Meet Kevin Kabler | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Kabler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I bought a boat! And didn’t have a garage for it… After going to Walmart and buying cheap covers and tarps that only lasted a few months, I decided there needed to be a better solution. The problem, however, is that there are not standard sizes or frame configurations between manufacturers making it difficult to use a good material that will be universal. This means you have to get a custom made cover which is expensive. We originally had the idea for shade sail, as this would allow water to filter through to prevent any pooling from rain or snow, while keeping the sunlight off the boat. But quickly realized it let too much UV light through. But after a year of getting material samples, we finally found the perfect solution for protection and durability. …And Over It. Raft Covers was born.
We are now launching a brand new concept to the boating market, with a folding inflatable swim deck. Coming this Spring: Beside It. Inflatable Swim Deck

What should our readers know about your business?
We really try to solve problems, and create products that are completely utilitarian and enhance the boating lifestyle, while being something that is attractive. I’m most excited about our new folding swim deck coming to the market in the coming weeks. This is an innovative way to have a swim deck on not just whitewater raft, but pontoons, and other outboard motorboats. It weighs 10 lbs. and easily attaches with 1″ webbing straps. This provides over 12 sq ft of usable area to get in and out of the boat, stage activities, etc. This has been about 3 years in the making!
We also just changed up our manufacturing for raft covers and we will have a lot more capacity to prevent backorders, and expand our line of covers to other boats.
Starting a business is easy. Running a business is nothing but a constant challenge, but I would say in a good way. Most challenges in business are overcome with good relationships, that become stronger with each challenge overcome. The people and companies that you work with; you must be able to rely on them to help problem solve. Trying to make and execute every decision will burn you out.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Salida in the summer is the ultimate outdoors person’s paradise. Of course, rafting the Arkansas River is high on the list. Fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling, mountain biking… it’s all within 30 minutes of here. Then, there’s tons of art galleries in town to peruse. Stop at Highside for a drink on the river, or Boathouse for dinner.
And come the second weekend in June, FIBArk, our local festival celebrating the river and all it brings to our local community is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife and kids… their patience and understanding while I start and grow a business. The whitewater community at large has been very supportive, especially in our hometown of Salida, CO. We had people that were eager to buy as soon as we hit the market, ready to support a local but unproven brand in the market.
My business partner, Aaron Derwingson, deserves a lot of credit for mentoring me when I bought my first boat and showing me how to be safe on the water, and then, embarking on the business venture with me. Peter Bodig who let me row his boat for my first time behind the oars, and invited me on my first overnight rafting trip – where I truly fell in love with rafting.
Jake Rishavy and Tim Martinez at Chaffee County EDC who reached out to us to help. Their accelerator program and belief in our company helped us take the next steps and still support us as we continue to grow.

Website: www.raftcovers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overitraftcovers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Overitraftcover

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@overit.raftcovers3701

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@overitraftcovers