Origin Story

Mountain River Life started as a woodworking company in the summer of 2020. That summer, the world was on lockdown due to COVID. Our founder, Erik Paul, had finished all the projects around the house, and decided to try to make an epoxy river charcuterie board for his dad's birthday. It turned out much better than expected, and the rest is history!

Erik started Mountain River Wood Co. out of his garage in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Two years later, Erik and his wife, Kristyn, moved to Calgary, and upgraded to a commercial shop space.

It was then that our co-founder, Graham Kelba, joined the team. Erik and Graham have been best friends for over a decade, and always dreamt of running a business together. Graham took on the sales side of the business and helped grow Mountain River Wood Co. through a strategy of partnering with homebuilders and realtors to supply personalized home possession gifts.

Graham and Erik hail from Calgary, where the Rockies were their childhood backdrop. Fueled by a shared passion for adventure, they envisioned a lifestyle brand named Mountain River Life. Recognizing a gap in the mountain apparel market, they aimed to fill it with high-quality, affordable gear suitable for wearing on a hike or out for dinner, effortlessly blending style and functionality.

In 2023, Mountain River Life was officially launched, and continues to build a mountain community around exciting new products for adventure enthusiasts.