Evolution Ski Co. is up for sale.
After nearly two decades building skis in Salt Lake City, Stephen Eccles Denkers has decided to sell Evolution Ski in order to devote more time to philanthropic work.
Denkers founded Evolution Ski in 1985. Over the years, the company distinguished itself for its quality Telemark and alpine skis. Snowboards followed, and the business grew. Last year, the company's sales totaled about $1.3 million.
"It could easily have been $2 million or $3 million, had it not been for Sept. 11," Denkers said.
The company enjoyed great success as an official licensee during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games — a fitting end to his involvement with Evolution, Denkers said.
"I knew I wanted to run Evolution through the Olympics," he said. "That was kind of the feather in my cap."
But after 17 years in business and some post-Sept. 11 soul searching, Denkers said he wants to take advantage of the opportunity to devote time to his family and the charity work he loves.
Denkers is the secretary of the $70 million Willard L. Eccles Foundation, which was established by his grandparents. Denkers oversees the distribution of the money — $3.5 to $4 million annually.
"Sept. 11 made everyone step back a little bit and look at what is important in life," he said. "Am I burned out? Probably. I'd like to take some time and do more skiing. I'm going to ski more, and be a better dad, and a contributing member of the Utah community through the foundation that my grandfather so graciously bestowed."
There have been some interested buyers, Denkers said. Some in the company, some in the equipment, others in the Evolution Ski name.
"It's a fun company that makes a great product," he said. "But it's probably time for me to move on to the next phase of my life. I'm certainly interested in helping with the company if the new owners wanted me to, but I'm also more than willing to step aside and let them rock and roll in the exciting world of skis and snowboards."
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