Get to Know the Hahn Family
Fourth of July Frenzy!
Buy One, Get One Free
Action City & Chaos Water Park Passes
Spring Break Isn't Over Yet
Our foundation of hard work and hospitality runs deep in our roots. Metropolis Resort founders, Tom and Shirley Hahn grew up on farms in Iowa where they learned the value of family and hard work. In the beginning, Tom’s parents sold their farm and opened a grocery store, Hahn’s Circle Foods, in a small town, Grand Mound, IA.
In the early years, Tom bagged groceries and learned the importance of customer service and hospitality from his parents. He married the love of his life, Shirley, in 19xyz. Tom was known for his meat counter and Shirley ran the books. They had two children, Brian and Kim, both raised in their parents’ business. They started bagging groceries and worked their way up into the business, just like their parents. Together these four Hahn’s worked hand in hand for years. They have many stories to tell, all of which end with laughter and fond memories of the people they have met over the years.
The Hahn’s went on many business adventures together. If you could sit and listen to them talk, you would hear stories of many grocery stores, an ice cream parlor, a motel, a laundromat, several Dairy Queens, a marketing firm, real estate and the joys of being landlords.
One of the great adventures started after Tom and Shirley retired. In 2005 they created Action City with another partner. After quick success they added on a Hotel and Waterpark. Now we have the Metropolis Resort, that boasts “Where the Fun Never Stops.”
The Hahn’s have a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome wherever they go. They are known for their hospitality professionally and personally. The legacy that they leave behind is fun. It’s established everywhere they have a presence. A culture of fun is known in each of their businesses. Through it all, you will always hear about how they wouldn’t be where they are today without their customers, family and the team that makes it happen.
You can learn more about the family by listening to a podcast called, Mixing Family & Business featuring an inside view of the Hahn’s family spanning multiple generations of business, family and fun.
Blogs
What It Really Takes to Run a Successful Business
Foundational Planning and Feasibility
Tom, with his wealth of entrepreneurial experience, emphasized the importance of having a solid plan. "You have to ask yourself, 'Can you make a living out of this?’" Tom said. This is crucial because starting a business requires a profound commitment, often demanding more than just the standard 9 to 5 hours. Understanding financials, market demand, and the resources required can make the difference between success and failure.
Kim expanded on this by sharing intimately about her son's experience starting his business. The back-end details like bookkeeping, billing mechanisms, and understanding tax implications are often overlooked but are essential components that need attention before you even open your doors.
Never Underestimate Ambition and Drive
Shirley touched on another critical aspect—ambition. She made it clear that working the standard 40-hour week doesn't cut it when you're running your own business. It requires relentless passion and energy. However, this ambition has its rewards, but only if you're willing to push through the long hours and obstacles.
Understanding Your Market
Identifying who your customers are and selling to them is another core aspect that can't be ignored. "If nobody will give you money, it's not a good idea," I emphasized during the episode. A business idea, no matter how innovative, must have a market willing to pay for what you're offering. Conducting thorough market research and being ready to pivot based on customer feedback are essential steps for a budding entrepreneur.
The Reality of Tax and Cash Flow
Understanding and planning for your taxes is another vital component discussed. Kim, Shirley, and Tom all pointed out that managing taxes and understanding sales tax obligations can prevent unwanted penalties and financial strain. We stressed that while it's essential to know how much you owe, it's equally important to keep track of when these payments are due to avert any surprises that could jeopardize your business.
The Second Year Slump
Many might think the first year is the hardest, but as Tom and Kim highlighted, the second year poses even more significant challenges. The initial excitement wears off, and sustaining the business becomes a more rigorous task. Customer interest might wane, and the challenges of maintaining or growing your customer base come to the forefront. "Year two is harder than year one," Kim unequivocally stated, and this is an essential truth for all aspiring business owners to keep in mind.
Savings and Cash Reserves
Building on Shirley’s advice, cash flow is critical. She warned against spending all your profits in the spring and having nothing left for the harder months. Having a cushion of savings can keep your business afloat during slow periods, ensuring you have the resources to push through difficult times.
In wrapping up our episode, we agreed that starting and running a business is an enriching but challenging journey. From understanding the market to managing your finances and dealing with the unexpected, it requires focus, adaptability, and constant learning. It's not just about surviving the first year but also preparing for the ongoing journey.
If you found these insights helpful, please share this blog post with aspiring entrepreneurs or those who might find it beneficial. Don’t forget to tune into the "Mixing Family and Business" podcast for more discussions on what it really takes to succeed in business. Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!
What It Really Takes to Run a Successful Business
Foundational Planning and Feasibility
Tom, with his wealth of entrepreneurial experience, emphasized the importance of having a solid plan. "You have to ask yourself, 'Can you make a living out of this?’" Tom said. This is crucial because starting a business requires a profound commitment, often demanding more than just the standard 9 to 5 hours. Understanding financials, market demand, and the resources required can make the difference between success and failure.
Kim expanded on this by sharing intimately about her son's experience starting his business. The back-end details like bookkeeping, billing mechanisms, and understanding tax implications are often overlooked but are essential components that need attention before you even open your doors.
Never Underestimate Ambition and Drive
Shirley touched on another critical aspect—ambition. She made it clear that working the standard 40-hour week doesn't cut it when you're running your own business. It requires relentless passion and energy. However, this ambition has its rewards, but only if you're willing to push through the long hours and obstacles.
Understanding Your Market
Identifying who your customers are and selling to them is another core aspect that can't be ignored. "If nobody will give you money, it's not a good idea," I emphasized during the episode. A business idea, no matter how innovative, must have a market willing to pay for what you're offering. Conducting thorough market research and being ready to pivot based on customer feedback are essential steps for a budding entrepreneur.
The Reality of Tax and Cash Flow
Understanding and planning for your taxes is another vital component discussed. Kim, Shirley, and Tom all pointed out that managing taxes and understanding sales tax obligations can prevent unwanted penalties and financial strain. We stressed that while it's essential to know how much you owe, it's equally important to keep track of when these payments are due to avert any surprises that could jeopardize your business.
The Second Year Slump
Many might think the first year is the hardest, but as Tom and Kim highlighted, the second year poses even more significant challenges. The initial excitement wears off, and sustaining the business becomes a more rigorous task. Customer interest might wane, and the challenges of maintaining or growing your customer base come to the forefront. "Year two is harder than year one," Kim unequivocally stated, and this is an essential truth for all aspiring business owners to keep in mind.
Savings and Cash Reserves
Building on Shirley’s advice, cash flow is critical. She warned against spending all your profits in the spring and having nothing left for the harder months. Having a cushion of savings can keep your business afloat during slow periods, ensuring you have the resources to push through difficult times.
In wrapping up our episode, we agreed that starting and running a business is an enriching but challenging journey. From understanding the market to managing your finances and dealing with the unexpected, it requires focus, adaptability, and constant learning. It's not just about surviving the first year but also preparing for the ongoing journey.
If you found these insights helpful, please share this blog post with aspiring entrepreneurs or those who might find it beneficial. Don’t forget to tune into the "Mixing Family and Business" podcast for more discussions on what it really takes to succeed in business. Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!
