Seawall Capital, the private equity owner of Kent Outdoors, reported that Kent Outdoors will relocate its headquarters to Park City, UT, from New London, OH, supported by tax credits provided by the state of Utah.
With the acquisition of Kona Bicycles and BOTE in 2021, Kent Watersports rebranded to Kent Outdoors to signify its expanded focus on the full breadth of outdoor activities with its brand portfolio that includes Kona Bicycles, BOTE, Freedom Foil, Aquaglide, Margaritaville, FatSac, Barefoot International, Arbor Snowboards, Arctic Shield, Onyx, Connelly, O’Brien, Liquid Force, Hyperlite, HO Sports, Full Throttle, and Kent.
Seawall Capital said the headquarters relocating to Utah further demonstrates Kent’s “commitment to leadership in the outdoor industry, setting down roots and creating jobs in a state known for its limitless opportunities for year-round recreation.”
“We’re thrilled to move Kent Outdoors’ headquarters to Utah to embrace the state’s vibrant business environment and cherished outdoor lifestyle,” said Matt Eby, chairman of the Seawall Board of Directors. “We look forward to contributing to Utah’s community, exploring its landscapes, and fostering strong partnerships with like-minded individuals and brands. This relocation signifies a new chapter for us, aligning our family of brands with Utah’s dynamic spirit for mutual success.”
By design, each Kent Outdoors brand will have an employee working in the new Utah headquarters, while other roles and departments will remain at their original offices. For example, the Kona Bicycles product design team will remain in Washington State. The workplace model is flexible. Employees can move between locations depending on company needs, projects, seasonality, and personal preference.
“This is a very exciting evolution for Kent Outdoors and will create an important center of gravity for the business as we continue to grow,” added Eby. “Since our inception, the vision has been to create an environment where brands and founders can grow to their full potential. Giving our teams and brands a central location to call home will only add to the value that we can provide.”
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity said Kent Outdoors was a post-performance tax reduction for its expansion in Summit County. The corporate incentive is part of the state’s Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program.
As part of the agreement, Kent Outdoors projects it will add 84 new jobs and invest $539,344 in rural Utah during the next five years.
“Kent Outdoors’ selection of Utah for its new headquarters is a win-win,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Utah’s reputation as a year-round recreational paradise complements Kent’s portfolio of clients and activities from water to snow. This move not only taps into our state’s diverse recreational offerings but also adds to our dynamic economy. It’s a smart choice that will surely contribute to Utah’s continued growth as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and thriving businesses alike.”
