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
More than 4 in 10 professionals looking for new jobs in 2024: Robert Half - Edmonton - Canada's Podcast
Ottawa sitting on $2.5 billion in carbon tax rebates owed to small business since 2019: CFIB - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
Former Speech Therapist Revolutionizes Children's Book Publishing with AI: Meet the CEO Changing the Game! - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
An obsession with being the best lawn care company in Canada - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
The art of storytelling is key for communications and media industries - Edmonton - Canada's Podcast
Business Link launches pilot mentor program for small business owners in Alberta - Alberta - Canada's Podcast
Turning your passion into your path with Andrea McKay - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
A trailblazer as a financial professional - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
The hug that changed the world with Denise Bebenek - Toronto - Canada's Podcast
What it takes to be an entrepreneur today with Vince Guzzo - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
The trend in 'loud budgeting' - Calgary - Canada's Podcast
Major oil & gas industry innovation securing a North American supply of lithium - Vancouver - Canada's Podcast
Restaurant Canada demands extention to CEBA loan - Newscast, Calgary-Canada's Podcast
National Home Prices Close Out 2023 -Newscast Calgary-Canada's Podcast
The Struggle for Success, a look at the barriers faced by newcomers - Newscast Calgary-Canada's Podcast
Infinitely more important is your determination and your persistence - Ontario, Canada’s Podcast
Inspiring people to take action in designing their own lives - Edmonton - Canada’s Podcast
Small Business Opposition to the Federal Carbon Tax Grows Significantly - Newscast, Canada’s Podcast
Small Business increasingly Depend on Credit Cards - Newscast, Canada’s Podcast
How can Entrepreneurs Survive in these Tough Timnes - Newscast, 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