What began in 2007 as a small Stand Up Paddle Board warehouse/retail location on Hwy 393 has grown into a 15,000 sq. ft. distribution center on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach as well as its flagship store YOLO Board and Bike in Miramar Beach, opened in 2012 and a beachfront store in Gulf Place Center on Highway 30A.
Today YOLO manufactures unique designs that include paddleboards, paddles, beach cruisers, electric bikes, boogie boards, and lifestyle essentials, such as hats, apparel, and YOLO coffee.
“We are proud to have been born and raised in South Walton and can’t wait to introduce two new YOLO locations this year.” said co-founder and owner Jeff Archer.”
Photo by Lauren Athalia
“Our business growth over the last 15 years is due, in large part, to our Gulf Coast community that has been incredibly supportive from the start. Visitors continue to flock to this world-class destination to enjoy its natural beauty, including the famous white sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes as well as miles and miles of bike trails through the state forest that offer the perfect landscape for enjoying our products. While we are fortunate to sell YOLO Board products throughout the US, as well as internationally, we believe that our own backyard offers the greatest opportunities.”
This summer, look for another retail/adventure store in the newly-developed Greenway Station on 30A next to the Point Washington State Forest bike trailhead.
Future plans include more rentals and tours along 30A in the dune lakes and state forest park trails.
“We’re also excited to announce the opening of our first YOLO Charging Station, a new venture with local restaurant, Chiringo. Hotz Ave Coffee, opening this Spring, will be serving up fresh YOLO coffee for YOLO paddleboard and ebike adventures,” said Archer. In addition to Hotz Ave Coffee, YOLO coffee can be enjoyed along Hwy. 30A at Sunrise Coffee, The Grove, Blue Mountain Bakery, and with others soon to follow. A special organic YOLO coffee blend is now placed in all 360 Blue vacation homes. The luxury vacation rental company found that treating its clients to YOLO® coffee aligned with their exceptionally high level of customer service.
To keep up with the tremendous growth in the demand for experience-based adventures, YOLO® has expanded its rental fleets as group bike rides and guided paddles are becoming more popular each year. Archer says, “We look forward to the future and providing locals and visitors alike with memorable You-Only-Live-Once products and experiences.”
