About Backtroller Boats LLC, It's owner and the team that makes it happen.
John P. Thelen and Family
THE OWNER, FOUNDER Thank you so much for visiting our website and your interest in Backtroller Boats. I, John P. Thelen, am the owner and founder of Backtroller Boats. I'm a busy married father of four boys, the oldest of which is ten.
2018 was another great year for the company. I am grateful to my customers who joined the Backtroller Family. Thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate it.
The future is bright.
John P. Thelen
2018 was another great year for the company. I am grateful to my customers who joined the Backtroller Family. Thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate it.
The future is bright.
John P. Thelen
The Backtroller Boats Team
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John P. Thelen, Owner-Founder
I'm personally involved in all facets of each boat built: custom wiring, plumbing, fuel systems, hinges/hardware, flooring, rub rail, electronics installation, outboard installation, etc. I take pride in providing what I consider to be the most personal service in the industry today. The Backtroller Boats business model is a paradigm shift for the Midwest. We do not carry inventory. Boats are built only when an order is placed. This allows us to reduce overhead and risk. The savings are passed on to you. The boats are built for you. I have heard many times while showing a boat in production to a prospect, "I love everything about it except the color." The bottom line is we all like different things. We'll build it for you. The buying and building process is very personal. All purchases are done with me, "factory direct". You will not see a Backtroller Avid on a dealer's showroom. Primarily for two reasons: to keep the buying process very personal/custom and limited production capabilities. |
We'll get to know each other pretty well. Many conversations are had before, during and after your boat is built. High pressure sales don't exist here. After all you cannot buy an Avid anywhere else. If you truly like what you see you'll buy it. I want you to be comfortable and ultimately love your Avid and the process. Is there room for improvement? Of course there is. I recognize and strive to always be improving the process and product.
Relationships are an important part of the process as is your input. It is no secret that current Backtroller Avid owners are our best sales resource. I'm guilty of believing that Team Backtroller can build a company and brand that leads the industry. Not in the number of boats we build but based instead on the quality of our product and the satisfaction of our customers. I also understand it will take time and tons of hard work. God willing I've got more time and well, hard work was ingrained in me as a young boy growing up in Freeport Minnesota. All the best. John P. Thelen |
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Timm Smith, Smith Marine Design: www.smithmarinedesign.com
Design and Consult I contacted Timm in December of 2009 and the rest is history. Design goes way beyond what you see. The stringer system is designed to withstand 4G's of force. The lamination schedule far exceeds what's necessary. He is also did all the flotation foam calculations. He's currently designing the next model. |
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Jim Carstens, Carstens Industries: www.carstensindustries.com
Fiberglass Fabrication
All fiberglass fabrication happens here. Forty years of experience. Jim is an invaluable part of the team. Jim and his employees do an incredible job. Thank you!
Fiberglass Fabrication
All fiberglass fabrication happens here. Forty years of experience. Jim is an invaluable part of the team. Jim and his employees do an incredible job. Thank you!
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Jeff Schulte, Marketing and Product Development
Jeff has a true love for all things fishing. He has tackled many boat restoration projects over the years and his passion for and knowledge of tiller boats is impressive. Jeff is leaned on to ensure we are always improving by researching new components and staying up to date with new developments in the industry. He takes care of our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts as well. |
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Bill McGinnis, The Build
Bill joined Team Backtroller in the spring of 2014. He has truly been a blessing. He caught on immediately. His skills and input have made the build process more efficient and consistent. His primary responsibility is working with me to build your boat after we receive it from the fiberglass lamination stage. Thank you Bill!
Bill joined Team Backtroller in the spring of 2014. He has truly been a blessing. He caught on immediately. His skills and input have made the build process more efficient and consistent. His primary responsibility is working with me to build your boat after we receive it from the fiberglass lamination stage. Thank you Bill!