Every family business has a story. For Kerr Splash, that story begins with a simple goal: build something meaningful through hard work, strong relationships, and exceptional customer care.
How It Began
Jim and Debbie Kerr started their journey as business partners long before they entered the hot tub industry. Together, they successfully operated a busy restaurant, where they learned firsthand the importance of customer service, teamwork, and creating a welcoming environment.
Those lessons would later become the foundation of their next chapter.
In 2002, Jim and Debbie took a leap and opened Beachcomber Collingwood. From day one, their focus wasn’t just on selling hot tubs. They wanted to create a place where customers felt comfortable, supported, and confident in their investment. Through dedication, long hours, and a genuine commitment to their customers, the business quickly built a strong reputation in the community.
Growing The Family Business
After seven successful years, the Kerrs saw an opportunity to grow. In 2009, they expanded by opening Beachcomber Barrie, bringing their customer-first philosophy to another community they deeply cared about.
Barrie wasn’t just another business location. It was home.
Jim and Debbie had been part of the Barrie area for more than 50 years, building friendships, raising their family, and becoming deeply connected to the community. That connection shaped how they ran their business. Customers weren’t just customers. They were neighbours, friends, and fellow community members.
What truly set the Kerrs apart was their approach to both customers and employees. They believed that a successful business started with treating people well. Their kindness, fairness, and supportive leadership helped create a workplace culture that felt more like a family than a typical retail environment. Many team members found not just jobs, but long-term careers built on trust and respect.
The Next Generation Of Leadership
Over the years, the business continued to grow alongside the Kerr family. Jim and Debbie’s daughter, Rachelle Kerr, joined the company and became a key part of its development.
As a lifelong Barrie resident, she shared her parents’ passion for community and customer relationships. Through more than 20 years in the industry, she developed deep expertise in product knowledge, operations, and customer care.
Today, as Managing Partner working alongside her mother Debbie, Rachelle plays a vital role in guiding the company forward. Her responsibilities touch nearly every part of the business, from strategic planning and inventory management to staff development and day-to-day operations. Her hands-on leadership style ensures the business continues to operate smoothly while maintaining the same values it was built on.
Honouring Jim Kerr’s Legacy
In July 2023, the Kerr family and their team experienced a profound loss with the passing of Jim Kerr. His impact as a founder, mentor, and community member left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
To honour his legacy and the passion he brought to the business, Beachcomber Barrie was renamed Kerr Splash. The new name serves as a tribute not only to Jim’s leadership, but also to the values he helped establish: integrity, service, and community connection.
While the name has changed, the mission remains the same.
Today, Kerr Splash continues to build on the foundation Jim and Debbie created more than two decades ago. Under Debbie and Rachelle’s leadership, the company remains committed to providing expert guidance, quality products, and the same warm, welcoming experience customers have always known.
A Legacy That Continues
Jim’s legacy lives on not just in the name Kerr Splash, but in the way the business continues to operate every day. From helping families create backyard retreats to supporting customers long after their purchase, his vision remains at the heart of every interaction.
More than just a business, Kerr Splash is a reflection of a family’s dedication to their community, their customers, and each other. It’s a story of growth, resilience, and values that continue to shape the company’s future.