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Meet Shawn Smith of Lake Austin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Smith.

Shawn Smith

Hi Shawn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Rockport, Texas, along the coast, where being on the water was a natural part of life. I spent my childhood sailing, fishing, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle, which later became a huge part of my identity. After moving to Houston for high school, I went on to attend TCU, where I graduated before returning to Houston to work in the family business. But I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Not long after, I started my own company—a 5K obstacle course mud run. That led to other large-scale events like the Graffiti Run and the Urban Slide, a massive 1,000-foot slip-and-slide event that we took nationwide.
After several years in the events industry, I transitioned into something that felt more aligned with my passions: boating. My love for the water never faded, and I saw an opportunity to create unique experiences around it. That led me to the boat rental and touring business on Lake Austin, where I get to combine my entrepreneurial drive with something I truly love. What started as a simple boat rental idea has now grown into curated experiences—sunset cruises, themed events, and even the Lake Austin Lights holiday event. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m always looking for new ways to push the experience further.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running my own businesses for the past 15 years has come with plenty of challenges. One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was managing overhead. My first businesses—event-based companies—were highly seasonal. At first, I kept full-time employees year-round, but during the off-season, that became a major financial strain. I quickly realized that keeping overhead low was crucial, so I shifted to contracting as much as possible. But with that, you have to find the right balance—because without a solid team, growth is nearly impossible. Another challenge was knowing when to pivot. Large-scale events, no matter how successful, eventually fade in popularity, and competition only makes it harder. The tough part is deciding when to call it quits—do you hold on and risk losing money, or walk away before it’s too late? That was a difficult lesson, but it ultimately shaped how I approach business now.
When I transitioned into the boat rental industry in Austin, I knew I had to differentiate myself. Instead of competing solely on price, I focused on being the best. Now, my company is the highest-rated boat rental and touring business in Austin, with over 6,000 five-star reviews. What set us apart? A commitment to top-tier customer service. I’ve learned that reputation is everything—if you build a strong brand and deliver an exceptional experience, that will keep you in business for the long haul.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core of my business, I curate experiences that people want to come back to—whether it’s a simple boat rental for a day on the lake or an immersive event like the Lake Austin Lights holiday show, complete with floating displays, a tunnel of synchronized lights, festive music, and hot cocoa under the stars. Some experiences are as straightforward as a relaxing sunset cruise, while others are highly orchestrated productions designed to leave a lasting impression. What sets my business apart is a commitment to top-tier service. We operate with the highest standards, from the quality of our boats to the professionalism of our captains—the best on the lake. Safety is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure that every trip is not just fun but also secure and worry-free.
Another thing that makes my business unique is how I’ve found ways to extend the boating experience beyond just the busy summer months. When most boat rental businesses shut down for the off-season, I created the Lake Austin Lights event—an entirely new way to experience the lake in winter. The first year alone, over 25,000 people attended, making it one of the most successful holiday attractions in the area. No one else had ever done something like it before, and I doubt anyone will match it. It’s been an incredible way to keep my captains working year-round while bringing something magical to Austin.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the things I love most about Austin is how openly accepting it is. No matter who you are or what you’re into, this city welcomes you. Whether it’s your interests, hobbies, or personality, you can just be yourself here, and that’s something really special. I also love how everything is in close proximity. You’re not spending hours commuting back and forth to work, which gives you more time to actually enjoy life. And Austin is an incredibly active city—you can go hiking, get out on the lake, take a boat out, run the trails, or just spend time outdoors. There’s always something to do, and the mix of live music, comedy, and cultural events keeps things exciting. It’s a city where you’re constantly experiencing new things instead of getting caught up in the grind of work and waiting for the weekend to live your life. That energy and accessibility are what make Austin such a great place to be.
The biggest frustration with Austin’s rapid growth is the increase in homelessness and the inevitable rise in traffic. As more people move here, those challenges will only grow if the city doesn’t find ways to manage them effectively.
Another concern is affordability. The cost of living keeps going up, and I hope it doesn’t push out the core Austinites who helped shape the culture of this city. Austin has always had a unique vibe—creative, welcoming, and full of personality. If it becomes too expensive for the people who make it special to stay, there’s a risk that the culture could shift in a way that loses some of what makes Austin great.

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