Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Life in Aroostook County is seen in many ways, depending on one’s perception of the area. Serving as the ‘Crown of Maine,’ in a state whose nickname is Vacationland, Aroostook tourism and business relies heavily on that image – a place of vast wilderness, with numerous waterways for a variety of adventures.
One local businessman has spent the past year learning what clients think of the County and helping them make the most of the waterways the area has to offer, based on the idea that Maine is a place for outdoor recreation.
“The name of my business is Perception of Aroostook. My tag line is, ‘Perception of Aroostook – What’s yours?’ It’s a great icebreaker when talking with clients,” said Leo Freeman, owner.
The name is derived from one of the products Freeman carries.
“One of my kayak brand names is ‘Perception.’ That’s where the name originated. But it works well,” said Freeman.
Located at the corner of the Caribou and Reach roads, Freeman’s shop is just yards away from the Aroostook River. It was that nearness to water that attracted him to the site.
“I rent kayaks and canoes, shuttle customers to Washburn with my trailer so they can put in at the Washburn bridge and then they paddle down to Presque Isle. The trip there takes about 10 minutes, and the trip back by water takes three to four hours. This location is great because I’m right near the river. Clients can drop their vehicles here or at the boat launch just a few yards away,” explained Freeman.
Freeman said that the travel time back to Presque Isle varies, depending on wind, water conditions and other factors.
“The water level, ability of the paddler, wind conditions all factor in. It’s a great way for people to get an introduction to paddling and the sport as a whole,” he said.
Freeman said he’ll make the trip with clients as time allows.
“If people are new to the sport and want an introduction to the waterway, I make arrangements to go with them. Or if the time is right and I have the time free, I’ll go with them,” said Freeman.
While the Aroostook River serves as the primary waterway for Freeman, he can also accommodate client’s needs at other bodies of water in the area.
“If clients want to have a party locally at a lake, I’ll take boats to a group. I’ve done that at Arnold Brook Lake, Hanson Lake. But the Aroostook River is my primary route. It’s a great paddle – one where you can see a lot of moose, deer and other wildlife,” Freeman said.
Participants also have the option to stop for lunch along the way.
“I have a number of other paddle locations I can take people to, but the Aroostook River is my standard route. There’s also the option of enjoying a lunch trip to Rum Rapids, located on the Aroostook River,” he said.
Trips include rentals of equipment – if clients don’t have their own kayak or canoe – and shuttle service.
“Service is by appointment,” added Freeman. “I will accommodate as quickly as I can. People general give me a bit of notice – the day before.”
Wednesday evenings have become a regular run for Freeman.
“I have a Wednesday night shuttle around 5:30 p.m. to Washburn. Fees vary, depending on whether rentals are required or you have your own boat,” he said.
Freeman said he likes the location due his high visibility.
“There’s a lot of traffic on this corner It’s a good location – excellent for a business like mine,” said Freeman. “And in addition to Perception products, I sell Wilderness System kayaks – that’s the premium line. I sell Dagger kayaks, Wave Sports – more of a white-water kayak – and Mad River canoes, as well as all the accessories anyone would need for either type of boat.”
Freeman said that kayaks have grown in popularity but there are still those who prefer a canoe.
“As popular as kayaks are – they make up 70 to 80 percent of the market – there’s still a good percentage that want a canoe,” he said. “Canoes are great if you have more people or plan an all-day trip and need to take more cargo. There’s still a need for canoes.”
Freeman was also a partial sponsor of the recent Rotary Club race on the Aroostook River.
“Weather doesn’t factor in, if you wear the right clothes. It was a pretty good turnout,” said Freeman, noting every trip – race or for leisure – has an experience to it. “You can have a pretty nice trip evenings. The wind dies down, there’re gorgeous sunsets, you can see moose standing in the water, eagles flying overhead, geese swimming.”
Freeman also has the solution for off-season storage of not just kayaks and canoes but anything you want to keep from the elements.
“I have the Shelter Logic brand covered buildings – what some folks refer to as the instant garage. They work well for multiple uses,” said Freeman. “They come with anchor kits. The standard anchor is the screw type but upgrades are available for a more secure anchor.”
Freeman said the standard building measures 12 feet wide, 20 feet long, by 8 feet high, with prices starting at $489.
“They’re very serviceable. I’ve been selling them for 18-20 years now. They work marvelously and last a long time. Patch kits are available and repairs are easy,” said Freeman.
Freeman’s business continues to grow, with wind generators being the next thing he’ll be marketing.
“I’m the authorized distributor of Skystream wind generators. With energy costs continuing to go up, this is a great time to offer folks an alternative. I’ll be putting one up here in the near future,” said Freeman.
Units, according to Freeman, stand approximately 43 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the blades.
“The time is right. This isn’t the big wind turbine. This is for family use,” Freeman said.
Freeman’s perception of business in coming months is good.
“I’m selling kayaks and canoes, doing river trips, renting boats and answering a lot of questions,” said Freeman.
Business hours are mixed, due to accommodating clients’ needs. Generally, hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment.
“Accommodations can also be made for Saturdays and Sundays, if it’s doable by my schedule,” said Freeman.
For more information, contact 764-5506.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LEO FREEMAN’S business, Perception of Aroostook, has been going strong for a year now, helping clients realize the potential Maine’s wilderness has to offer. Each kayak sold or each river trip taken gives clients a new experience and a new way of looking at Aroostook County. Located at the corner of the Caribou and Reach roads, Freeman said he has the ideal spot, with high visibility and close to the river.
