“I am extremely excited to join Team Westin and help grow the brand in North America,” comments Barry Stockhaus, the newly appointed General Sales Manager of North America, for Westin Fishing. With this engagement, the leading Danish fishing tackle brand, has significantly strengthened it’s hand in the North American fishing market.
Barry’s appointment is designed to support Westin’s existing, succesful partnership with North American wholesale distributor; Big Rock Sports, which was set in place last year. And this development fits Big Rock Sports very well:
“We, at Big Rock Sports are thrilled to have a person with Barry’s qualifications on board. His knowledge and market expertise will surely help to build brand awareness and assist us in catapulting the brand to the next level,” states Bob Hunter, Vice President of Merchandising for Big Rock Sports.
The link between Big Rock Sport’s and the Danish headquarter is a vital, strategic focal point for Westin: “It is really important for us to have some ‘feet on the ground’ in North America, to better support the good job, that Big Rock is doing for us. Barry fits the gap perfectly,” explains Westin’s Thomas Sanotra, who has taken on a new role as the company’s Director of Operations.
Experience is key
Barry joins Team Westin with a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, and Thomas Sanotra, views the collaboration with Barry as a crucial advantage: “Barry has extensive knowledge of the fishing market in North America and all its intricacies. He also knows what turns anglers on in this market. He will be able to convey the message about the quality and innovation of Westin lures and other products to the North American dealers very well. He has really taken to the Westin brand and has the right ethos to fit in with the team.”
It is not without reason, that Barry Stockhaus is praised for his vast industry knowledge, as he has previously worked for some of the biggest names in the business.
Stockhaus started his career working for Mepps and Mister Twister in 1995 as Eastern US Sales Manager, before becoming General Sales Manager of North America for French lure brand; Sébile. When Sébile was acquired by Pure Fishing in 2011, Barry changed roles to become Account Manager in the Midwest for Pure Fishing, where he won the company’s coveted salesman of the year award.
Commenting on his own appointment, Barry says: “The Westin team is a group of passionate anglers, like me, and I look forward to bringing my knowledge of the North American angler to Westin. This will be an exciting journey ahead and I am very glad to be a part of it.”
Another part of Barry’s role will be, to begin assembling a team of pro anglers to become Team Westin North America, to further help support the marketing message of the brand.
Stockhaus is set to start June 26th. Dealers can contact him at bks@westin-fishing.com.
You can see for yourself, just what Westin is about at this year’s ICAST show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Visit them on booth # 1077 to see how the world of Westin Connects Man and Fish.
About Westin
The very first Westin lure was created by the late Ingvar Westin, a skilled tool maker who wanted to make a toy for his children. He carved a fish which wriggled and rolled like a real fish as they dragged it through the water. And since it looked like an oversized pike lure, he Christened it the ‘Jätte’ – the Swedish word for giant. The Westin Jätte was born, and with it was an entire new fishing movement – the Westin roll.
Westin has grown to become a significant force in European lure, predator, and sea fishing over the years and has been growing globally in a strong way over the last few years. Its expansion into North America has been a steady success story, with much more still to come.
Visit www.westin-fishing.com to learn more.
Discover more from Fishing Tackle Retailer - The Business Magazine of the Sportfishing Industry
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
