Issue 025: Moving Forward Against the Odds
– Lailah Gifty Akita
In the conclusion of the zipline excursion series, the Hummingbird Zip Line Course’s story exemplifies the meaning of “bounce-up™” and could resonate with you during our current times.
When Hummingbird opened in 2013, the company signed a 12-year concession contract with Gulf Shore State Park. For three years in a row, the public voted the course Gulf Shores #1 attraction. Imagine the momentum, pride, and success the owners and staff felt.
Without any warning, in late 2016, with nearly 60,000 zipline guests and eight years remaining on Hummingbird’s contract, the State canceled the contract without cause. Hummingbird’s business came to a complete stop.
More than likely, there are many people who can resonate with having something yanked away without any control over it.
The owners would need to search for a new property—not an easy feat when you’re talking about a zipline course. Would they find a location close to the former course? Would they be able to keep their core staff? Would the lapse cause the public to lose interest? Let’s say the odds were against Hummingbird.
Drawing on the initial success, and the community’s support, the owners searched until they found another property that would enable them to relocate. Imagine the amount of planning to safely dismantle and rebuild seven towers. That task alone would keep some stuck.
Strategically, the towers were dismantled, then all the parts and pieces were trucked to the new location, The Wharf, a multi-use Development and Entertainment in Orange Beach, Alabama only three miles from the original location. Having toured The Wharf, I would describe this area as a hot spot humming [pun intended] with activity and excitement.
In January 2018, the new course opened with eight ziplines covering 6,000 feet, double the original size. Although Lake Shelby and the gators weren’t part of the scenery, zippers soar over beautiful bays, the Intracoastal Waterway, and through a federally-protected wetland.
And through the disappointment, uncertainty, move and rebuild, Hummingbird’s core staff stayed with the company. Hummingbird “bounced-up™” higher and faster.
Perseverance. With single-minded tenacity, the owners focused on the new location and moving. Where some might be defeated by the vast project of relocation, the owners and staff focused on the new course.
Foundation. To keep team members during the closing of one location, negotiating another property, dismantling towers, mapping out a new course, rebuilding towers, and launching again, took loyal team members and a strong company culture. The company formed the foundation of a loyal workplace culture before it ever hit adversity.
Momentum Questions:
What isn’t working for you that could use a “dismantle and rebuild”?
What is something you can’t control?
What can’t you control that you need to let go to make room for something better?
Until next time, have a Bounce-Up™ day!
Mj
Update: Shortly after writing this edition, several Hummingbird towers were destroyed due to Hurricane Sally.
