In this episode of The Mentors Radio, Host Tom Loarie talks with Doug and Chase Averill of Flathead Lake Lodge, one of the top 2% hospitality businesses in America and a “Best of the Best Dude Ranch.” Discover their unique approach to hospitality and learn how this iconic, multi-generational, family-owned dude ranch builds family bonds, empowers kids, and even hosts world leaders, including Bing Crosby, George Bush, Bill Clinton and Colin Powell, who called it the best place in America to meet real Americans. Located in Bigfork, Montana, just outside Glacier National Park, an Averill family tradition since 1945, the ranch has hosted tens of thousands of guests from more than 104 countries, and has been featured on Good Morning America, Animal Planet, Wide World of Sports and more. Doug Averill is a member of the National Dude Ranchers Hall of Fame and the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Now Doug and his son, Chase, are leading the lodge into the next generation. Learn about their work with the Paladin Conservancy and Wrangler Ranch, which gives special needs children, terminally ill children, and veterans fresh experiences rooted in the Western way of life. The lodge fosters family bonds, builds confidence in children, offers first-hand leadership lessons for all ages, and literally transforms guests (60,000 to 80,000 guests over the last 40 years!) from all walks of life, while maintaining an unparalleled standard of hospitality. Find out what sets Flathead Lake Lodge apart from the competition, behind-the-scenes? How do the Averills seamlessly infuse genuine hospitality and service into every aspect of their business... and why is this so important to them? ...Most importantly, what kernels of inspiration will you uncover for your own business, life or work? Listen to THE MENTORS RADIO podcast anywhere, any time, on any platform, including Spotify and Apple, just click here!

SHOW NOTES:

BIO / ABOUT:

Doug Averill honored at Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame — His awards include receiving the highest civilian honor awarded by the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and he has hosted military leaders from 104 countries on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Doug and Chase Averill

Three generations and 75 years: The Averill family and Flathead Lake Ranch, by Eileen Ogintz, Taking the Kids

Flathead Lake Lodge / History

WEBSITES:

Flathead Lake Lodge

Paladin Conservancy

Paladin Conservancy / Wrangler Springs Ranch

3-minute YouTube: Doug Averill gives a tour of plans at Wrangler Springs Ranch

Why the name "Paladin"? (great story!)

NEWS CLIPS:

Featured on "Great Western Great Ranches" TV series

The Travel Hack: Staying on an American Dude Ranch at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana

A Dude Ranch in Montana: Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge, The / SoughtAfter, by Molly Schoneveld