Stone County Small Biz Stories
In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the heart and hustle behind Stone County’s local economy—our small businesses. These are the family-run shops, creative startups, and hometown favorites that bring character, connection, and resilience to our communities. Each story featured here highlights the passion, perseverance, and people behind the businesses that make Stone County a special place to live, work, and visit. Dive in and discover the inspiring journeys of our local entrepreneurs.
Building Back a Lakeside Legacy: Lisa Klosowski and James Kavanaugh of Cedar Hollow Resort
When Lisa Klosowski and James Kavanaugh stumbled upon a quiet little lakeside resort for sale on a Google search in 2018, they had no idea the journey they were about to embark on. What they found was Cedar Hollow Resort—a once-thriving fishing destination on the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake that had fallen into decades of decline. But with determination, grit, and a vision for something more, the couple brought it back to life.
After navigating months of government red tape, funding roadblocks, and even a government shutdown, the Kavanaughs finally closed on the property in early 2019. What they inherited wasn’t just a fixer-upper—it was a clean slate. With no existing guests or contact lists, the business had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Working full-time jobs elsewhere, Lisa and James spent their evenings and weekends slowly restoring rooms, replacing roofs and water lines, and clearing brush—all while getting to know their new community.
Their persistence paid off. In their second season, they joined the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce with just seven rooms ready to rent. That decision turned out to be a game-changer. Through Chamber connections, they gained valuable exposure, met other tourism-focused business owners, and took marketing and digital strategy classes that helped grow their customer base. Many of the guests who discovered Cedar Hollow through Chamber leads have since become loyal return visitors.
"Lead generation is a great tool," Lisa and James says, "but the opportunity to learn is what makes our Chamber stand out. Classes, digital tools, one-on-one help—it’s all made a difference."
Today, Cedar Hollow Resort is once again a place where families make memories, generations reconnect with their past, and new guests find the charm of a simple, clean, and quiet getaway on Table Rock Lake. Lisa and James pride themselves on staying true to their word, constantly improving, and listening to guests' feedback.
Their advice to other small business owners? “Be prepared for small failures—but recover quickly. There are so many people willing to help. Find them, lean on them, and grow together.”
Thanks to the Kavanaughs' tireless efforts and their partnership with the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Hollow Resort is not just back on the map—it’s writing the next chapter of its legacy.