Company founder Tom Derrer and his wife Lisa are retiring nearly 47 years after forming the company.
As part of the acquisition, Scott Holley has joined the company as president. He joins the existing management team of Todd Keane, Tom Remsing, and Janet Sutton.
“From Eddyline’s earliest days, we have been at the forefront of innovative designs and processes, culminating with the industry’s first thermoformed ABS kayak,” says Derrer. “This transition is the result of several years of discussion and careful planning. We are thrilled that our legacy of “legendary designs” will be entrusted to this unparalleled team.”
“While Lisa and I have looked forward to retirement, it was important that the company we love would continue with people we’ve known for many years, and who we trust to carry on the legacy we’ve created,” he adds. “I’m pleased that the company and its employees will stay right here in the Pacific Northwest. We will continue to be supportive of the Company’s ongoing success under the new ownership team.”
The management team is excited to build on the company’s recent growth.
“The team has been in place for several years and in that time we’ve experienced significant growth, more than doubling both sales and production,” says Tom Remsing, VP of sales and marketing. “Managing that growth while preserving the level of quality Eddyline is known for has been our primary focus. Going forward we’ll put a renewed emphasis on innovation while preserving Tom’s legacy of user-friendly, high-performance design.”
The management team also brings plenty of experience to the table.
Todd Keane, who will continue to serve as VP of production, has been with Eddyline over 22 years. Remsing is in his 20th year of affiliation with the company, first as the Northeast regional rep and later in his current role heading sales and marketing. Janet Sutton, VP of operations, joined the company in 2014 after 18 years in the recreational boating industry. Scott Holley, Eddyline’s new president, joins the company after a successful career in consulting and transaction advisory work.
“I’m thrilled to join the Eddyline team,” says Holley. “Together with the current management team, we have developed a plan to continue as one of the industry’s leading paddlesport manufacturers; recognized for quality, customer service, and innovative designs.”
Eddyline Kayaks was founded in 1971 in a small shop in Boulder, Colo.