Tom Dempsey, owner of Sylvan Sport, manufactures a very cool camper/utility trailer. An industrial engineer, Tom created the GO, what he calls mobile adventure gear, for the outdoor adventurer that no longer relishes camping on hard ground, but doesn't want the environmental impact or expense of a RV. The concept of GO is from the outdoor gear world—a place Tom feels at home.

He nailed it—GO is elegant, weighing in at 800 pounds, easily pulled by almost any vehicle. It sets up as a camper in 15 minutes, carries kayaks and bikes, and is easily converted into a utility trailer when needed. "I remember as a kid saving up to buy an expensive small sailboat, and being disappointed when something didn't work well, so I put my heart and my personal experience into GO, because I don't want anyone to be disappointed with it," he explained.

GO is the latest business innovation for Tom, but as a serial entrepreneur he's also created kayaks, owning Liquid Logic Kayaks for years, and run a medical products company. He's justifiably proud that all three companies are still viable.

Tom made a quality of life decision to create Sylvan Sport in Transylvania County. "With two young children, my wife and I wanted quality education and a strong community life. We also had to be someplace that welcomed entrepreneurs," he said. "We couldn't have landed in a better place nationwide."

Grateful for the many resources he tapped while getting Sylvan Sport off the ground, Tom says any entrepreneur considering moving to the county should connect quickly with AdvantageWest and the county economic development organization. "These organizations are a great starting point, and they help integrate you into the community. And that's critical to success here, if you truly want to be an integral part of this community, you can't fail."