Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori and Paul Scheutzow.
Lori and Paul Scheutzow
Hi Lori and Paul, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We’re Paul and Lori Scheutzow, originally from Olmsted Falls, Ohio. When 2 of our 3 sons moved to the Columbus area, Paul first fell in love with Alum Creek state park while remodeling a historic farmhouse for one of our sons, Josh Scheutzow, owner of A Carpenter’s Son. We used to see kayaks being rented in the Cleveland metro parks on Rocky River, and while sitting on the porch of the farmhouse, Paul and Josh tossed around the idea of renting kayaks down here on Alum Creek as a side hustle in retirement when we moved down here. So, with an initial investment of 8 paddle boards, 8 kayaks, and a trailer, Alum Creek Adventures was born. During covid, we fixed up and sold our house up north with the help of our oldest son, Ryan, and wife, Mary, who own Caswell Real Estate; we bought property adjacent to the state park, designed and built a house minutes from the Howard Rd Boat Ramp. That’s where we put in and take out the many happy people who book 2-hour adventures in nature and spending quality time with each other. We no longer offer the paddle boards, just single sit-in kayaks, available 7 days a week. We provide life vests and paddles, meeting people at the dock. It’s the most enjoyable business we’ve ever been involved with. Seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces as they come back makes it all worthwhile.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For one thing, we lived in a different city at first, so we were in transition; leaving a home and 2 businesses we had for 40 years wasn’t easy, and covid shut us down for the 2nd season, but that’s when we had the time to close up and sell up north and move here. Building a house was a challenge, juggling things with Paul as the general contractor and trying to keep Alum Creek Adventures going at the same time, but we had the help of the sons, wives, and grandchildren to lend a hand. Even the youngest ones helped out on the job site where they could.
As you know, we’re big fans of Alum Creek Adventures kayak rental. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Paul has been a carpenter for 40+ years, most specializing in residential remodeling in the Cleveland area, and Lori has taught and is still teaching piano privately in her home studio. Alum Creek Adventures rents single sit-in kayaks and equipment to clients going out on Alum Creek from Howard Rd Boat dock at 5940 Howard Rd, Delaware, Ohio 43015. Rentals are for 2 hours, unguided, leave from and return to Howard Rd Launch. We’re open every day and often can arrange same day rentals when people decide to book last minute. Booking online can only be done a day in advance, though. We’ve had families, friends, coworkers, corporate team building, women’s groups, and more take 2-hour journeys out on Alum Creek Reservoir. It’s more of a big lake than what you might think of by the name “Creek,” filled with wildlife, birds, turtles, and fish. We have a personal touch, being literally a Mom and Pop organization run by the two of us, with occasional help from the grandchildren. We love taking pictures of our groups, especially moms and dads on Mother’s and Father’s Days, on birthday celebrations, and the like. There’s nothing quite like unplugging, relaxing, and spending quality time with the ones we love in a beautiful peaceful setting.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?Our society is jam-packed with activities, work, school, sports, and every other thing that can pull people in many directions at once. Kayaking with people you love, or even by yourself, is such a wonderful experience that we have yet to find a set of people who didn’t enjoy their time on the water.
Pricing:
- $30 for 2 hours per kayak
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alumcreekadventures.org/
- Instagram: Alumcreekadventures
- Facebook: Alum Creek Adventures
