In 2017, Sean Alexander and his family built a home in the new community of Harmony, a lake community just west of Calgary. For a side business, outside of his oil & gas career, Sean began importing Standup Paddleboards (SUPs) to sell to his neighbours out of his garage in late 2019, branding them KAILANI. Shortly after that, he realized not everyone wanted to paddleboard, so he expanded his product range and began manufacturing and importing brightly coloured coolers and started initially selling them to his Friday night shinny hockey team. In early 2020, he found himself laid off from his job in the oil and gas sector, and that’s when he decided to go all in on his idea of starting an outdoor lifestyle company.
Eight months later, following a 7-day road trip through the interior of BC, he had secured $130,000 in purchase orders for his colourful collection of coolers, landing him a $1M investment with an Alberta-based private equity group. On November 2, Sean appeared in episode 7 of Season 18 on Dragons’ Den and secured a $1,000,000 deal with Wes Hall, $500,000 for 15% of his company and an additional $500,000 as an Operating Line of Credit. You can view the segment at https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/pitches/kailani.
Today, he is selling coast-to-coast in over 200 retailers, 120 Pro Shops, 50 Promotional Marketing Companies and successfully selling in his Amazon Canada Storefront. He is an Official Partner with PGA Alberta and as of Nov 28th, 2023, and just signed a 3 year Agreement as a National Partner with the CPRA, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, which is the sanctioning body for Pro Rodeo Events in Canada with 1100+ Athlete Members.
Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter
Owner Organization: Self Reconnection Therapeutics - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Can People be Happy int Times like These? - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
The Time is Now: Fundraising to keep CKUA Radio Alive - Alberta - Canada's Podcast
Moderate Gains and New Consumer Dynamics Shape Canada's L7uxury Market
Refusing to Settle for Second Best with Donavan Bailey
How to smell out a good deal when buying a business - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Exploring the Transition: From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Drive - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
How We Gather Matters: The New Formula for Purpose-Driven Events to Create More Impact and Less Waste - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Using Art to Change the World with Craig Perlmutter of Arcadia Earth - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Spring Cleaning your Finances
On a mission to reshape the pretzel experience - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
True innovation springs from unwavering dedication - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Luxury Home Buying Shifting into High Gear - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Persevering through tough times - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
Emerging Tech Trends 2024 - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
The Savvy Socialite empowering small businesses to flourish on social media - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
Craft a Clear North Star: Align Your Business Around Mission and Vision for Entrepreneurial Success! - Toronto - Canada's
The Joke is on Canadian Taxpayers on April 1st - Alberta - Canada's Podcast
Employees under 40 in Canada the most isolated and lonely:Telus Health - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Les bénéfices de la méditation, entreprendre différemment! - Québec - Canada's Podcast
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Organic Marketing Simplified: Master podcast marketing, fuel podcast growth, and make money podcasting!
THE GO BIZ GUY
The Sigma Femme Podcast
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Habits and Hustle