Paddle and Portage media has announced new ownership and management, while maintaining its current core team of contributors.
Paddle and Portage was founded in January by local journalist and author Joe Friedrichs and has been well-received by the BWCA Wilderness and broader paddling communities. The company offers a unique perspective on the intersection of news, adventure, and storytelling from the Boundary Waters, as well as other paddling destinations across North America.
As the company continues to grow and expand, Friedrichs is now joined by two additional owners who are well positioned to take Paddle and Portage to a wider audience: Bear Paulsen and Ann Possis.
Paulsen is the longtime general manager for Northstar Canoes, one of the top canoe manufacturers in North America. He is an accomplished paddler and outdoorsman, with decades of adventures and expeditions that have taken him all over the continent. Paulsen has extensive knowledge of the BWCA Wilderness, the businesses that rely on it, and the outdoor industry. He lives in Chisago City.
Possis has expertise in writing, editing, and marketing, and worked for many years at WTIP community radio, in a variety of roles both on- and off-air. She lives in Grand Marais. Possis paddles rivers in Texas and lakes in the BWCA Wilderness annually, and supports many organizations aligned with wilderness conservation.
“Having Bear and Ann involved with Paddle and Portage is huge news for the company and for paddlers everywhere,” said Friedrichs. “They both bring different perspectives on canoes, paddling, the Boundary Waters, and media. Their background and experience are what we need to take our vision to the next level.”
Paddle and Portage offers a number of ways to engage with their content: a twice-monthly podcast hosted by Friedrichs and M Baxley and online content, including a digital magazine and the company’s engaging website. Paddle and Portage is expanding both its podcasting and online content in 2025.
The headquarters for Paddle and Portage is in Grand Marais, at 121 1st Ave W.
In addition, Paddle and Portage opened an office this month in Ely, to better reflect and serve the Ely community and the west side of the BWCA Wilderness. Paddle and Portage will work out of both offices moving forward.
For more information about Paddle and Portage, go to the website at: paddleandportage.com
