From: Sara Hoffman
<skhoffman426@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 11:45 AM
To: mcre13@gmail.com
Subject: KC area surf park
Hi Henry,
Hope you're well and I appreciate your time!
My name is Sara Hoffman and I live in the Kansas City area. (Rock chalk!) I found you via a LinkedIn search for commercial realtors in my area.
I have a mission: bring the sport of surfing to Kansas City via a man-made wave pool.
I've been interested in surfing since high school. This interest has taken me to the waves of San Diego, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I love traveling and am passionate about learning to surf but am also passionate about KC as it’s my home and has been for my whole life.
Dangers or fears like rocks and reefs, sea life, and rip tides, and limitations like geographic location have kept people living inland from the joy of surfing for decades. These issues are virtually eliminated with man-made wave pools that can provide waves up to seven feet high. Many companies are jumping into this space and parks are starting development all around the world. I believe Kansas City and a good part of the midwest would love and benefit from this opportunity. Not to mention that surfing is currently exploding in popularity.
What I am really trying to learn and understand is the best way to proceed with getting funding and starting up with this idea, and working with commercial real estate developers. Is it outside the realm of possibility for a commercial real estate developer to "team up" with me or invest in this idea if I am willing to deal with getting the land surveyed, working with the wave pool manufacturer, partnering with other businesses and sponsors like surf brands, branding and promoting the business, hiring employees, with occasional assistance from the developer if needed? Do these companies generally take pitches from individuals and is it best to simply reach out to them directly?
I have taken quite a few steps so far including contacting the most likely wave pool manufacturer and beginning a business plan and pitch deck.
You are clearly an extremely busy person. I would so appreciate any amount of time you may be able to take to provide any guidance given your vast experience in commercial real estate development.
Thanks Henry.
Sara Hoffman
