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February 7, 2025, 5:34 am UTC

Lake O The Pines Vacation Properties 87-2050868 | Government Grant Application

Lake O The Pines Vacation Properties | Application Preview

 

Lake O The Pines Vacation Properties is applying for government grants to enhance their business by funding internet services and solar system installations for their vacation rentals. The business operates a five-unit cabin and plans to expand by developing 15 additional properties along East Texas lakes, leveraging their strong customer service reputation.

The team, comprised of retired military personnel, highlights their commitment to the environment and community, aiming to modernize Marion County and improve local broadband connectivity for security and guest convenience. They believe that adequate internet access is essential for attracting visitors in today's digital age.

In terms of competition, the main rivals include Pine Cove Cabin, Sunset Cove Lake O’ The Pines, and Ashley Mountain. However, the business perceives its competitive edge to be in superior guest experience and a diverse range of recreational offerings that cater to various interests. Their properties are strategically located near major travel corridors and local attractions, enhancing accessibility.

Their infrastructure includes solar power with battery backup, security systems, EV charging options, and water-saving installations. Each rental is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring fully stocked kitchens, modern entertainment systems, and ample outdoor amenities.

The owners, Kristin and Thomas, are deeply involved in community service, dedicating significant time to volunteer work and promoting environmental stewardship, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact. They aim to create an inviting atmosphere that not only meets but exceeds guest expectations, fostering a unique vacation experience in the East Texas area.

  • General Information

    Business Registration Number: 87-2050868

    Location: Newport News, VA, United States

    Length of Operation: 0

    Number of Employees:

    Annual Gross Income:

    Annual Gross Expense:

    Open to Loans: YES

  • Funding Usage

    Funding will support Internet service to properties and solar system installation at properties.

  • Business Plan

    After initial development and operation of our 5 unit cabin/cottage (properties) lake vacation experience. We capitalize on our customer and amenity centered reputation and build out 15 more properties on our other lakefront properties within the East Texas region. We hire, train and provide above average environment and wages for our manager, maintenance custodian, and property turn around specialists that instills personal ownership and responsibility to continue providing stellar customer services for our guests. East Texas has nine lakes that are visited by millions of people from across the US and the world. We capitalize on our resources and continuous improvement by studying industry trends while creating a few of our own to make us that much more unique. People get bored, and adding new ways to vacay keeps an experience from getting stale. We provide the space and enabled environment to support our guests. We care about our environment and the people around us. We are both retired military with a wealth of motivation, leadership, and caring to improve our Area of Responsibility (AoR). We have adopted Marion County Texas as our home (AoR) and want to bring our AoR into the 21st century by being a catalyst for progress. Our properties have a real requirement for monitored security which brings the demand for internet services to the area. For communities to prosper in this century, so much relies on broadband and high speed internet. To remotely unlock a cabin/cottage for a late arriving guest, our security system needs internet.

  • Self Identified Competition

    Pine Cove Cabin, Sunset Cove Lake O' The Pines, & Ashley Mountain are the three top competitors due to them being the only real games in town. If a family of 16 want absolute seclusion and have $550-750 for a night, Sunset Cove Lake O' The Pines, & Ashley Mountain would be my recommendation. Pine Cove Cabin is the top cabin in Pine Harbor only because it is waterfront. The cabin is dated and could use a completed renovation if it expects to compete with any of our cabins our first day of operation. Complacency and lack of options are the only reasons the listed choices are the tops. As with any hotel service, Lake O’ The Pines Vacation Rentals (LOTP VR) competitive edge is our focus on our guest experience and satisfaction. The East Texas area accommodates a broad range of recreational opportunities to attract users with different expectations. The mix of uses of our equipment and facilities, programs and marketing will attract a diverse customer base to our properties. LOTP VRs are within an hour of the Interstates I-20 and I-30 travel corridors and one and a half hours from airports in Shreveport and Texarkana, and two and half hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. LOTP VR is ideally situated on the shores of LOTP and close to many other lakes, rivers, parks, and trails of the East Texas region to go exploring and Geocaching. Our properties are powered by 10kw of Solar with 5.4kw battery back-up (the property may use 2.1kw max), have monitored security systems with gated perimeter fencing, EV Level II Charging (Tesla/Prius drivers), switchable motion detecting LED flood lights, and HSI WIFI. We have late model 17’ bow rider power boat or PWC (jet ski) (for rent). Because we care about our water resources, there are water saving showers, faucets, toilets, and installed grey water recycling. All LED interior lighting is motion sensing. Our kitchens are fully stocked to handle indoor and outdoor cooking duties. Each property has extra linens and extra-large towels that can be washed and dried in our front-loading washers and dryers. Even though we hope you are too busy to use them, there are flat screen TVs in the living room and bedrooms with satellite programming. One reason for solar panels is to keep the storage building conditioned to save the outdoor equipment, games, kayaks/canoes, and safe boating gear from damage that normally occurs when stored outside or in an unconditioned space. Every property has large firepit and outdoor furniture. Exterior/Interior colors are light but neutral to contrast and enhance its appeal against the natural landscape. Each property accommodates extra vehicles and a tow vehicle and boat combo. Our goal is to provide clean, comfortable, amenity laden properties served by courteous staffs. Kristin and Thomas volunteer 20-30 hours weekly to the community. Both are active US Coast Guard Auxiliarist. Thomas is a volunteer instructor of safe boating for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and also volunteers with the Chesapeake Bay foundation, River Keepers, and various Facebook volunteer outdoor activities that spark his interest from the North Carolina line to Richmond, VA. We use our positive energy, motivation, and initiative for our natural world and to touch others lives in a way we hope will be forwarded to someone else's life.

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