Most small businesses start by the founder having a problem in their lifestyle or hobby, and out of necessity, build a product themselves. Our company was no different. However, what makes our paddles so good today is that most every employee at Aqua-Bound is a paddler. We design our product based on our own research and we build it to better the sports we love.
Big Cheese of Marketing
Andrew Stern
#404041
I started with Aqua-Bound in 2011 and have worked in the marketing department ever since. When I’m not napping at my desk, I can be found kayaking, canoeing, running, golfing, and hiding from my boss. I recently convinced a girl way outside of my league to marry me and I enjoy every day with her. My favorite things in life are ranch dressing, the new sock feeling, the Packers beating the Vikings, strange smells you cannot pinpoint where they came from, and my family.
Sales Manager
Brian Boyea
#404041
I started working at Aqua-Bound in 2015 and have loved every minute of it. When I'm not working, I can be found on the water, exploring the outdoors, or at the golf course (more specifically: in the sand traps, ponds, or woods). I've had to adjust to living in a town that doesn't bleed green and gold, but don't worry, I'm happy to pay extra money in order to watch the Packers, instead of that lesser squad who wears purple, every Sunday this fall. 
Maintenance Technician
Bryan Sandberg
#404041
I started at Aqua-Bound in 2000 and have enjoyed my time here as well as everyone I have been able to meet, even Andrew!
Project Manager
Jared Cutts
#404041
I have worked for Aqua-Bound in various roles beginning my senior year at Osceola High School. I am currently working as a Purchasing Intern while I complete my final year at the University of St. Thomas, where I am majoring in Operations and Supply Chain Management. My father first took me up to the Boundary Waters when I was six years old, and I haven't missed an annual trip with him since. This tradition ignited my love for paddling and the outdoors, and I make sure to take trips to new hiking and paddling destinations on a regular basis. When I am not at school or work you can find me paddling a local river, playing basketball, or in the garage working on my 1964 Cadillac project car. I am proud to be a member of the Aqua-Bound family and love working in the paddle sports industry.
Sting Ray Carbon
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Operations Manager
Jason Eccles
#404041
Having started my professional career in the laser industry, I brought an engineering background to Aqua-Bound in 2003. Tired of stuffy trade shows, APQP’s, CAPA’s (fancy acronyms that really mean “boredom” to an engineer), Aqua-Bound was a welcome change. I’m most proud of the dynamic, driven and energetic team that has been molded at our company over the last 10+ years. I enjoy camping with my wife, 2 young children and our 1 rescue dog. I also enjoy after work paddling trips, golf, fishing and an (in)frequent Jack Daniels.
Surge Carbon
Mechanical Engineering
Mac Sandberg
#ffffff
Osceola born and raised, recent Mechanical Engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University.
Marketing Specialist
Olivia Hart
#404041
After a paddlesports-filled Marketing Co-op at Bending Branches in 2018, I graduated college from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Business Marketing, and I began working here full-time in January of 2019. 
Purchasing & Inventory Assistant
Sara Sigsworth
#404041
I started here at Branches making paddles in 2004. In 2009 when Bending Branches acquired Aqua-Bound, Steve Swanson needed a little help in the scheduling and inventory area and he was lucky enough for me to apply!
Copywriter/Blogger
Sharon Brodin
#404041
Sharon Brodin is a contributing content writer for Aqua-Bound. She resides in Ham Lake, MN, with her husband Nick, three kids, and yellow lab Jazz. She has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and is well versed in all paddlesports. Sharon’s passion is anything outdoors, as she enjoys spending time canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, riding horses, and going for walks. Her favorite paddling destination is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. More information can be found about Sharon at sharonbrodin.com.
Inside Sales & Service
Susie Kadlec
#404041
After 11 years teaching high school English, I decided to set down my chalk and pick up a paddle; I started my Aqua-Bound journey the summer of 2018. When I'm not slinging paddles or providing unparalleled customer service, I can be found trying to wrangle my four young boys, enjoying the great outdoors, in my garden, or spending time with friends and family. 
Marketing Specialist
Susie Schmitt
#404041
I'm a Marketing Intern turned Marketing Specialist here at Aqua-Bound as well as a recent graduate from UW-River Falls with a degree in Business Administration-Marketing. My most favorite things in this world are travel and ice cream. I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing destinations including Italy, Scotland, Germany and most recently Spain. If you have recommendations for sweet paddling destinations, lemme know! My favorite ice cream flavor is a toss-up between monster cookie and cookie dough, but I've seriously never had an ice cream flavor I didn’t like.
Tango Fiberglass in Sunwave
Door County, Wisconsin
