Boutique ski and snowboarding company facing a busy summer

There is no California dreaming going on with Epic Planks.

While the majority of people in West Michigan are planning summer vacation at the beach, soaking in the sun or biking, Bill Wanrooy, one of the founders of the handmade ski and snowboarding company, is busy planning for winter. Very busy.

Starting out with one product last fall, a specialty powder ski called "Crop Duster," the company quickly generated a buzz with ski enthusiasts from all over the world interested in something unique and functional.

"We cater to all types of skiing but the trend in the industry is towards boutique ski makers, which are generally smaller companies," Wanrooy says. "Skiers and snowboarders are very individualistic; they like having unique graphics and prefer to know the owners. All the manufacturing, design, artwork and marketing is done by the three founders who work between Grand Rapids and Traverse City."

Having quickly established a stellar reputation, Epic Planks is now manufacturing and fulfilling orders to meet the demand of last season's success, plus adding four new ski lines and two snowboards. This fall, their products  will be available in several Michigan stores; Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, Brick Wheels, Northern Edge Snowsports, Summit Sports East Lansing and Don Thomas Sporthaus, as well as online at here or here. 

Source: Bill Wanrooy, Epic Planks
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor