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HOW IT ALL STARTED

Since the age of four, I have spent my summers in Sister Lakes, Michigan, a small lake community in Southwest Michigan. I learned to waterski at a young age and over the years I have trained and competed as a tournament level water-skier, trick skier and ski jumper and reached the semi-professional ranks in wakeboarding.  It was easy to see the area needed a retail shop for high end competitive water-sports equipment, so in 1999 I started The Boarder Line, LLC, a retail pro-shop and on water-sports training facility.  This gave me the chance to ride every day, have access to great products and secure a Nautique Boat sponsorship as well as share competitive watersports with the local area.

OWNER HISTORY

As a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, my first few years in business were balanced with a career in the hydraulic fluid power industry.   After a couple of years of proven retail performance, it was clear The Boarder Line was a sustainable but seasonal business.  At that time, I began my teaching career as well as pursuing additional education.  I have been teaching high school physics ever since, having complete both a Masters Degree in Teaching and a Masters Degree in Administration.  This career choice has been extremely rewarding and has also provided me the opportunity for time away in the summer months to focus my energy on my passion for water sports and the development of The Boarder Line.

THE MISSION

The Boarder Line was founded on two main principles:  

First, provide customers with a complete product selection of high quality equipment to further develop their skills on the water.  The products we sell are the products we use.  We believe their quality and performance is the best in the business, if it wasn't we would ride something else.

Second, the long-term focus has always been on the daily training of athletes through on-water lessons.  We promote safe development of foundational skills that have served our students well throughout their time on the water, some taking their skills all the way to professional ranks.  The Boarder Line has maintained a close relationship with Nautique Boat Company from the beginning (we ride what we believe in!).  That relationship began as a boat sponsorship and promo team membership but through our partnership with Wakeside Marine (Elkhart, IN), The Boarder Line has evolved into a full line boat sales, service and storage dealership.  

"We are a board shop that sells boats, not a boat shop that sells boards" 

We are rooted in watersports first, it will always be about getting out behind a boat.  But when it is time to find your next boat, just like your next ski or board, our goal is to help pair you with the right boat to maximize the experience for you and your family.