Steve Bendzak – VP of Global Sales – Simms Fishing Products
Simms Fishing Products announced last week the hiring of Steve Bendzak as the company’s vice president of global sales.
Bendzak’s experience in the fishing industry and outdoor specialty markets includes 22 years at ExOfficio, where he managed the sales department as vice president of sales and, ultimately, General Manager of ExOfficio for their parent company, Jarden Corp. He oversaw accelerated growth with the brand over that time period.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled! After an exhaustive search, we’ve found the best fit for Simms and we’re excited to have Steve join Simms to manage our Sales & Service teams,” says K.C. Walsh, Simms President. “We knew we needed a leader with specialty retail experience and a track record of promoting a pinnacle brand through exciting periods of growth. Steve has all of this and more.”
As VP of sales, Bendzak will oversee Simms’ external sales representatives and international partners as well as the in-house sales team. In addition, he will manage the Customer Service department for retailers, pros and consumers, the Customer Care Center and E-commerce division. He will start his new role with the company beginning Jan. 2.
“Fishing has been my true passion since growing up guiding and spending summers at our family lodge in B.C. To join the Simms culture, where fishing is the lifestyle and product quality sets the gold standard, is a dream come true. This is a great company and brand and I can’t wait to get started,” Bendzak said
In other Simms-related news, check out this post we did for Fly Talk at www.fieldandstream.com… http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/flytalk/2013/11/simms-gives-employees-time-go-fishing-boost-productivity
Simms has initiated a “Fish Flex Friday” program, in which it encouraged employees to get out and fish.
Question: Does your business have a formal policy in place that encourages employees to get in the river or on the flats? Answer via comment thread below…
