Breakwater Books

The company is also known for its publication of educational materials for schools, and was the first company in Atlantic Canada to do so.

• Founded — 1973 • Founder — Tom Dawe, Al Pittman, Clyde Rose, Pat Byrne, and Richard Buehler • Country — Canada • Headquarters — St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador • Distribution — University of Toronto Press Distribution • Publications — Books • Url — www.breakwaterbooks.com

On March 22, 1973, five professors at Memorial University of Newfoundland – Tom Dawe, Al Pittman (d. 2001), Clyde Rose (d. 2023), Pat Byrne, and Richard Buehler – determined that the access to Newfoundland and Labrador learning materials was far too limited for their liking. At the time, Newfoundland writers either had to go to mainland publishers, or take on the financial burden of publishing their works themselves. It was at this time that the five men decided that something must be done. So, through that sense of frustration, Breakwater Books LTD. was formed. With an initial mission to publish materials that would preserve the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, the men began publications. The early years of Breakwater were spent in Clyde Rose's basement. The five men worked as a team, initially publishing educational materials. However, the interest in Breakwater soon grew, and the part-time operation flourished into a full-time business. It was at this time that Clyde Rose stepped in as full-time manager of Breakwater Books, which Pat Byrne has said was "a risky move". Since the early years of Breakwater, the business has grown under Rose's management. Recently, the company has expanded its horizons to publish works from various genres, most notably children's literature, fiction, and poetry. As of 2003, Breakwater had published over 500 titles, a number which has only grown substantially since that time.

Breakwater Books was founded in 1973 by Richard Buehler, Pat Byrne, Tom Dawe, Al Pittman, and Clyde Rose. In 2009, Rose retired from his position as president of the company, passing ownership on to his daughter, Rebecca Rose. Rebecca Rose had already been employed by the company and handling its day-to-day operations since 2000. She is also the president of the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association, and was named Youth Entrepreneur of the Year by the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs.