Summary:
Hayden Earl combines passion for sailing with community service through his venture BoatCape.
BoatCape aims to become the “Uber for Boats,” offering guided eco-tours of Cape Cod.
The venture has secured over $80,000 in investments and provides income opportunities for displaced fishermen.
Earl emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship in the tourism industry.
The Nolan School at Cornell University has been highly supportive of Earl's entrepreneurial efforts.
What Drives Entrepreneurship?
What inspires someone to become an entrepreneur? Is it the desire to make a significant impact like Steve Jobs, the ambition to serve overlooked consumers like Sam Walton, or the drive to enhance quality and cut costs like Henry Ford? In the case of Hayden Earl, it’s a deep love for his community and a commitment to protect it.
An “Uber for Boats”
Hayden Earl, a senior at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, discovered his passion for sailing at just five years old on Cape Cod. Competing for the U.S. Olympic Development Sailing Team further fueled his love for the natural beauty of Massachusetts’ coast. However, a visit to his hometown revealed a troubling sight: fishing boats were missing from the harbor due to overfishing and environmental changes.
“I learned that overfishing from tourists – coupled with environmental degradation – had destroyed our fishing industry and the livelihoods of many,” says Earl. This realization ignited his responsibility to uplift his community.
Launching BoatCape
In response to this crisis, Earl founded BoatCape in the summer of 2022, a venture that offers guided tours allowing visitors to explore Cape Cod like a local. With over $80,000 in investments so far, Earl envisions a future where tourists can use an app to book a boat and captain, creating an “Uber for Boats.”
“BoatCape provides my community with a way to earn an income and stay connected to its coastal roots,” he explains. “We also aim to educate visitors about the importance of environmental stewardship while out on the water.”
Earl’s entrepreneurial journey began with various ventures, from snow shoveling to teaching sailing. Now, as he pursues a BS in Hotel Administration, he credits the Nolan School for its unwavering support. His professor, Tom Estad, has been instrumental in guiding him through the launch and scaling of BoatCape, even involving his students in the project.
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