Staff Bios |  Customer Service

Staff Bios

Susan Richardson, Owner - Atlantic Coast Kayak Company, President - Four Elements Adventure Company
Susan has always loved the outdoors, with hobbies that have included hiking, camping, nature photography, and scuba diving.  Susan grew up in upstate New York, where canoeing was her first paddlesport.  One of her great early memories while canoeing is her first Bald Eagle sighting in the Adirondack mountains, where the bird swooped down to a river and took a fish in flight.  At the age of 15, Susan had ambitions of becoming one of Jacque Cousteau’s divers on his research vessel.

 Susan discovered great satisfaction from teaching people about environmental topics during an undergraduate class in Environmental Education.  Susan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology and a Masters degree in Environmental Management.  As a Recycling Specialist for Onondaga County, Susan took great pleasure in speaking to students and civic groups about recycling and waste management.  Her career led her to the environmental consulting and industrial sectors, where she held various technical and environmental management positions.  All the while, Susan continued her outdoor activities.  Susan took up kayaking in 1998, while living in North Georgia.

Eventually, Susan felt a growing restlessness with her career, and felt the calling to get closer to what she originally envisioned for herself.  She purchased an ongoing business, Atlantic Coast Kayak Company, in August 2001.  She formed Four Elements Adventure Company, a Florida-based Corporation whose mission is to bring together like-minded travelers for adventures off the beaten path, led by professional local guides.  Susan has traveled in China, Italy, France, Mexico, and the United States.  She has paddled the east arm of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, and, of course, regularly paddles in Florida.  Susan takes great pleasure in bringing clients out into the natural environment, for relaxation, exercise, and appreciation.

Erica Gleason, Guide and Kayak Sales
Erica was born and raised right here in Florida. Erica is a paramedic in Broward county, and she loves to paddle her kayak in Lighthouse Point, the Florida Keys, and various local waterways. She also loves the thrill of hooking a fish from her kayak. Erica paddles an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 or a Perception Carolina Airalite with an Aquabound Eagle paddle. All of her kayaks and accessories are red, of course! You will feel very confident paddling with Erica.

Howard Helbein, Guide & Kayak Sales
Howard hails from New Jersey, and is an avid kayaker, rock climber, and bicycle trail rider. He is active with the local paddling club, and frequently ventures west for climbing & cycling opportunities. Howard has great patience, and is always to freely share his extensive knowledge about outdoor gear.

Customer Service
Good customer service is what distinguishes Atlantic Coast Kayak Company from our competition.  In our view, customer service begins as soon as you walk through our door, and it never ends.  Our approach is that we want you as a customer for life, not just a "one shot deal."  Time and again we hear that customers are not always treated the way that they want to be by our competitors.  We have gone to great lengths to tailor our customer service to our marketplace and its unique customer base.  If you hear about something new that you would like to check out, or if there is an item that you would like to see us stock in the store, please let us know.  We appreciate your feedback, both positive and negative.  Our staff brings its collective knowledge to bear, and we want an on-going relationship with you – our valued customers.