HOUSTON – October 24, 2016 – What began as talk around a backroom pool table evolved into YakGear, a full-fledged company serving the paddlesport world. And that company proved it had staying power.
On Oct. 11, YakGear celebrated its 10th anniversary in business.
Though a well-known developer, manufacturer and distributor today, YakGear started small. Bill Bragman, who serves as company president, enjoyed tinkering with his own kayak and, ultimately, ways to improve paddlers’ experiences on the water. It was when he developed leashes for paddles and fishing poles that the ball got rolling for business ownership.
“They were simple designs, but they worked. They kept the things people needed close at hand,” Bragman explained. “I showed my son and his high school friends, and we got to talking. When word got out and I started getting orders, I knew we had something.”
Bragman opened for business in October 2006, originally under the name Reel Deels. By November of the following year, when the company had grown to offer 20 products, it made its official debut as YakGear. With time came new offerings such as anchors, stabilizers, milk crate solutions and more, all driven to allow paddlers the chance to customize their unique watercrafts and outdoor experiences. That do-it-yourself attitude is what watersports are all about, Bragman said. “You can buy a boat that comes completely tricked out, but what’s the fun in that?” Bragman, an avid paddler, asked. “Our goal then was to give people the tools they needed to set out the way they wanted to. It’s still our goal today.”
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Though the mission remains unchanged, the company itself has grown. Today’s YakGear boasts more than 250 unique products and approximately 16 full-time employees, as well as offerings by RAILBLAZA, Viking Kayaks, Fish Grip and similar brands. The company was also named among the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2016. Bragman described YakGear’s first decade as a memorable and meaningful one. The team learned, made mistakes and grew along the way, but always came out stronger. In addition, the company held true to its roots, making customer service and input a top priority, and proudly serving as paddlers’ KayakRiggingHQ®. “I can’t believe we’ve hit 10 years. There are times it feels like we just started, and there are times it feels like we’ve been going at this forever,” he said. “But we’ve loved every minute of it. We have fun with what we do, and the people we work with. And that’s important. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
For more information about YakGear, visit yakgear.com or call 866.610.7931.
Photo: YakGear provides the tools paddlers need to take to the water the way they want. Pictured, from left, are Nathan Norton, Bill Bragman, Kris Henderson and Robert Field during a day of testing products on the water.
About YakGear
Established in 2006, YakGear develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality paddlesport and marine accessories designed to help users make the most of the great outdoors. Focused primarily in the angler and recreational kayaking market, YakGear is also a premier supplier of numerous trusted brands, including RAILBLAZA and Viking Kayaks. For more information, visit yakgear.com or call 866.610.7931. Connect with YakGear on Facebook at facebook.com/YakGearInc, on Twitter at @YakGear, on instagram @YakGear and on YouTube at youtube.com/yakgear
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