I don't know how much though...

I have been talking with Ralph Frese the king of the canoe here in chicago who owns and operates Chicagoland Canoe Base. He is ready to hand over the reigns to someone else who has the passion for that business.

I hope someone steps up to the plate. Ralph has worked his entire life promoting canoeing and every year the sport comes more into the mainstream. He has laid a great groundwork there and has said that he wants to keep working, just does not want to deal with the business aspects anymore. They just named a waterway after the guy!

If you are in the Chicago area and have not been to the canoe base, go when you have some time and talk to Ralph, he is a walking encyclopedia in regards to canoeing. Once I asked him how to get to St. Louis from Chicago and he described the trip in vivid detail!

Chicagoland Canoe Base
4019 N. Narragansett Ave.
Chicago IL, 60634


(773) 777-1489

http://www.chicagolandcanoebase.com/

Ralph is a walking font of canoe design knowledge. However that business seems to thrive on Ralph's skill in canoe repair and mods, rather than the meager retail operations.

I fear that if Ralph's skills are removed, there is no business. I'd look at this sale as an asset sale only, assuming that he owns that plot it could be interesting.

It would need to be bought by someone who has the ability to replace Ralph at some point in time, but he has said that he wants to stay part of the business as long as he can, it is his life.

I don't think anyone will step up. It would be sad to see it go. It is also nice to be able to see the caliber of boats he has in there, instead of the $299 Dicks sporting goods specials. What will the future hold...