FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE:  
 
Vibe  Named  #137  on  the  Inc.  500  List  of  Fastest-­‐Growing    
Companies  in  America  
Kayak  Fishing  and  Outdoor  Gear  Brand  Recognized  for  Exponential  Growth  
 
KENNESAW,  GA  –  August  15,  2018  –Vibe®  Kayaks,  the  Georgia-­‐based  fishing  and  outdoors  
company,  is  officially  included  on  the  Inc.  500  list  of  2018,  ranking  at  number  137.  The    
Inc.  500  list  recognizes  the  fastest-­‐growing  private  companies  in  America  and  their  contribution  
of  jobs,  innovative  products  and  creativity  to  the  national  marketplace.      
 
The  Inc.  500  list  is  one  of  the  most  prestigious  business  ranking  systems  in  the  country.  Since  
2007,  the  organization  has  analyzed  thousands  of  businesses  and  their  overall  impact  every  
year  to  determine  those  that  have  displayed  the  fastest  financial  growth.  The  list  has  been  a  
predictor  of  national  success  for  many  companies,  including  Microsoft,  Timberland  and  
Chobani,  among  others.    
 
“It’s  an  honor  to  be  recognized  on  the  Inc.  500  list.  The  growth  we’ve  seen  over  the  last  five  
years  has  been  amazing,”  said  Josh  Thomas,  a  founding  partner  at  Vibe.  “We’ve  watched  our  
company  grow  30  times  in  size  from  2014  -­‐  2017,  expanded  our  product  line  to  include  not  only  
kayaks  but  coolers  and  apparel,  and  watched  our  Vibe  Tribe  community  grow  and  support  us  
every  step  of  the  way.”  
 
Growth  Through  Innovation  
 
Making  the  Inc.  500  list  requires  exceptional  and  proven  growth  which  often  takes  businesses  a  
long  period  of  time  to  achieve.  According  to  Inc.,  80  percent  of  previous  companies  were  at  
least  seven  years  old  when  they  first  made  it  on  the  list;  as  a  five-­‐year-­‐old  company,  this  puts  
Vibe  Kayaks  in  the  minority  of  start-­‐ups  whose  growth  has  blossomed  exponentially  in  its  first  
years  of  operation.    
 
Vibe  was  started  in  2013  to  capture  the  middle  market  of  kayak  prices,  between  the  low-­‐cost  
beginner  kayaks  found  in  popular  retail  stores  and  expensive  kayaks  that  dominate  
independent  paddle  shops.  The  company  launched  with  the  creation  of  its  Sea  Ghost  130  kayak,  
a  boat  designed  to  maximize  stability  without  sacrificing  speed  that  performs  in  a  variety  of  
water  types.  The  vessel’s  affordable  price  point  and  high  product  quality  drew  attention  to  the  
brand,  who  went  on  to  launch  6  more  unique  kayak  models  that  have  come  to  define  the  way  
kayak  fishing  is  perceived  in  the  outdoor  retail  market.  
 
With  a  motto  of  “No  drama.  Just  adventure.”  the  company  has  enhanced  its  growth  by  curating  
a  positive  community  among  employees,  customers  and  partners.  On  Facebook,  the  company  
touts  an  owner’s  group  of  over  11k  active  users  who  give  each  other  advice  on  the  topics  of  
fishing  and  exploration;  on  Instagram  a  follower-­‐base  of  27k  users  share  photos  of  the  fish  they  
catch  on  their  Vibe  kayaks  and  how  they  customize  their  boats,  promoting  the  brand  to  a  wide  
audience  of  anglers.  The  company  has  also  gained  a  loyal  following  from  kayak  dealers,  due  to  
Vibe’s  promotion  of  the  “shop  local”  movement  and  effort  not  to  sell  their  own  kayaks  within  a  
dealer’s  physical  network.    
 
ABOUT  VIBE:  
Since  2013,  Vibe  has  focused  on  one  thing—giving  paddlers  of  any  skill  level  the  opportunity  to  
experience  the  freedom  that  comes  with  diving  into  what  nature  has  to  offer.  The  brand  is  built  
on  a  passion  for  the  water,  fishing,  and  outdoor  living  -­‐  and  our  products  are  the  perfect  
combination  of  good  looks,  great  features,  and  affordability.  At  the  end  of  the  day,  we  strive  to  
be  more  than  just  an  outdoor  company—we  are  committed  to  coming  alongside  and  serving  
those  who  just  can’t  get  enough  of  “out  there.”  What's  a  hobby?  This  is  life.  Visit  us  at  
vibekayaks.com,  or  follow  us  on  Facebook,  Instagram  and  YouTube.  
 
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