Paddle and Portage Expands, Adding New Owner Managers

Paddle and Portage Media was founded in January 2024 by Grand Marais journalist and author Joe Friedrichs. The company offers a unique perspective on the intersection of news, adventure, and storytelling from the Boundary Waters Ca­noe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and other paddling destinations across North Ameri­ca. Its podcasts, blog posts, and monthly digital magazine have been well-received by the BWCAW and broader paddling com­munities.

Building on its con­tinued growth, two ad­ditional owners, Bear Paulsen and Ann Pos­sis, joined Friedrichs this month to help take Paddle and Portage to a broader audience. The two new owners bring significant busi­ness, publishing, and paddling experience to bear on the growing Paddle and Portage.

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. He has extensive knowl­edge of the BWCAW, the businesses that rely on it, and the outdoor industry. He lives in Chisago City, MN.

Possis has expertise in writing, editing, and marketing. She worked for many years at WTIP North Shore Community Radio in various roles on- and off-air. She lives in Grand Marais. She regularly paddles riv­ers in Texas and lakes in the BWCAW 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.”

Friedrichs made it clear the firm will maintain its current core team of contrib­utors.

Started in Grand Marais, Paddle and Portage opened an additional office this month in Ely, intend­ing to reflect better and serve the Ely commu­nity and the west side of the BWCA Wilder­ness. Paddle and Por­tage will expand its podcasting and online content in 2025.

More information can be found at paddleandportage.com.  

Summing up the changes, Friedrichs said, “Bear Paulsen is an icon in this pad­dling/BWCA world. Ann is a kickass per­son who does many things well and is on a mission to be the best media company on the North Shore.”