Conversations with the Inspiring Heather Fetter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Fetter.

Heather, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our little shop started back in 2012 after spending a year repping a small San Diego brand SUP but soon realized that we needed more space to accommodate the local demand. We were the first stand up paddleboard shop in Metro Phoenix and to this day, eight summers later many have come and gone, but we are still the largest! We started with a rental fleet of 12 boards, and today, we have over 80 rental boards in the fleet and a few kayaks. Quickly, the news spread that SUP could be done on flatwater lakes and rivers, no ocean required!

Has it been a smooth road?
Bringing a new sport into a city of 4 million people on a shoestring budget proved difficult. We relied completely on word of mouth and free social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and Instagram. Both my husband and I have full-time jobs, so we started this hobby business as a supplement to our already busy schedules. Luckily, we had immediate support from the community and so many people volunteered their time to help grow the sport. Our first years, we spent 365 days a year devoted to learning the retail industry. Spending so much time proved individual burnout. I would strongly suggest partnering with other trusted people, friends or family that can share in the burden of retail demand.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into No Snow Paddleboards story. Tell us more about the business.
Our stand up paddleboard shop is easily the most trusted and reliable local SUP business here in the state of Arizona. Being a husband and wife team, we work in tandem to help people new to the sport find the right gear based on what they want to achieve; fitness, family time, travel, etc. Four years ago, my husband created our own branded inflatable stand up paddleboard that has been well received locally and nationally. The high quality yet affordable package allows 100s of people to enjoy being active outdoors while not breaking the bank. We pride ourselves in leading by example and teaching customers new to the sport correct equipment suited to their individual needs while keeping budget at the forefront. We are very approachable, friendly people and have created a community whereby any person of any age, skill level or background can come together to enjoy the water.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Women are still presented with the challenge of the male-dominated working world, and while many female stand up paddlers can rival or exceed male abilities on the water, they still tend to be undervalued.

Pricing:

• Paddleboard Rentals $40/day
• Inflatables SUPS start at $699 and up
• Carbon Raceboards start at $1500 and up
• Group Events are either free to attend or a nominal rental fee for equipment
• Stand up paddleboard lessons available for individuals or groups starting at $60/person
• Kayak Rentals $40/day

Contact Info:

• Website: nosnowsup.com
• Phone: 480-807-6787
• Email: heather@nosnowsup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NoSnowSUP/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoSnowSUP/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NoSnowSUP/

                                                      Image Credit:
Photo Credits: Hover Photography, Stacie Gibson, Amanda Bowen

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.