Can Joe O’Brien, a 5-star tourism operator, keep his boats afloat?

<p>Joe O'Brien is a gifted entrepreneur.  His tourism operation, <a href= "http://www.obriensboattours.com">O'Brien Boat Tours</a>, includes three boats, two restaurants, gift shops, and shuttle buses.  His base is <a href= "https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/top-destinations/st-johns">St John's</a> Newfoundland, and he captains his guests to the edge of the world where they get so close to a whale that they can smell its breath. Giant icebergs, a wild bird sanctuary, mixed in with the songs and spirit of <a href= "https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com">Newfoundland and Labrador</a>.  Joe shares his story of growing up in a fishing village and having to reinvent when the Cod disappeared. Joe's philosophy on how to create experiences for his guests and employees that last a lifetime is a masterclass for the service economy.<br />  <br /> This economic storm could capsize his business.  Joe needs our help. We ask <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/interpretivist/">Ujwal Arkalgud</a>, a cultural anthropologist, <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-blum-a0bba8149/">Alex Blum</a> a talented tourism marketer, and <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-sauriol-3a86a9158/">Kellie Sauriol</a> from RBC, who considers small business operators as heroes for their advice.<br />  <br /> They not only lift his spirit; they will lift his boats back into the water. Great insights for anyone building a career or brand in the tourism, hospitality, retail, and services space.<br />  <br /> Small Business Matters series, presented by <a href= "https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/index.html">RBC</a>.</p> <p><br /> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pivoting from Cod fishing to Whale watching (01:16)</strong></span><br /> Joe O'Brien grows up in a fishing village 30 minutes from St John's <a href="https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com">Newfoundland</a>, it is the only business his family knows, but in the 1980s, overfishing has ruined their livelihood. Joe considers a significant pivot when he looks