Lew’s announces the hiring of longtime fishing industry veteran Terry Pederson to serve as vice president of sales responsible for the company’s western United States sales efforts.
Pederson brings more than 35 years of sales, marketing and management skills to the new Lew’s position. He spent several early-career years in retail store management. Since 1985
he has worked for Daiwa Corporation USA.
For the last 12 years, Pederson was vice president of sales and marketing for Daiwa’s
North America efforts, and served on their
board of directors.
“It’s not often that someone with Terry’s industry experience and rod-and-reel-business knowledge becomes available,” said President Gary Remensnyder. “He’s a perfect fit for a role that we’ve identified as being an integral part of our strategic growth initiatives looking forward.
“There’s no doubt Terry will be a great complement to Richard LaBauve in helping manage the fast-track that Richard has been leading Lew’s on for awhile now. Allowing both men to have a geographic sales focus will be beneficial to them and their respective accounts.”
Pederson is scheduled to start with Lew’s and begin his western United States sales responsibilities on Sept. 12. He will report to Remensnyder.
Vice President LaBauve, who joined Lew’s in 2011 and lives in South Carolina, will include the eastern United States responsibilities among his sales duties.
Lew’s has grown rapidly ever since Lynn Reeves bought the brand in 2009 and re-launched it with all-new products the following year. Remensnyder became a partner with Reeves shortly after that.
In 2010, the “new” Lew’s was made up of four baitcast reel series, two spinning reel series and four series of rods. The 2017 Lew’s catalog of today includes many different series of rods, reels and accessories, of which all are marketed under the company’s Lew’s, Wally Marshall Signature Series, Mr. Crappie and other related brands.
Annual successful new product introductions are among the reasons for Lew’s resurgence in the marketplace. Following 2014 and 2015 “Best of Show” awards in the rod and reel category at the annual ICAST fishing tackle trade show, Lew’s won three “Best” awards at the 2016 ICAST held in Orlando last month.
“I know the Lew’s brand and people behind it well, and I’m really excited to be taking this next career step with a company that has been the talk of the industry these last 3 or 4 years,” said Pederson. “Having the opportunity to stay in California and work the West for Lew’s is something special for me. Lynn (Reeves) and his team have already made me feel welcome.”
“I’ve known Terry for probably 30 years and he’s a quality stand-up guy with great talent,” said CEO Lynn Reeves. “He knows product, he knows the business, he knows the customer and he’s been actively involved in industry matters throughout his career. Like most on our team, Terry has the passion for what we do and he’s a great fit. We’re pleased to have him on board soon.”
For more information about the company, its history, products and people, visit www.Lews.com.
By: Gary Dollahon, Dollahon PR
