Percy Rier

Background

About Percy Rier

I was 6 years old when I discovered what I wanted to do with my life. Puerto Rico was celebrating its application to host the 2004 Olympics, and I was selected by my school to carry a torch on a commemorative track and field event. I did not want anything to do with it; It was a full stadium, and I was screaming my lungs out trying to convince my parents not to take me. Strangely, once the event started, everything changed. The proud crowd on their feet yelling and cheering is something I will never forget. It was during this 2 minute run around the track that I found out what I wanted my future to be; to represent Puerto Rico and its people the best way I could. I grew up inspired by world-famous legends like Roberto Clemente, and Tito Trinidad and I dreamed every day to follow their example through baseball. However, despite my best efforts, that plan did not work. I was three years in collegiate Baseball at Ohio Dominican University and I saw my dream slipping away, I was crushed. I thought I had lost all hope of realizing my aspirations until one summer break everything turned around. I was given the chance to work as a guide leading travelers to one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays. I fell in love with it since day one. After my very first tour, an older woman pulls me aside and says: “ I have traveled to many places in the world, and this has been one of the best experiences of my entire life. Thank you so much for making it special!”. I was hooked. Long story short, I changed my major to Business Administration and two years later a friend and I decided to open Kayaking Puerto Rico, Inc. with a fleet of three kayaks. We did not want a regular kayaking tour business, this business was our way to fulfill our life long dream; to represent Puerto Rico to the highest level. Along my 15 year career, I have learned the importance of leading a company through a clear mission and the power we have when individuals with different strengths share values. I learned to treat everyone with respect and honesty, and to always recognize my mistakes. I'm passionate about studying solid business principles and I'm obsessed with effective marketing, simple systems, and unparalleled customer service. Thanks to a wonderful team, KPR has become the island’s most recommended aquatic adventure company(serving over 200 guests a day) and the most recommended Kayaking company in the world. Today, I seek to continue representing the island in everything I do and always excited to connect with new colleagues hungry to leave a mark and make a difference.