Like many West Virginians, Jeff and Vicki Wilson shared a passion for the outdoors. But the couple struggled to load and unload their heavy fishing kayaks — a tiring and time-consuming task that left them frustrated. The challenge they faced sparked an idea, and with support from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, they were able to make their dream into a reality.
An Idea Is Born
Set in the rural town of West Union, Doddridge County, Kayak Loading Solutions is already making waves in the boating industry. The business has been featured at the Great American Outdoor Show and on numerous podcasts and YouTube shows.
“Our business started as a way to make our life easier,” Vicki said.
The couple like to camp and kayak but was having a difficult time lifting their fishing kayaks, which are 12 feet long and weigh about 140 pounds fully loaded.
“One day my husband was just really frustrated with loading the boat. We would have to spend 20 minutes or so breaking everything down and taking everything off the boat,” she said.
After all that work, they still had to lift the boat up onto the vehicle. The couple wanted to find a way to load the boats without having to lift them at all, saving time and energy.
A Dream Becomes a Reality
Jeff spent the winter in his basement shop creating a prototype out of steel that looked like it could do the job.
The first time the couple brought out the kayak loader, a crowd surrounded them in the parking lot, curious to view the invention and how it worked. That’s when Vicki noticed a man sitting in his truck watching them. He approached after the crowd dispersed.
“He put his hand on Jeff’s shoulder and said, ‘Son, you know that if you don’t patent this, someone else will, and you’re gonna regret it.’ We just started looking at each other thinking maybe we have something here,” she said.
After filing for a patent, the Wilsons began to pursue turning their product into a business.
An Expert Lends Guidance
Launching a business can be a daunting task. To navigate the sea of paperwork and actions required to get Kayak Loading Solutions up and running, the Wilsons connected with Marsa Myers, a business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.
“Marsa’s resources and encouragement and coaching has been valuable to us through this whole journey. We would not be where we are without her and her help,” Vicki said.
The partnership resulted in the launch of a West Virginia-made quality product that also helps boost the economic health of the community and state. The Wilsons want to enable kayakers ease in loading and unloading so that they can save their energy to enjoy their adventure in nature.
The WV SBDC Is Here to Help
Jeff and Vicki Wilson are some of the many West Virginians who have turned to the WV SBDC for assistance in achieving their business goals.
Are you interested in starting or growing your business? Register now for a training session on business fundamentals. Schedule a meeting one-on-one with WV SBDC business coaches to receive confidential, no-cost technical assistance. Our coaches can help you identify your goals, develop valuable skills and acquire the necessary resources to make your business a success.