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Osceola, Wisconsin – Ed Vater, Osceola resident and business owner, is retiring after an impactful 20 years at Branches – commercially known as Bending Branches and Aqua Bound. In the 15 years prior to joining Branches in 2002, he was one of the top managers at Laser Machining, Inc. in Somerset.
Branches started in 1982 in a St. Paul garage, when founders Dale Kicker and Ron Hultman invented a tip protection material for their canoe paddles. Trademarked “Rockgard”, this technology is still leveraged by Bending Branches today, and has become the industry standard for canoe paddles. Forty years later, Branches has expanded into every segment in paddlesports and sells on a global scale; but still embodies the spirit of a family-owned business and manufactures their products in Osceola.
Ed credits much of the early success of Branches to the founders, who moved the business from St. Paul to Osceola in 1994. He also said that he and the employees are deeply grateful for the strong commitment, financial support, and guidance from Osceola entrepreneur, Mark Kravik, who bought the company in 2001, hired Ed to run it, and then in turn sold it to him in 2015.
On his retirement, Ed said, “I have worked alongside so many wonderful people over the last 35 years. From the trade coalitions, to the retailers, to our employees – the whole industry is such a uniquely warm and welcoming environment. It is one that I’m glad to have played a part in.”
But according to Vater, it is the Branches culture that developed during his time that means the most to him. “Anyone can buy a tin building and put machines in it, but it’s the people here that make the difference. Our culture has helped develop not only our company, but also our community, into a wonderful place to work, live and play. That is rare, and something I’m immensely proud of.”