MEET THE AQUA BOUND TEAM
Paddlers Making Paddles
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.
Brandon Johnson
Mechanical Engineer
Brandon Johnson
#404041
After graduating from UW-Stout and started at Aqua Bound in the summer of 2021. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time paddling, as it is the only means of transport to get to many of my favorite hunting, fishing, and camping spots. My favorite hobbies are waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, fishing, archery, camping, and mountain biking. I am looking forward to using my paddling experience and engineering background to improve our products and manufacturing processes here at Aqua Bound. Manta Ray Carbon St. Croix River
Brandon Johnson
Brian Boyea
VP of Sales
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. Likes: Cold beverages, tearing up dance floors and traveling.
Dislikes: Tomatoes, Ketchup and Pizza
Accomplishments/Experience
Mastered the art of hypnotism in 2008.
Was among the first humans in the world to see the very first sunrise in the year 2014. Booyah or Thumbs Tango Carbon
Brian Boyea
Cory Novinska
VP of Operations
Cory Novinska
#ffffff
After breaking the main water line that comes into our building during my first week of work (which shut down production, blasted a hole in the sheetrock, and then flooded the entire front office) I didn't think my tenure would make it into double digits. However close to a decade later, they haven't kicked me out yet!I grew up in small town Wisconsin. My father introduced me to the outdoors before I could walk and I have been hooked on it ever since. Favorite hobbies of mine include: spending time with family and friends, fishing, hiking, golfing, cross-country skiing, sitting in a tree stand or duck blind, and of course- paddling.
Strengths: bad dad jokes, distracting folks actually working, and mopping up spilled water.
Dislikes: gas station sushi, air mattresses that leak, and folks that don't like tater-tot hotdish (if you know you know) Manta Ray Carbon Namekagon River
Cory Novinska
Jason Eccles
President
Jason Eccles
#404041
Having started my professional career in the industrial laser industry, I brought an engineering background to Aqua Bound in 2003. This move required a leap of faith at an early stage in my career. The outdoor industry has been a rewarding endeavor, one that I would not trade for anything. Our purpose to inspire memorable outdoor experiences through passion and innovation has proven to be rewarding on so many levels. Over the last 20 years, we’ve built a company and a team that I’m extremely proud of. Our core values and the integrity from which our team conduct themselves is truly humbling.When I’m not working, I enjoy camping with my wife, 2 children and our rescue dog. I also enjoy after work paddling trips, golf, biking, running, hiking, fishing and a good whiskey or bourbon. Tango Carbon Apple River
Jason Eccles
Kate Wright
Marketing Manager
Kate Wright
#404041
A lifetime spent recreating the St. Croix River Valley inspired me to pursue a career encouraging others to experience our natural world. I'm passionate about storytelling, protecting our natural spaces, and connecting people to the magic of outdoor recreation.
I joined the Branches team in 2023 and bring with me a background in marketing, sales, design, and sustainability from time spent in corporate, nonprofit, and retail settings.
When not working, you can find me with a camera in hand and dogs in tow as I paddle, hike, ski, and camp the best of the Northwoods wilderness and beyond. Just watch out, I tend to trip over imaginary roots, locate all the poison ivy plants, and think it’s easy to paddle solo with two dogs in my boat. Ask me about a women’s hiking group I co-founded called Trail Mixer. K.C. How do I choose just one? Tango Carbon St. Croix River, specifically Peaslee Slough after a spring rain and Norway Point to the Sandrock Cliffs https://paddlerezine.com/solitude-in-greenland/
Kate Wright
Mac Sandberg
Mechanical Engineering
Mac Sandberg
#404041
Osceola born and raised, recent Mechanical Engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University.My hobbies include anything outdoors with a passion for ice fishing and waterfowl hunting.
My father got me into kayaking when I was young, so working at Aqua Bound was a perfect fit!
