Northern Lights Trading Company has new owners. Mike Garcia, founder of Northern Lights, and a partner recently purchased the company back from Jay Allen.
The purchase agreement includes all three Northern Lights locations in Bozeman, including Barrel Mountaineering and the e-commerce site, NorthernLightsTrading.com.
“I’m excited to be back with Northern Lights,” Garcia said. Since founding the company in 1979, Garcia grew the company into one of the Northwest’s premier outdoor retail companies. “This started as an extension of my passion for boating and it grew beyond my wildest expectations.” Garcia put the business up for sale in 2008, citing a desire to “pursue other endeavors in the whitewater industry.”
Allen bought Northern Lights from Garcia in May of 2008 and embarked on an ambitious growth plan, purchasing Pipestone Mountaineering in May of 2009 and Barrel Mountaineering in September 2009. The nature of an unsure future and a down economy, combined with slipping sales led to Allen’s decision to close Pipestone and arrange for a sale of the Bozeman stores back to Garcia.
“I think this is good for Northern Lights and good for Bozeman. This company is very near and dear to my heart and I want to see it remain a viable part of the outdoor community. I’m looking forward to spending more time in the shop and seeing all the customers who have supported Northern Lights over the years.”
Garcia isn’t the only one who is excited. “This is the best thing that could have happened to Northern Lights and its staff,” stated Greg Caracciolo, General Manager and 28-year employee. “We’ve been through all the scenarios and this was, by far, the best outcome. It’s great to have Mike back.”
Garcia is also the owner of Rivers, Lakes and Oceans, an import business in South America, focusing on boats and boating accessory sales in Chile and Costa Rica. He lives in Bozeman.
