Shaping your Perception
Whether you’re a first-time kayaker or an experienced paddler, Leo Freeman, owner of Perception of Aroostook: Kayak Sales and Services in Presque Isle, can help shape your perception of the region.
“The name Perception of Aroostook really came from Perception kayaks, which was the first brand that I went into selling more than 10 years ago,” said Freeman. “My tagline is ‘What’s Yours?’ It’s a very interesting question and usually clients’ responses are very good. They come here and take a little river trip and think it’s beautiful.”
Freeman said about half of his business is sales, while the other half is guided trips/rentals.
“I have a lot of products that are related to water sports such as Yakima roof racks, Kokatat life jackets, Wilderness Systems and Mad River Canoes,” he said, “but the other 50 percent is I run a rental fleet of boats.”
Freeman said one of the goals of Perception of Aroostook is to introduce customers to outdoor sports activities — such as kayaking, biking and skiing — regardless of their age.
“I try to provide a local connection for information about the products that I sell and give a good value on product that I know and trust myself,” he said, “that provide quality and satisfaction for my customers.”
A local businessman for more than 40 years, Freeman knows the secret to staying in business in Aroostook County.
“Good customer relations and reinventing yourself every three years by adding new products and services is key,” he said.
For example, Perception of Aroostook recently began selling Hill Topper electric bike kits. Hill Topper is an electric bicycle wheel that replaces the front wheel of any bicycle.
“It makes going up hills easy and fun,” Freeman said.
In addition to being a Registered Maine Guide, Freeman is also an authorized Southwest Windpower dealer/installer.
Perception of Aroostook, located at 9 Caribou Road in Presque Isle, is open from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday kayak rentals are available by appointment.
For more information, call 764-5506, e-mail perceptionofaroostook@gmail.com or log onto www.perceptionofaroostook.com.
