Country Pirate Rentals is helping people make adventure & memories
Country Pirate Rentals offers all you need for your next water adventure. Photo: Provided.
Entrepreneur Chris Miles has a love and passion for the outdoors that he wants to spread to others. “With being active outdoors all my life, I wanted to share with other folks how much our area has to offer. I want to get people out of the house to truly explore Bedford County,” he said.
Miles said that Country Pirate Rentals (CPco) offers low-cost rentals for kayaks, float tubes and paddle boards that allow customers to explore the waterways without having to spend money on purchasing their own equipment. He added, “Our low-cost rental adventure gives folks the opportunity to explore our hidden treasures like they never knew they could.”
Miles painted a beautiful picture of Bedford County when describing why his hometown is perfect for his business: “Just look at what Bedford County has to offer! Stunning lakes with immaculate scenery. Rolling hills with breathtaking fall foliage. Wildlife that creates postcard-worthy photographs. Miles and miles of biking and hiking trails through some of the most scenic areas of the Appalachian Mountains. It allows CPco the ability to bring folks back to a simpler time—reconnecting with nature and enjoying the simple life with family and friends!”
“Just love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I have such a passion for the outdoors and teaching folks about it. It is giving them the ability to reconnect with themselves, nature and family.”
Bedford County’s Startup Alleghenies coach Jen Marsh helped the business get off the ground and into the water.
Miles said, “We are forever grateful for all this amazing organization has done! This wouldn’t have ever happened without their help— Jen has helped obtain the permits, insurances and hauling equipment.”
“Don’t be afraid to take a chance. If your passion is calling you to start a business on your own, do it! Do not be worried that you will fail. Without failure, how will we ever know success?”
Marsh said, “Chris lives and breathes outdoor adventure. He took a chance to bring that passion to others and it’s working! Our region is rich with natural outdoor recreational assets that both visitors and residents want to explore but feel more comfortable doing so with the help and guidance of an outdoor expert, like Chris. He understands the value of creating and packaging experiences and is doing this with his water fleet rental business. Chris has a true entrepreneurial spirit! He is tenacious, resourceful and loves his business and our community. Because of Chris, residents and visitors can experience Bedford County from a completely new perspective.”
Bedford County’s waterways boast some of the most breathtaking views. Photo: Provided.
He said that there is no secret sauce for his success. “Just love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I have such a passion for the outdoors and teaching folks about it. It is giving them the ability to reconnect with themselves, nature and family,” Miles said.
“With being active outdoors all my life, I wanted to share with other folks how much our area has to offer. I want to get people out of the house to truly explore Bedford County.”
He said that while passion and grit make for a deep foundation, it’s not all smooth sailing. He shared, “This first year has been a challenging one of slow growth. There have been times that we have set up for an event and not had a single renter. Every day is a learning experience. I get to introduce people to my passion while I am talking to them about what we have to offer. It’s getting my name out there and learning my target market while I am doing it.”
Even with a slow start, Miles said that CPco is seeing what pure joy looks like for their customers. He continued, “We were set up at the inaugural Jeep InFESTation in Bedford, and we had a first-time kayaker. We were able to get this gentleman on the water for the first time… His excitement, his laughter and smile were the most rewarding experiences of success I have had so far!”
Miles shared this advice— “Don’t be afraid to take a chance. If your passion is calling you to start a business on your own, do it! Do not be worried that you will fail. Without failure, how will we ever know success?”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
