Two of the top players in the fly-fishing market recently appointed new sales vice presidents, which, naturally, should be of interest to retailers throughout the country.
Scott Forristall
Far Bank Enterprises appointed outdoor industry veteran Scott Forristall as vice president of U.S. sales for Sage, Redington, and RIO Products. (An interesting point here is that Forristall has a strong personal saltwater fly fishing background.)
Forristall brings extensive leadership experience after working in the outdoor industry for the past 13 years. Most recently, he expanded sales efforts as the head of sales for the Watercraft Division of Johnson Outdoors where he worked with all of the major outdoor industry retailers as well as 300 outdoor specialty retailers.
“I developed my passion for spending time on the water while growing up in the Bahamas, and while working search and rescue in Florida serving in the US Coast Guard, fly fishing became an obsession,” notes Forristall. “After chasing bonefish, tarpon, trout and tuna, I’m ready to combine my professional and leisure lives and bring my sales expertise to the Far Bank brands.”
“Scott’s background offers extensive sales leadership skills and invaluable experience to escalate our sales capabilities. Bringing in a passionate fly angler who knows water sports as well as the outdoor industry will ensure our brands are expanding and developing where most appropriate,” comments Travis Campbell, Far Bank President and CEO.
Marc Bale will continue in his role as Far Bank’s Director of international sales.
Simms Fishing Products also recently announced the hiring of Steve Bendzak as that company’s vice president of global sales.
Steve Bendzak
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.
