Her hobbies include boxing, running, paddle boarding, and of course kayaking.
Zack studied at the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration. He too developed his career in logistics and distribution in the Southeast United States before most recently operating in the corporate finance world.
Zack is an entrepreneur at heart having ran many ventures including investing in real estate throughout Florida, running a multi-million dollar e-commerce business, and helping found a software company in the senior care sector.
He and his wife are avid travelers having visited over 50 countries combined.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the beauty of the culture that Miami has become the melting pot for. The variety of the cuisines alone would make you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. Between the art, music, and scenery- Miami has something for everyone seeking a truly unique cultural experience.
My hope is for one day that all of the people of Miami can set aside their political opinions to garner a more holistic approach to developing the city to meet the needs of her people and fostering a community where we can come together as one proudly.
Pricing:
- Adults $65pp
- Children $49pp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getupandgokayaking.com/locations/miami/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getupandgomiami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getupandgomiami
