Fifty Years Strong, Powered by Community

Performance Starts Here. Since 1976.
In 2026, Concept2 celebrates 50 years of building rowing oars and Ergs that help people move, train, and connect. What began in 1976 in a Vermont dairy barn has grown into a global community united by effort, curiosity, and a shared belief that good design, and good people, matter. 

Founded by Peter Dreissigacker, Dick Dreissigacker, Bari Dreissigacker, and later Judy Geer, Concept2 started with a simple idea: there had to be a better way. That idea led to innovation in rowing, and eventually to the Ergs now found in rowing clubs, gyms, CrossFit affiliates, HYROX competitions, military and first responder training facilities, adaptive programs, and homes around the world. 

As we mark this milestone, we want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting your fitness to us, for pushing your own limits, and for being part of a community that has shaped who we are for five decades. 

“From the very beginning, Concept2 has been about people, showing up for one another, sharing knowledge, and doing things the right way,” says Co-Founder Judy Geer. “Our community has always been our greatest strength, and that’s something we’ll continue to protect and grow.” 

A Legacy Built on Purpose
Concept2’s story began with innovation on the water. Brothers Dick and Peter Dreissigacker, competitive rowers themselves, designed and built the first carbon-fiber oars at a time when wooden oars were the standard. They raced with these prototype oars for the first time at the 1976 United States Olympic Trials. While they didn’t win that race, they knew they were onto something, and rowing would never be the same. 

That same problem-solving mindset soon led to the creation of the Concept2 RowErg. As rowing grew in popularity, the demand for reliable, accurate training tools grew with it. Concept2 grew too, always guided by the belief that equipment should be durable, accessible, and built to last. 

Over the years, our product line has expanded beyond rowing. The SkiErg and BikeErg opened new ways to train, and in 2025, we entered the strength space with the launch of the StrengthErg, the newest evolution of our commitment to functional, performance-driven design. 

Through every iteration, one thing has remained constant: a focus on quality, longevity, and supporting the people who use our products. 

Rooted in Service
Taking care of our friends has always been part of Concept2’s foundation. That current still runs strong through our culture today. 

Customer service isn’t an add-on; it’s at the core of what we do. From replacement parts that keep machines running for decades to real humans answering questions, we believe supporting our community is just as important as designing great equipment. 

Celebrating a Global Community
At the heart of Concept2 is a global community that spans Olympians and elite competitors, fitness enthusiasts and first-time exercisers, coaches, clubs, service members, adaptive athletes, and people simply looking to move a little more each day. 

This 50th anniversary is about celebrating those people. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing stories from across the community: testimonials, memories, milestones, and moments that reflect the many ways Concept2 fits into peoples’ lives around the world. 

From online rankings and training logs to annual challenges and local events, we believe fitness is a powerful way to build community and bring out the best in people. Progress is personal, effort is inclusive, and community makes it stronger. We’re rooted in honesty, fairness and integrity, and we believe our community is too. 

Looking Forward, Together
Our anniversary theme, “50 Years Strong: Honoring the Past, Propelling Our Community Forward,” reflects both gratitude and responsibility. 

As part of this milestone, we’re reaffirming our mission: to design, manufacture, sell, and support high-quality, innovative products for the benefit of the entire Concept2 community: customers, users, employees, suppliers, and neighbors. 

That commitment is strengthened by the establishment of the Concept2 Perpetual Purpose Trust, which helps ensure the company remains focused on long-term stewardship, integrity, and accessibility for generations to come. 

“The value we create through our business will be used for a greater purpose in serving the Concept2 community,” the founders share. “Our mission will carry forward in the hands of our talented employees, and Concept2 will remain the gold standard for best-in-class products and unmatched customer service.” 

Join Us for the Year Ahead
The 50th anniversary celebration will roll out throughout 2026 across digital channels, social media, email, events, and more. Expect community storytelling, historical reflections, special activations, a 50th anniversary challenge, and limited-edition anniversary apparel. 

Whether you’ve been with us for decades or just pulled your first stroke, we’re glad you’re here. Thank you for being part of the journey. 

Here’s to 50 years strong, and to everything we’ll build together next.