During the summer of 2011 a few college buddies at Syracuse University took a break from their MBA studies. Even though they had gone to Syracuse U. on full scholarships, they endured the usual personal financial hardships experienced by many college students. Being young and broke they enjoyed the outdoors as best they could on the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. They went fishing.
For them, fishing seemed to be an effective way to capture all that nature had to offer and create lasting bonds. One thing they realized from the start – they were having fun. With borrowed fishing tackle and high-hopes for a successful catch they spent the time in between bites, near misses, and the one that got away discussing their dreams.
As the happy fishermen returned to college life, things began to click. A start-up company idea was brought up. “We have the education and training in finance, e-commerce, internet technology, enterprise systems, supply chain management, and the best manufacturing practices,” they said with a sparkle in their eyes. “What if we use our knowledge and experience to create a fishing company and make awesome fishing tackle that everybody can afford? With factory direct sourcing and efficient business practices… we could pass the savings on to the consumer. Then, any average fisherman could enjoy the best in class fishing tackle without breaking the bank. If we can make fishing affordable, we will keep it fun!”
Their vision was fulfilled after graduation. On March 15, 2013, Eposeidon Outdoor Adventure, Inc. was launched and incorporated in the State of New York. The company name was drawn from E for ecommerce and Poseidon, the mythical Greek god and ruler of the seas; Outdoor Adventure stemmed from the team’s fun filled Finger Lake fishing trips.
Things began to happen rapidly. Eposeidon’s formula, E=M2C, Eposeidon equals manufacturing to consumer, was beginning to unfold in a spectacular way. The factory direct concept of eliminating middlemen such as export/import agents, freight forwarders, warehouse distributors, and wholesalers in the supply chain was working. Eposeidon kept prices way low by not having to cover the high overhead costs of box-store retail space, traditional advertising, and big corporate salaries and commissions that are passed on to consumers in the product’s price by other brands. It was always about low cost, not low quality, for the best product value. Therefore, Eposeidon relies on suppliers in various countries to provide the best quality manufacturing components available. They used JIT (just in time) supply line tactics to keep a steady flow of inventory coming in, keeping inventory levels at an optimum, and operation costs down.
Under this concept KastKing® was formed as a brand and division within Eposeidon for house brand fishing reels, fishing rods, fishing line and accessories. The brand’s slogan was coined; “KastKing® Keeps Fishing Fun.”
A short time later the MadBite Division was added to handle products that include fishing lures, accessories, fishing tools, and electronics. It too has a slogan, “Madly Different” to cover the innovative concepts developed under the brand.
KastKing® products are developed through feedback from the fishing community directly to the manufacturing floor -- “Designed by anglers for anglers”. It’s an inverse of the manufacturer to customer formula. Input from anglers and the KastKing® tackle development team delivers the fishing tackle features that anglers want and need.
Whether it’s fishing for freshwater panfish or hunting sharks in the deep blue sea, anglers can count on tested and proven KastKing® products for reliability and top performance.
In less than two years Eposeidon sold KastKing® fishing tackle products in every US state and over 150 countries. 2015 was a breakthrough year for Eposeidon’s KastKing® brand. In a competition voted on by members of the fishing industry media and corporate buyers at ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportsfishing Trades) KastKing® won a Best of Show Award for its innovative products. Winning the prestigious, coveted award was an unprecedented event for the relatively young company. In 2016 Eposeidon, through the KastKing® and MadBite brands, introduced more than 50 revolutionary new fishing tackle products at ICAST held n Orlando, Florida.
The company went on to win industry awards from international sellers Aliexpress and eBay, as well as to become suppliers to prestigious accounts including but not limited to Walmart.com, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Shimano.
Today Eposeidon stays true to its roots by producing quality, innovative fishing tackle with the needs of the angler in mind, offering them around the world at prices that are affordable, and… keeping fishing fun.
This philosophy has generated the company’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement:
Mission Statement:
Fueled By Innovation
We strive to achieve Fueled By Innovation through novel concepts and ingenious designs. We seek unprecedented cost effective ecommerce practices to directly market to consumers, cutting fishing tackle costs by 30% or more on average.
E=M2C is our equation. Eposeidon, our parent company, equals manufacturing directly to consumers.
Vision Statement:
Keeping Fishing Fun
To provide lasting memories of enjoyable fishing experiences for everyone through innovation and technology; and foster sustainable fishing practices, the love of nature, and sensitivity to the environment of our planet.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Eposeidon. If you have any further questions, please email us at service@kastking.com.
The entire Eposeidon team looks forward to assisting you!
Eposeidon…for those who rule the water!