Passing the Torch: Preparing the Next Generation
"There's a big world out there," Nicole tells her boys, echoing the same wonder she felt as a young girl watching airplane trails cross the Page sky. As my daughter, she's now leading the next chapter of our family's story, bringing her corporate experience from IBM and her vision as a "mompreneur" to shape the future of Shun'Diin Canyon Tours.
Nicole's oldest son is pursuing both his high school diploma and bachelor's degree in computer science simultaneously, while her youngest shows a natural entrepreneurial spirit that reminds her of herself. "I want to leave them something," she explains, "a legacy so they can be financially free and do what they want."
We're teaching the boys that this isn't just about running tours – it's about preserving our culture while creating opportunities. Whether they choose corporate careers like their mother did or continue building our family's legacy, we want them to understand both their heritage and the importance of education.
Expanding Horizons While Honoring Roots
Our vision for Shun'Diin Canyon Tours goes beyond just business growth. We're looking at innovative ways to expand while staying true to our cultural values. Nicole dreams of taking her boys overseas, showing them different perspectives, just as her own experiences in Dallas and beyond shaped her worldview.
"In five years," I tell visitors, "we want to be doing more than just making money. We want to be giving back to our community." This means creating employment opportunities for our young people, providing scholarships, and supporting local initiatives. We've watched other family businesses in the canyon do this successfully, and we're committed to following that path.
Most importantly, we're teaching the next generation that success comes with responsibility. Just as my mother taught me, and I taught Nicole, we're showing the boys that these canyons are more than just tourist attractions – they're sacred spaces that require protection and respect.
"Don't take these times for granted," I tell my grandsons when they help their great-grandfather chop wood or spend time learning from their elders. These moments of connection between generations are what make our business unique. We're not just tour operators; we're storytellers, cultural preservationists, and guardians of a legacy that stretches back generations.