Our History
Since 1995, Rhino has been a leading rotational molding manufacturer, committed to making quality products that stand the test of time.
Our Story
Rick Johanneck is the founder and owner of Rhino Inc. His dad was a rotational molder and he worked at his dad’s business in his teens and 20s but as he grew older, he wanted to expand so Rick went out on his own, launching what would later be known as “Rhino” but was first called “JRI – Johanneck Recreation Innovation.”
Rick started by manfacturing ski boots and on the weekends, as a snowmobile racer, he would sell those ski boots at the track.
Then in 1995, when he came to Maple Lake, he started Rhino, officially. At that time, it was 100% custom manufacturing.
Rick began playing in product development and wanted to make products that he wanted as a kid. It started in the ice fishing space with Otter. Shortly after he began working with the owners of Otter Outdoors they decided to sell, which was Rick’s first acquisition and the formal start of our story.
As he played with product development, many of them were put under the Otter name.
2007 was a busy year. First, Rhino Tuff Tanks was born. (Our stackable dispensing systems are the best solution for getting away from 55g drums of fluids and taking advantage of vertical space.) Then, in the fall, we purchased Fischer Beavertail (an aluminum hunting boat and motor business out of Avon MN). We took the hunting products that were under Otter Outdoors and moved them and our next brand was born – Beavertail Products.
And the latest brand acquisition was in June 2016 when we acquired DOA Decoys, which joined under our Beavertail line.
Timeline
The ’90s
In 1995, Rick Johanneck founded Rhino Inc. as a 100% custom rotational molding manufacturer. As a kid, he grew up watching his dad work in the same industry and always wanted to follow in his footsteps, in his own way.
After playing in product development, wanting to make the products he loved as a kid, starting with an ice fishing space, Rick partnered with Otter Outdoors and when they sold, Rick acquired them and the rest is history.
The 2000s
After multiple expansions to increase capacity, Rhino acquired Beavertail hunting boats in 2007 and combined this with other hunting products, previously branded under the Otter brand, to create Beavertail Products.
2007 – Rhino Tuff Tanks becomes an official brand line
2009 – Wave Armor becomes an official brand line
The 2010s
Another decade of major expansions, increasing production, team size, and products offered.
2011 – Jennifer Johanneck-Eystad joins the company to continue her father’s legacy, starting at the floor and working her way up
2013 – Rhino’s five land parcels, totalling 16.7 acres, were reconfigured to three and renamed “Johanneck Industrial Park”
2016 – Rhino acquired DOA Decoys and folded them into the Beavertail line
2018 – Built the Mold Shed (60 x 150 sq ft)
2019 – Expansion of the back of Rhino (RTT) (40 x 130 sq ft)
The 2020s
2020 – ART Expansion 100 x 275. Warehouse expansion to the north 80’, making it go from 550 to 630- making it 126,000 sq ft
2021 – South expansion of the Otter building (150 x 350 sq ft), added Wave Armor Breakroom
2021 – IOS and Rhino Rotomolding consolidated to Rhino Inc, the new parent company for all five brands: Wave Armor, Otter, Rhino Tuff Tanks, Beavertail, and American Roto Tool
2022 – Front office facelift to reflect the modernity and staying power of our brands
2023 – Rhino Inc. closed on its first non-Minnesota location in Live Oak, Florida (100 acres), where the company will be expanding manufacturing capabilities and is excited for the next decade of growth!
2024 – Groundbreaking ceremony in Live Oak, FL
