EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — For Brandon King, what started as a weekend frustration in the garage turned into a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor that’s reshaping how families think about boating. After 16 years as a resident of Eagle Mountain, King’s story is one of homegrown ingenuity, parental practicality, and the grit of small-town entrepreneurship.
Like many Utahns, King has long felt a magnetic pull toward the water. Canoeing and kayaking became staples of his outdoor life until marriage and fatherhood shifted his priorities. “Those small boats just weren’t practical anymore,” he recalls. His wife, Heather, disliked the instability of kayaks, and with young kids in tow, safety was non-negotiable.
But the alternatives—towable family boats—were a logistical nightmare. They required dedicated trailers, large tow vehicles, significant storage space, and a costly laundry list of licenses, fees, and maintenance. For many middle-class families, including King’s, the traditional boating route was simply out of reach.
A Garage, A Problem, and A Solution
Determined not to give up on family adventures, King turned to his garage. After three prototypes and countless late nights, the idea for RedHead Trailer & Boat emerged: a catamaran-style boat that doubles as a compact trailer. Designed to be hand-maneuverable—even with a toddler nearby—the RedHead offers the water-based joy of a boat with the practicality of a storable trailer.
“It eliminates the need for a separate trailer and a big tow vehicle,” King explained. “You save money, space, and time. And best of all, it’s built for families.”
A Community That Builds Business
But building a product was only the beginning. King credits the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce (EMCC) with helping him turn his prototype into a sustainable business. Through EMCC networking events, educational programs, and retail initiatives like ShopFest, King found a supportive ecosystem of fellow entrepreneurs.
He also enrolled in the University of Utah’s Master of Business Creation (MBC) program in August, where tailored mentorship and entrepreneurial coursework have helped refine both his product and business model.
RedHead Debuts at the Utah Boat Show
In January, RedHead Trailer & Boat officially launched at the Utah Boat Show (Jan. 30 – Feb. 2). The debut drew in curious families and outdoor lovers alike, many excited by the possibility of making water adventures safer, simpler, and more affordable.
A Boat for Real Families
What sets RedHead apart isn’t just the product—it’s the problem it solves. “We’re not building for speedboats or yachts,” said King. “We’re building for parents who want to share the water with their kids, without breaking the bank or overcomplicating their weekends.”
King’s journey is a familiar one to many aspiring entrepreneurs: a blend of frustration, innovation, and grassroots determination. But it’s also a refreshing reminder that the best ideas don’t always start in boardrooms—they often start in garages, with one parent trying to make life a little easier.
Follow RedHead Trailer & Boat: https://www.redheadtrailerandboat.com/
Learn more about Brandon King’s journey and the RedHead innovation at:
- RedHead Trailer & Boat: Making Family Water Adventures More Accessible | Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute | University of Utah
- From Frustrated Father to Founder: The RedHead Trailer & Boat Story
Featured Photo: Redhead Trailer & Boats website
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.