It All Started With Sam...

When Samuel C. Johnson joined Johnson Wax in 1954 his family's business was all about wax. His passion for innovation, and willingness to take bold but smart risks changed all that. Before long, Sam launched new product lines and opened new markets, and turned a small Midwestern wax company into a diversified, multi-billion dollar business.

The Adventure Begins

While the world's economy was faltering in the late 1960's, Sam understood that when the going gets tough, people like to get away from it all in the great outdoors.  In 1970, he created Johnson Outdoors, bringing together a family of brands that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit, love of outdoor adventure and passion for quality products.  Brands like Minn Kota^®, the world's first electric fishing motor, and Old Town Canoe^®, the brand that gave birth to the plastic boat industry under Sam's leadership.  

That Was Then, This Is Now

How quickly over a third of a century passes... Minn Kota^® has become a $100 million dollar global brand and Old Town^® is now a global leader in kayaks as well as canoes.  And, our family of leading active outdoor and lifestyle brands has grown to include Ocean Kayak™, Carlisle^® Paddles,  Humminbird^® fishfinders, SCUBAPRO^® diving products and Eureka!^® Tents among others.  .

In The Pursuit Of Fun And Adventure

Johnson Outdoors is committed to providing innovative, top-quality recreation products that make it easy for people to have fun outdoors. We take heart in Sam's entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life.

We share his commitment to serving employees, customers, the environment and all the communities where we do business. And as part of our core values, we expect that all the people who work for Johnson Outdoors to be as passionate as Sam was himself.

Our Mission

• Be the Innovation Leader
• Bring Excitement and Growth to Our Markets
• Build a Strong, Talented Team with Exceptional Passion

Our Vision

Own the Outdoor Adventure with Innovation and Passion
Helen Johnson-Leipold
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer