Whistler - What started as a single product idea has grown into a multi-market wintersports brand. With guidance and flexible financing from Community Futures Howe Sound, Deorum Ski Co. is managing rapid growth, expanding into new regions, and developing gear built for performance and longevity.
Deorum Ski Co is a Whistler-based company that designs winter essentials. The name itself comes from Latin’s word for ‘supreme being’ and is a nod to the brand’s drive to make products that are nothing but the best, and help to push skiers to perform at their best.
The company started with Brough’s invention of the RAV (Rapid Video System) powder baskets, followed by the development of the APOLLO FR ski poles, which addressed common performance and durability issues in existing products.
Co-founder JF joined the company during the first production run, supporting product development, sales, and business growth. The APOLLO FR poles are now sold in over 50 stores across Canada, Japan, and Korea, and are designed to be repairable, customizable, and compatible with various camera mounts for outdoor content creators.
Managing growth and cash flow has been a key challenge for Deorum Ski Co., particularly with inventory costs and retailer payment terms. Community Futures Howe Sound provided a flexible loan and industry contacts, helping the company manage financial pressures and expand into new markets, including plans for Europe.
“Community Futures stepped in and helped us get a loan to cover our shortfall for this year's growth. This is massive for us as getting a line of credit with a bank as a new business is super tricky, and Community futures terms are flexible so we could do something that wouldn't sink our business!” says Ben Brough.
“Community Futures helped with is contacts around the industry, such as programs to help with exporting etc. There are lots of compliance hoops to jump through with this, especially with what is going on in the states at the moment. We are looking to get into Europe for next winter, so having resources we can work with to get things moving is priceless and Kieran has been great with putting us in contact.”
With two successful winters behind them and continued product development underway, Deorum Ski Co. demonstrates how local support and strategic planning can help niche businesses achieve both growth and market reach.
Support this Business
Website: Deorum Ski Co
