Timestamps & Chapters

(0:17) – Introduction & Welcome

(1:38) – Mark's Entrepreneurial Roots

(3:03) – How Vibe Kayaks Was Born

(4:07) – Running Multiple Companies

(5:58) – Going International: U.S. to Canada & Beyond

(8:01) – Passion vs. Systems & Processes

(9:38) – The Reality of Growth & Scaling

(11:18) – Finance Systems & When to Build Them

(12:32) – Advice for Young Founders: Building a Real Brand

(15:20) – Rapid Fire Round

(17:40) – Closing Thoughts

In today’s episode of Built to Last, we sit down with Marc Pelland, Founder of Vibe Kayaks — the company that disrupted the fishing kayak market by building high-quality, affordable kayaks under $1,000.

Hosted by Siddhartha Havelia, Co-founder of Mercurius Advisory Services Ltd., Built to Last explores the journeys of entrepreneurs who’ve built enduring businesses, navigated difficult decisions, and scaled through real-world challenges.

Marc shares how he identified a gap in the market, built a globally recognized brand without outside investors, and focused on sustainable growth instead of hype-driven scaling.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Vibe Kayaks started

• The realities of scaling a product business

• Expanding from the U.S. into Canada and international markets

• Why systems matter more than motivation

• Building a long-term brand instead of chasing trends

• Key lessons for young founders and entrepreneurs

If you want practical insights on building a business that lasts, this episode delivers real-world lessons from a founder who’s done it firsthand.

Subscribe to Built to Last for more conversations with founders, operators, and business leaders.

Follow Marc Pelland Here:

Instagram: @vibekayaks https://rb.gy/6sqwsb

LinkedIn: Marc Pelland https://shorturl.at/WD5J0

Follow Siddhartha Havelia:

Instagram: @s_havelia https://shorturl.at/empp0

Facebook: https://shorturl.at/waibv

LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/aa6GM

Visit Our Website:

https://maspartner.com

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