Today, on episode 479, I'm talking with Tim and Matt Ozerkov from Oz Lodge. Tim and Matt, along with Matt's wife, Heather, and their son, Jed, purchased property in Seward, Alaska, and have literally developed Oz Lodge from the ground up.

Show Notes

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You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast

Follow up with Oz Lodge: adventuresofoz@gmail.com

What Happened:

When I was a kid, I dreamed of flying a bush plane to a little cabin perched on a lake in Alaska. Picture it: a rugged, untouched landscape, floatplanes bobbing on the dock, and a life that felt more adventure than routine.

Fast forward to adulthood, and one day, after a series of serendipitous events (starting with a chat over coffee in a ski lodge), I got the chance to visit Alaska for a construction project. It was supposed to be a short gig. Instead, it became the start of an obsession. From the moment we flew in and saw bears with their cubs crossing the road, we were hooked. The wildlife, the raw beauty, the sheer wildness—it felt like stepping into a nature documentary.

By the time we left, we couldn’t shake the dream. My brother Matt, his wife Heather, and I decided it wasn’t enough to just visit Alaska. We had to live it. And not just live it—but build something with our own hands.

So, we bought 7 acres in Seward. One problem? There wasn’t a lumber store in sight. What started as a plan to buy materials turned into us milling our own wood, snapping saw blades left and right, and learning by trial, error, and a little bit of YouTube. The result? Oz Lodge—a place where we share our passion for Alaska with anyone adventurous enough to visit.

Principle:

The truth is, the things that mean the most in life are never easy. Whether it’s building a lodge from scratch or chasing a dream that feels way out of reach, you’ve got to love it enough to push through the long days, unexpected roadblocks, and snapped saw blades. Passion fuels progress, and that’s what makes it all worth it.

Transition:

For anyone out there with a wild dream—whether it’s starting a family business, building something from the ground up, or just chasing the next big adventure—there’s one thing holding you back: the belief that the timing, resources, or circumstances need to be perfect. Spoiler alert: they never will be.

That’s Why:

That’s why we wanted to share this story on the podcast. Because if a couple of dreamers covered in sawdust can carve a life (and a road!) out of a cliffside in Alaska, you can tackle the thing that’s been tugging at your heart too. And maybe our journey will give you the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Call to Action:

If you’ve ever felt like the leap is too big, the obstacles too steep, or the dream too wild—this episode is for you. Join us as we share how we turned a crazy idea into a life-changing reality. Listen now and start chasing what sets your soul on fire.

Book YOur Oz Lodge Adventure here: adventuresofoz@gmail.com