In their first major move under new ownership, Lincoln Canoe & Kayak has created Maine Kayak Source (MKS). MKS will be the exclusive U.S. distribution network for Lincoln products as well as a trio of premier Quebec paddling brands: Borealdesign, Maelstromkayak and Beluga OutdoorSports Equipment.
For Lincoln, the creation of Maine Kayak Source immediately adds complimentary “top shelf” offerings to both their Freeport showroom as well as to the shelves of their retail partners nationwide.
The expansion of the Lincoln family also reunites Marc Bourgoin the current president of Lincoln Canoe & Kayak with Borealdesign. Bourgoin helped launch the brand in the U.S. as the original New England sales representative for Borealdesign from 1996-2004.
“They’re excited about what we’re creating, about the excitement in Freeport, and about how our values match up,” said Bourgoin. “Not only do we have a plan, we have history.”
For Borealdesign, Lincoln’s in-house outfitter and guide service was a key factor in their decision to commit to a partnership with Maine Kayak Source. Notably, the model of retail-distributor-outfitter is one that Borealdesign is familiar with, having successfully implemented the strategy in several international locations already, including Australia and Norway.
“It is a special way to do business,” said Guy Bourassa, BORÉALDESIGN Sales Manager. “At Borealdesign, we go step by step, doing it the right way with the right people, building long term relationships along the way. That emphasis on quality of relationship, trust and values those elements that we prize are also a fundamental part of Marc’s personality.”
“We are committed to establishing a leadership position in the high end sea kayak market, and to spreading our brand to the US market,” added Bourassa. “We cannot stop our development in US because of the recession. We need to be in a strong position for when things restart
because they will restart.”
