Freedom Boat Club to open first Canadian franchise in Vancouver

U.S.-based Freedom Boat Club plans to open its first international franchise in Port Moody, B.C.

VENICE, Fla., March 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Boat Club, North America's oldest and largest boat club and exclusive franchisor with 100 clubs in 21 states, announces the appointment of its first international franchise operation in Vancouver, British Columbia.

William ("Sandy") and Jamie Purdon are the new franchise operators, who are basing their club at Reed Point Marina in Port Moody, BC. Prior to joining the Freedom Boat Club family, the Purdons operated a highly successful string of McDonald's franchises in Manitoba for the past 21 years.

"We are very pleased to welcome Sandy and Jamie to our franchise organization, and we are especially thrilled to officially open the Canadian market," said Freedom Boat Club President and CEO John Giglio. "Canada has been a target market for us this past year, and we couldn't be happier to launch our first international franchise under the proven business leadership the Purdons bring to the operation."

The new Vancouver Freedom Boat Club is gearing up for a major Spring grand opening and launch. It will offer free boat training, monthly member socials, plus a mix of popular boating brands in the fleet including Campion, Ranger Tug, Bayliner and Hewescraft. The Purdons say that the word on the street is already out and interest is high.

"We are very excited by the opportunity to represent Freedom Boat Club in Canada and have already received dozens of inquiries from prospective members who are interested in the club," said Sandy Purdon, owner/operator.  "We believe there is tremendous potential for growth and anticipate this will be the first of many clubs we open. Freedom Boat Club makes boating fun and affordable, and we believe this opportunity will resonate strongly among Canadians."

Freedom Boat Club has posted a 100 percent franchise growth since Giglio assumed the helm in 2012. This past January, Freedom Boat Club and Giglio were featured editorially in Entrepreneur Magazine's annual franchise issue and ranked #283 on the Franchise 500® roster. Besides its significant franchise expansion, the club now tops more than 10,500 members and sports a growing fleet of 1000+ boats in North America.

For more information about Freedom Boat Club, visit www.freedomboatclub.com; for franchise information, visit www.freedomboatclubfranchise.com

Contact Information/Freedom Boat Club of British Columbia LTD  
Address: 850 Barnett Highway, Port Moody BC V3H 1V6              
Telephone: (778) 995-6550  

Media Contact:   
Wanda Kenton Smith  
Chief Marketing Officer  
(941) 451-8756