Eddyline Kayaks founder Tom Derrer and his wife Lisa are retiring nearly 47 years after forming the company. In turn, Eddyline Kayaks has been acquired by its management team.
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.
“We are thrilled that our legacy of ‘legendary designs’ will be entrusted to this unparalleled team.” said Tom Derrer. “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. 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 brings plenty of experience to the table. 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. Sutton, VP of operations, joined the company in 2014 after 18 years in the recreational boating industry. 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,” said 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 was founded in 1971 in a small shop in Boulder, Colo.
