Apr 22, 2024
For an entrepreneur in a crowded space, taking a different path is vital and a way of delivering lasting value. Extreme Boats Distributing’s Joel Morrison understands how important it is to create waves to stand out.
Extreme Boats Distributing, located in Brook Park, is quickly creating a reputation for premium watercraft for use in various water conditions. The company’s aluminum hull boats offer natural corrosion resistance, few maintenance challenges and superior performance over fiberglass and plastic boats. These features make the locally finished vessels ideal for recreational and commercial use, from fishing and leisure boating to rescue operations.
“Our business has grown rapidly over the past few years,” said Joel Morrison, who began exploring importing, upfitting and distributing Extreme Boats after a conversation with a client. “This a direct result of a unique approach and partnership that has resonated with people and our dedicated, hardworking, creative team.”
Morrison’s passion for boating started at a young age, spending countless hours around his family’s business and spending time on the water with his father. After graduating from college, he returned to the area to work at his father’s boat dealership before purchasing it and subsequently founding Extreme Boats Distributing.
Parma Marine is Morrison’s local boat dealership selling Extreme Boats direct to customers. Extreme Boats Distributing is the importer and upfitter of these customizable heavy gauge plate boats nationwide through an exclusive partnership with Extreme Boats LTD of New Zealand. Extreme Boats Distributing goal is to expand its dealer network to make these great machines more accessible throughout North America.
Morrison partnered with Buckeye Community Bank in 2023 to purchase a 20,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Brook Park.
The aluminum hulls have helped the company tap into a niche but rapidly growing market. In the water, the lighter weight of the finished boat provides more lift and less drag with increased fuel efficiencies. A unique flooded keel, a feature that allows water to enter the central v-shape of a boat’s hull, accomplishes this without sacrificing the stability at rest that all boaters desire. The company is quickly developing a reputation for quality, customer satisfaction and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. To date, these custom boats have been delivered to every region of the country.
At Buckeye Community Bank, Morrison found a partner willing to listen and work with him to grow in the competitive boating industry.
“If you’re in the recreation space, many banks won’t consider you even if you have a great business plan and products,” Morrison said. “The Buckeye team was one of the few that listened, got involved and wanted to learn more about us and what we were doing. They have been a great partner to work with and treat us very well.”
“Buckeye Community Bank’s partnership with Joel Morrison’s entrepreneurial venture represents more than financial transactions, it’s about supporting a shared vision for an innovative future,” Buckeye President and CEO Ben P. Norton said. “As Extreme Boats Distributing continues to expand, reach new markets and develop even more advanced designs, we are proud to provide the necessary financing and strategic advice to help fuel their growth.”
Learn more about Extreme Boats Distributing at extremeboats.com and parmamarine.com.
