When Barry Kipp visited family in New Jersey three years ago, he noticed something unusual during a snowstorm: his cousin’s outdoor furniture was covered in what looked like perfectly form-fitted plastic. Intrigued, he learned about shrink wrapping—a technology widely used in the Northeast but virtually unknown in the Lake Norman area.
That moment of discovery launched Wrap It Today, a mobile shrink wrapping service that’s revolutionizing how boat owners protect their investments.
The Problem with Traditional Boat Covers
If you’ve ever used a traditional boat cover, you know the frustration. Barry hears the same stories repeatedly: “$150 spent on Amazon tarps and poles – the whole system collapsed.” But the consequences go far beyond wasted money.
During recent harsh weather, several Lake Norman boat owners experienced their worst nightmare: boats sinking under traditional covers when bilge pumps failed. The culprit? Water weight. Traditional covers create what Barry calls “the soup effect” – rain, snow, leaves, and debris pool on top of the cover, creating dangerous accumulation that can literally sink your boat or cause structural damage.
Walk through any marina in winter and the difference is stark. Traditionally covered boats sit buried under leaves with water pooled on top, while shrink-wrapped boats remain pristine.
How Shrink Wrap Technology Works
Wrap It Today uses 7-millimeter polyethylene plastic that’s heat-shrunk to conform perfectly to your boat’s shape. The key innovation is the tented design: instead of creating a flat surface where water and debris accumulate, the shrink wrap’s contoured shape causes everything to roll right off.
The system includes built-in ventilation to prevent mold and mildew while protecting against rain, snow, pollen, leaves, and dirt. The result? Your boat stays dry, clean, and protected for 12-18 months – even up to two years if needed.
“Once you shrink wrap your boat and see the benefit of it, you’ll shrink wrap your boat forever,” Barry explains. “The proof is in the pudding.”
Mobile Convenience That Fits Your Schedule
One of Wrap It Today’s biggest advantages is mobility. Barry comes to you – whether that’s your home, dock, or marina. The process couldn’t be simpler: send a photo of your boat, receive a quote, and Barry wraps it while you’re at work. Many customers never even meet him in person, paying via check or Venmo after the job is complete.
Peak season runs November through December, though Barry has wrapped boats as late as December 29th for procrastinators. Living near the lake, he often spot-checks customers’ boats throughout winter to ensure everything stays secure.
Beyond Storage: Transport Wrapping
Barry discovered another crucial market: boat transport. Boat brokers increasingly request his services when shipping vessels across the country, and the results speak for themselves.
One boat destined for San Francisco traveled through Arizona and New Mexico, enduring 60-mile-per-hour winds and a foot of snow. It arrived pristine. Another went to Lake Tahoe for an Olympic snowboarder who purchased through a broker. A recent Cornelius customer had their boat wrapped for transport to Indiana.
“There’s a big difference in wrapping a boat for transport versus storage,” Barry notes. The transport wrapping process is more intensive, but it ensures buyers receive clean, protected boats regardless of highway conditions.
The Spring Payoff
When spring arrives, the investment pays dividends. While traditionally covered boats require extensive cleaning and potential repairs, shrink-wrapped boats are ready to launch. Barry offers unwrapping services and recycles all plastic into useful products like decking – zero landfill waste.
The protection extends your boat’s longevity significantly. No rust, no water damage, no freeze-thaw issues splitting materials. Less spring maintenance means more time on the water.
A Growing Lake Norman Solution
Barry’s business philosophy is simple: deliver exceptional customer service, and referrals follow naturally. His Google reviews consistently reflect satisfied customers, and his Facebook page generates most marine inquiries through word-of-mouth momentum.
“The best form of marketing is actually just recommendations,” he says. “If you do a good job, it costs you nothing.”
What started as a chance observation during a snowy New Jersey visit has become an essential service for Lake Norman’s boating community. Barry recognized that while the Southeast doesn’t battle heavy snow like the Northeast, pollen and environmental exposure create their own protection challenges.
For boat owners tired of failed tarps, water-logged covers, and spring cleaning marathons, shrink wrapping offers a superior alternative backed by proven results – from Lake Norman marinas to cross-country transport.
Learn more at wrapittoday.com
About the author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a licensed real estate agent and accomplished digital marketing professional.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, playing pickleball, cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
Broker: LKNreal
Founder: Epic Journey Media
Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin
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