Ranger Loses Three Top Executives

FLIPPIN, Ark.— Three of Ranger Boats top executives have resigned.

According to a report from Bassfan, CEO Randy Hopper, vice president of sales Keith Daffron and vice president of finance Mendel Hughes are no longer with the Arkansas-based boat manufacturer. The shakeups come nearly a year after Ranger was purchased by Bass Pro Shops, along with competitors Triton and Stratos.

At the time, Hopper commented that, “We (Ranger) are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands. This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing.”

Hopper began working for Ranger when he was a teenager. When reached by Bassfan for comment, he added, “I’ve been with the company for over 46 years and I’m not there now. It’s a great company and I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Hopper was inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2005. He became the company’s president in 1989.

Ranger owns a significant share of the bass boat market.

Forrest and Nina Wood started the company in the 1960s when Wood was a fishing guide on the White River. It came to prominence in the the 1970s and was the official bass boat of the Bassmaster Classic for more than 20 years. Since the 1990s, Ranger has been closely associated with the FLW Tour, which bears the initials of Forrest Lee Wood, but has recently been referenced as “Fishing League Worldwide.”