Tell us about who you are and your role in archery.
I am a Regional Sales Manager for PSE. I have been a retail store manager, outdoor writer, hunting guide, and a hunter safety instructor for WI & IL. I have held various positions including as a board member of the NY Outdoorsman Hall of Fame and National State Representative Director for the IBO. I was named NY Outdoorsman of the Year in 2005. I have shot a bow since the age of 10 when I was first introduced to archery at a YMCA summer camp. I have been fortunate to hunt and harvest animals in many states and Canada. I have competed with rifle and shotgun sports along with archery.
What do you like best about being on the business side? What do you miss?
Archery and bowhunting is my true love in the outdoors. I love the challenge that archery and bowhunting gives the individual. I find peace in bowhunting. I also love to challenge myself with competitive archery. I think that archery is a great sport on so many levels. One doesn't have to be a super athlete to compete and most people in the archery community are great people who truly appreciate the sport. Since 2007 I have worked for PSE Archery. One of the things I like most about PSE is that it is a family business. Pete Shepley, owner of PSE, has always treated me like family. It is great to work for a company that has allowed me to be part of so many decisions to include product development. I think that's one of the advantages of working for a family owned business. I have seen many changes at PSE and in the archery industry. Things are definitely different on the business side of archery versus the consumer side. One major lesson I have learned on the business side is the importance of the customer/consumer. Pete has always pounded this side of business in our heads. He wouldn't be in business for 50 years now without understanding this important lesson. In recent history, PSE has grown stronger with the leadership of David Kronengold, General Manager and Lonnie Workman, VP of Sales as they have come together as key leaders at PSE. As a company, we are fortunate for their leadership because they get it and truly live the image of what Pete has created at PSE!
Besides working for one of the best companies, I have been fortunate enough to work with two other aspects of the industry. The first being the various dealers I am fortunate to partner with. I have learned a lot from many of them and not necessarily archery related. Having run a retail store in the past I understand the struggles many of these dealer’s face. I pride myself on giving them the best customer service as possible. The point of the matter is that we have to be partners so we can both succeed. So when they need your help, you need to be there for them. Most archery dealers are archery fanatics themselves. We often forget the sacrifices they make by running a store. Many miss the hunting or competitions that originally lured them into running a store, not to mention the meals and family time they lose because they are taking care of their customers.
The other side of the business I love is my shooting staff. I am fortunate enough to work with a staff that has more national and world championships than any other regional staff! I also like to brag about my female staff shooters. My female staff shooters are probably the most formidable regional female staff in the world! I also like to include some youth in my staff as they are the future of our sport.
What does it mean to be a good ambassador to the sport of archery?
The most important thing about my staff is that they are awesome ambassadors of the sport and their dedication and enthusiasm feed my drive to be better and do more for the archery community. Archery has given me so much, and as an ambassador of the sport, I think we should constantly look at how we can give back. That was how I was fortunate enough to become involved in the IBO. It was great an experience and one I cherished.
If you could wave a magic wand and improve our sport, what would you like to see happen?
I think that we should all get involved at some level whether it's IBO, ASA, NFAA, etc. It definitely gives one a deeper appreciation of what it takes to put on the numerous events. If I could make one recommendation to competitive shooting it would be shoot all the different genres, whether its field, 3D, or indoor. First of all you don't have to take them seriously, but they will help make you a better shooter. If I could make one change for archery, I would like to see the general public become more involved in archery. Archery develops individuals in so many ways no matter the age or physical shape. I love shooting with friends, but I also like being able to meet new people at the events. Every day, I learn something. I would like to thank PSE for the opportunity, my dealers for their friendship, my staff for, well, for more than they will ever know, and my fellow archers for the fun and support!
The Archers Association of America negotiates discounts in travel and archery equipment for archers of all disciplines. To learn more or sign up, go to www.archersassociation.org.