Tim Lencki’s inspiration to start a new business occurred during a family trip to a national park.
“My family and I went on a trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2011. We were coming out of the park. Part of the trip was to see the Grand Tetons Forest,” he said.
In a small tourist town, Lencki noticed a shop that specialized in outdoor activities and products.
“That is cool. Someday,” he thought to himself.
Back home in Waupaca, “I started thinking about it and putting pencil to paper. As a strong Christian, I prayed about it,” Lencki said.
He shared the idea with his friend Dan Wachsmuth, who was not interested.
Feeling it was not what God wanted him to do at that time, Lencki put the idea on the backburner for a while.
“Then, things started happening,” he said. “Out of the blue, he (Wachsmuth) said he was (interested).”
Next, a building on South Main Street became available, offering what Lencki described as a “great location” for his vision.
In June of 2013, Lencki and Wachsmuth opened Adventure Outfitters at 106 S. Main St.
The business is the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Rising Star Award winner. It received the award on Jan. 27 during the Chamber’s annual awards program.
“Tourism plays such a big role in our economy, and Adventure Outfitters helps fill the need to bring and retain visitors. Tim and Dan continue to add services and merchandise to their offerings, which helps expand their market and helps in our tourism efforts. They are a true Rising Star in our community,” said Chamber President Terri Schulz.
Lencki said he feels blessed that the Chamber chose them for the award.
“It’s so neat that people see what we’re doing and that we’re really trying to make an impact here,” he said.
Adventure Outfitters is all about the outdoors.
In the winter, that means snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fat tire biking, while in the summer it means paddle boarding, kayaking and biking.
“Getting people outside and active has always been a passion for me,” said Lencki, who has a background in fitness.
Adventure Outfitters sells outdoor equipment and apparel and also offers rentals and instruction.
“I think one of the strong desires for this business is to really promote the Waupaca area and to do so year around, to get people here in the winter to snowshoe, ski, fat tire bike,” Lencki said.
Another way they are doing so is by sponsoring events, such as ‘Twas the 5K After Christmas, which took place on Dec. 27 at Swan Park.
“It was the first one we did, and we had 63 competitors, which was awesome,” he said. “It did well, and we were able to donate an additional $500 to the multi-use winter trail by the high school.”
In May, they will sponsor an adventure triathlon that includes kayaking, trail running and mountain biking.
When Lencki and Wachsmuth decided to start the business, Lencki had the vision.
With a background in carpentry, Wachsmuth took those ideas and remodeled the building.
Lencki handles the operation side of the business, while Wachsmuth handles the behind-the-scenes aspect of it.
This summer, they will also have a second location at Hartman Creek State Park, in the building by the beach.
“We will rent kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, bikes,” Lencki said.
They will also have camping supplies, bait, personal hygiene items and some grocery items at that location. Activities will be offered as well.