A Story of Resilience and Growth
Perched on a bluff overlooking Cook Inlet, with sweeping views of three of Alaska’s most iconic volcanoes, Clam Gulch Lodge has been welcoming travelers to the Kenai Peninsula since 1999. Owned and operated by Gary Katsion and Pam Rogers, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality, and access to some of Alaska’s most extraordinary experiences. Guests from every state and around the world have enjoyed the peaceful setting, salmon fishing, and the couple’s personal touch that makes the lodge feel like home.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Gary and Pam—like so many small business owners—faced uncertain times. Travel slowed dramatically, and bookings disappeared overnight. Having worked with the Alaska SBDC since 2007, they knew where to turn. In 2020, they connected with Cliff Cochran, Kenai Peninsula Center Director, to help navigate the crisis.
Reflecting on his initial interactions, Cliff shared, “One positive outcome of COVID was connecting with highly successful businesses like Clam Gulch Lodge. Gary and Pam were deeply engaged, and their input I forwarded to our congressional delegation even helped shape programs that benefited businesses across Alaska.”
Although those early conversations began with crisis management, they also laid the foundation for a lasting partnership. Over the years, Cliff stayed in touch with Gary and Pam, offering insight on marketing strategies, financial planning, and long-term growth. By 2024, Gary and Pam were ready to pursue their vision of expanding Clam Gulch Lodge. They had already invested heavily in post-COVID renovations, but they wanted to take the next step—upgrading their facilities with a commercial-style kitchen and completing additional remodeling to better serve guests.
That’s when Cliff stepped in. He worked closely with Gary and Pam to develop detailed financial projections, highlighting the lodge’s true earning potential, and connected them with the right lender for the project. With financing secured, Clam Gulch Lodge is poised for its next chapter. The new commercial-style kitchen will allow Gary and Pam to expand their food offerings, improve guest experiences, and create additional revenue streams, positioning the lodge to thrive in Alaska’s competitive tourism industry.
Gary and Pam credit Cliff and the Alaska SBDC for being there through the highs and lows. “It was so refreshing to finally meet someone willing to listen to our business story and lay out real solutions,” they shared. “Cliff’s help with our financial plan and his introduction to the right lender made all the difference.”
For Cliff, helping Clam Gulch Lodge succeed reflects the mission of the Alaska SBDC: empowering small businesses with the tools, guidance, and connections they need to grow. “Gary and Pam have built something truly special at Clam Gulch Lodge,” he said. “I’m glad the SBDC could play a role in helping them reach the next level.”
As Clam Gulch Lodge continues to welcome visitors from across the globe, their story stands as a testament to perseverance, partnership, and the power of local small businesses to shape Alaska’s economy and communities. Their ability to adapt, invest in improvements, and secure the right financial support highlights the resilience that defines so many entrepreneurs across the state.
If you are interested in learning more about Clam Gulch Lodge, check them out on Facebook. If you are interested in booking a stay, visit their website at clamgulchlodge.com or call (907) 260-3778.