Oh yeah, and that Ranch Dressing stuff... it's pretty awesome. Namekagon River
Mac Sandberg
Mark Eskro
Controller
Mark Eskro
#ffffff
I came on board with Aqua Bound in 2013 in their sales and service department. After 5 years of building great relationships with our customers I made the jump to credit and finance. Outside of work, my wife and I are raising 5 strong and very independent daughters. I enjoy cooking, camping, and DIY home projects. I have an ever-growing bourbon collection and never miss a Packers game. I am primarily a canoer but I'll hop in a kayak for a change now and then. Dave Tango Carbon Straight Shaft Anywhere I cannot hear traffic
Mark Eskro
Oliver Dressel
Purchasing and Inventory Manager
Oliver Dressel
#404041
I grew up in Osceola, WI, and attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI earning a degree in Environmental Science. Outside of work I love to spend my time sitting around a bonfire, riding my motorcycle (Charley the Harley), working with local environmental organizations, training my lab puppy (Wren Rue the Aqua Hound), and thinking of a new joke to share in the office. A long-time kayak angler, this past summer I tuned up the pace and jumped into the world of whitewater. Catch me and the Aqua Hound at the next release at the Wausau Whitewater Park!
Ollie
Aerial Minor Fiberglass
Pike's Hole on the Apple River
Oliver Dressel
Sara Sigsworth
Purchasing & Inventory Assistant
Sara Sigsworth
#404041
I started at Aqua Bound in 2004 on the production floor making paddles. In 2009, the purchasing team needed a little help in the office & I was there to help!
When I am not at work I am spoiling my dogs, taking them for a ride in my Camaros, & planning my next trip to see my daughter who is in the Air Force currently stationed in North Dakota. Of course I can't forget a pretty important person in my life, my husband, he is the reason I am spoiled! Surge Fiberglass # # # #
Sara Sigsworth
Seth West
Social Media Guru
Seth West
#ffffff
If you made me choose between a camera, a kayak, and a fishing rod, I'd probably cry, so don't do that.
I spend almost every waking moment either behind the lens documenting adventures on the water or partaking in them myself. My favorites are whitewater, sea kayaking, and fly fishing. In the rare moments that I'm not by the water, you'll find me hanging out with my wife and my cat at home, likely with a good book or classic movie.
https://www.instagram.com/sethezekielwest/
https://www.sethezekielwest.com/
Seth West
Sharon Brodin
Copywriter/Blogger
Sharon Brodin
#404041
I’ve been a contributing content writer for Bending Branches since late 2016 and have so enjoyed this journey. Get paid to write about paddling? Get to interview interesting people from all over the world and write about incredible places? Get to work with an amazing company? Sign me up!From enjoying the Boundary Waters since the late 80s to getting into kayaking to learning to paddleboard—I love the recreational paddlesports world. I enjoy lots of other outdoor activities too, especially hiking, camping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and riding horses.
I live across the river from the Branches office in Minnesota with my husband Nick. We’re grateful to be near our three grown kids and their families, and especially our two (so far) grandkids! Boundary Waters Canoe Area https://brodinpress.com/
Sharon Brodin
Susie Kadlec
International Sales & Marketing Manager
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 no matter the season, with my nose in a book, or spending time with friends and family. Oh, or rage cleaning my house because of aforementioned male children. Suz or 'The Other Susie' Tango Carbon St. Croix River
Susie Kadlec
Wren Rue Dressel
Wren Rue Dressel
#404041
Hello! My name is Wren Rue the Aqua Hound and I love working for Aqua Bound with my dad, Oliver Dressel. I’m a British Labrador Retriever born in April of 2023. I get to go kayaking and camping and get belly rubs! Sometimes I chew on cool new technology to help the team identify weak points. When I first started at Aqau Bound, I went potty in the President's office (which I later learned is against pawlicy). Please come see me at events Aqua Bound is attending, but my dad say’s no treats (I’m on a strict diet). Shred Apart (though I still can't seem to shred it apart!) Front of my dad's kayak