“We’ve had people that have stayed here when they were little kids and now they’re in their seventies and eighties, and they still keep coming back,” he said. “They would call me up to book a cottage, and they expect me to remember them. Now I do! I even recognize voices on the phone.” The connection between Riverview and the community of Parrsboro is equally strong. Jay points guests toward local restaurants, shops, and attractions - including the geological museum, nearby beaches, and the Glooscap Trail scenic drive. “We all try to support each other in town,” he said. “If we’re full, I’ll recommend another local spot to make sure guests are taken care of.” The COVID-19 pandemic only deepened this sense of community. “When the travel restrictions eased, we were very popular,” Jay said. “People wanted to stay in their own space. We had a huge amount of repeat guests after that.” Unlike many small tourism businesses, Riverview Cottages doesn’t have ambitions to scale up or franchise. Jay and his wife are more focused on listening to guest feedback and evolving the space intentionally. “We’re not chasing something bigger. We just want to keep making it better. One cottage, one stay, one guest at a time.” That doesn’t mean there’s no vision for the future. “We’re not adding any more cottages, but we are thinking about tenting and RV spots,”Jay said.“We’ve noticed a huge change since COVID. A lot more RVs, a lot more trailers. They need places to stay.” He’s already started clearing some land at the back of the property in case the demand continues. Like every decision he’s made since 2017, it comes down to being prepared - and that’s exactly what he urges others to be if they’re thinking of making a similar move in
another province. “Do your research before you move out,” he said. “Find out what’s required to start a business. Make sure you register properly. And get a good lawyer - especially when you’re moving province to province.” And then there’s the practical side. “Don’t bring everything,” he added with a laugh. “We packed up our whole house, the garage, everything. We ended up not even looking at 90% of the stuff we brought. We should have just rented a dumpster before we moved!” Transitioning from golf course turf management to running a guest-focused seasonal business has changed how Jay sees his work - and his days. “I figured with my background, I could do pretty much every job needed here,” he said. “Plumbing, electrical, carpentry - and here we are!” While there’s no shortage of tasks to handle - especially in the lead-up to each season’s opening - Jay says the rewards come from watching families arrive, unwind, and create memories. “We’re seeing new faces every season, but also the same ones, year after year. That’s what keeps us going,” he said. “People call and say they want the same cottage, the same week, every summer. And now I remember who they are!” What started as a real estate listing seen by chance has become a full-time way of life. Jay’s not looking back - only ahead to the next small project, the next returning guest, the next firepit evening filled with stories and laughter. “It’s a physical job. Some days are harder than others,” he said. “But it’s ours. And when people leave and say they can’t wait to come back - that’s the best feeling in the world.”
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People call and say they want the same cottage, the same week, every summer. And now I remember who they are! ”
98 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 3
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 99
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