Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari Gold.
Hi Ari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ari, and I’m a serial entrepreneur who has built, operated, and sold multiple seven & eight-figure businesses. Currently, I am the operations officer at Quick Capital, a private investment firm that provides capital in the form of debt and equity to both private and public companies.
My career in entrepreneurship began with co-founding a cosmetic retail and wholesale operation within the United States. I then went on to found a line of three online cosmetics brands, selling thousands of monthly subscriptions. Nurturing my skillset of identifying consumer trends, he was one of the first to market to import and sell multiple trendy products including fidget cubes and spinners on Amazon.
Subsequently, I played a pivotal role in the restructuring and financing of a chain of cosmetic stores located at cruise ports and airports along the east coast of Mexico. At this time, this operation was realizing $25M+ in annual revenue. With over 15+ years of operational and management expertise, I display an impressive track record and knack for entrepreneurship.
As I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, my fascination with real estate grew exponentially. The process of constructing cosmetics stores across the US and Mexico deepened my understanding of construction intricacies. Recognizing the potential in the real estate market, I decided to leverage my construction expertise to build a diverse and thriving real estate portfolio spanning several states in the US.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I enjoy traveling the world, being on the wáter in sailboats and yachts, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
BoatBuddy’s inception arose from a personal struggle and a profound passion for the water while residing in Miami. The joy of spending weekends on boats with friends was unparalleled, but the soaring costs of boat rentals, especially without a large group to share expenses, posed a significant obstacle. The logistical challenges of organizing these outings further added to the stress. However, once aboard and amidst the camaraderie, the worries dissolved, and unforgettable memories were created.
Yearning for a solution, the idea of BoatBuddy took root – a service that would connect individuals with a shared mindset, seeking to enjoy the water without breaking the bank. The vision was to foster a community that would not only facilitate boating experiences but also cultivate real and lasting friendships. Some of my business partners I first met on boats, formed deep connections that led to successful ventures together. BoatBuddy’s mission was clear: to provide a platform that brings people together, offering a sense of community and camaraderie.
BoatBuddy, more than just a boat rental service, became a catalyst for building genuine connections in an era when remote work and reduced human interaction were prevalent. With BoatBuddy, the stress of logistics is taken care of, allowing participants to focus solely on the joy of being on the water with like-minded individuals. Whether an adventurer seeking new experiences, a couple yearning for a romantic getaway, or a group of friends in search of a memorable excursion, BoatBuddy’s “Yacht Pooling” experience offers an affordable and delightful journey. Participants can explore picturesque waterways, revel in nature’s beauty, and forge unforgettable memories while supporting local boat rental companies and captains.
With BoatBuddy’s innovative “Yacht Pooling” concept, a cost-effective system was created, making boating accessible to all, and bolstering the growth of small businesses within the boating industry. The four-hour yacht experience brings together individuals and small groups, forming a vibrant community of boating enthusiasts with similar vibes and ages, all united by their love for the water.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by immense struggles, especially when I decided to move from Israel to a new country with very little knowledge of the English language and no connections. Starting from scratch in a foreign land with a different culture was a daunting task. However, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and embrace a new beginning.
Learning a new language and understanding the local culture was a significant obstacle I faced. It took dedication and perseverance to grasp the language effectively, as communication is the foundation of any successful business venture. Overcoming this language barrier was vital in establishing meaningful connections with potential partners, investors, and customers.
Finding the right partners for my entrepreneurial journey was another challenge. I encountered several business partnerships that a few of them eventually fell apart because our principles and visions were not aligned. These separations were difficult, but they taught me the importance of shared values and clear communication when choosing partners.
Moreover, building brands from scratch is never an easy task. It requires collaborating with numerous individuals and institutions to succeed. I had to work tirelessly to foster relationships with suppliers, customers, and industry influencers to gain traction in the market. This collaborative effort was essential to establish a strong brand presence and gain credibility in the industry.
Through all the struggles and obstacles, I persevered, motivated by my belief in the potential of my businesses and the desire to create something meaningful. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable entrepreneur. While the journey has been arduous, the sense of achievement and fulfillment in creating something from nothing has been immensely rewarding. As I continue to grow my business, I remain committed to learning, adapting, and collaborating to overcome future challenges and achieve even greater success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BoatBuddy?
At BoatBuddy, we pride ourselves on our mission to empower individuals and small groups to experience the freedom and joy of boating. Our primary focus lies in offering affordable and accessible boat rentals through our convenient online platform.
We understand the passion for boating and strive to connect our customers with a community of like-minded boaters and experienced captains. What sets BoatBuddy apart from others is our innovative approach to boat rentals, which involves grouping multiple small groups and individuals, creating a cost-effective “Boat Pooling” system. This approach not only makes boating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone but also supports the growth of small businesses within the boating industry.
We take immense pride in our sophisticated pooling algorithm, a unique feature that connects like-minded people based on very specific criteria. Our utmost priority is to ensure that every individual on the yacht is having the best time of their lives, without feeling awkward or left out. Through this personalized approach, we aim to foster meaningful friendships and communities among our guests while they enjoy a fantastic time on the water.
Safety is of paramount importance to us. To achieve this, each yacht captain undergoes comprehensive and specific BoatBuddy training. This training equips them to be fully aware of everything happening on the boat, ensuring that everyone on board feels comfortable and happy throughout the entire experience.
BoatBuddy’s distinctive aspect lies in providing a controlled full experience for our clients. We are not simply a marketplace connecting people with boats; rather, we orchestrate the entire journey. Whether someone embarks on a BoatBuddy experience in Miami, Ibiza, or Cancun, they can expect nothing but excellence and a familiar, welcoming vibe from previous encounters. BoatBuddy becomes a home away from home, ensuring consistency in the exceptional experiences we offer.
We also want the readers to know that we are currently running a promotion for $149 per person, making this extraordinary yachting adventure even more accessible.
At BoatBuddy, we are passionate about delivering the best boating experience for our guests, fostering lasting connections, and prioritizing their safety and satisfaction. With our sophisticated pooling algorithm, comprehensive captain training, and dedication to offering a controlled full experience, we invite you to join us on a journey of unforgettable memories on the water.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was the times my family, my parents’ friends, their kids, and I used to spend at the beach in Tel Aviv. Those days were filled with joy and excitement. Every visit to the beach was like a mini-adventure, and the happiness I felt is unforgettable.
Whether it was swimming in the waves, playing beach games, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, the beach provided a sense of freedom and bliss. Those moments were precious, and the memories of those carefree days still bring a smile to my face. The beach in Tel Aviv was our special place, where we laughed, explored, and created beautiful memories together.
Pricing:
- $149/person
Contact Info:
- Website: BoatBuddyClub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatbuddyclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoatBuddyClub
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boatbuddy-miami?osq=BoatBuddy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@boatbuddyclub
