Tackle Trade World - October 2023

MUSTAD MAKES KEY
US APPOINTMENTS
Recently installed Mustad
North America general
manager Paul Ruda
has handpicked a team
of industry veterans to
support him in his new
role.
By assembling a group of
individuals who share his
passion and vision, Ruda
said he aims to create a
formidable force within the
fishing equipment industry.
He explained: “It’s an
honour to serve and lead
the Mustad family of
brands, focusing on our
North American market.
What’s more rewarding is
having had the opportunity
to build and surround
myself with a team of such
skill and knowledge base
within the industry.
“Mustad has an excellent
reputation, which is why I
feel we were able to recruit
such a strong staff. We
all came together because
we know we can make a
difference for these brands,
which we are all so proud of.”
As a result, he has now
appointed Andy Baumbach,
Vince Minnick, Isaac Payne,
Dave Wensel and Brian Perry
to key positions within the
team, designed to boost the
firm and bring innovative
Andy Baumbach
solutions to the market for the
Mustad, LiveTarget and Tuf-
Line brands.
As director of marketing
for North America, Andy
Baumbach said: “There is a
lot of room for growth within
the family of brands. Standing
on a foundation of trust,
and historically well-known
products, I’m confident we
will be able to expand upon
Brian Perry
Dave Wensel Isaac Payne Vince Minnick
our current catalogue with
new products while supporting
with fresh marketing tactics.”
National sales manager for
key accounts, Vince Minnick,
added: “The thing I love the
most about this industry is the
opportunity to provide fishing
tackle that will help anglers of
all ages and skill levels have
positive experiences in the
outdoors.”
As director of
innovation and product
development, Isaac
Payne brings extensive
experience in driving
product development and
incorporating cutting-edge
technologies. His ability
to identify market trends
and transform ideas into
tangible products will
ensure Mustad continues to
provide fishermen with the
latest and most effective
solutions.
Meanwhile Dave
Wensel, senior business
manager for West US, is
said to have a keen eye
for identifying growth
opportunities and
implementing effective
sales strategies and was
recruited due to his
merchandising experience
in other markets.
Brian Perry takes up
the role as senior business
manager for East US with aim
of driving revenue generation
in this region.
His passion for fishing,
along with his first job
as mate on the fishing
vessel Outlaw Illustrated,
encouraged him to find a
career in the tackle industry.
www. mustad-fishing.com/us
Another reason to listen to Garmin?
Marine electronics and tech expert
Garmin has entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire JL Audio, the US
company that designs and manufactures
a range of audio solutions.
With over four decades of
experience, JL Audio offers a range
of premium audio products and
accessories, including speakers,
amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio
components for marine, aftermarket
automotive, powersports, home and RV
customers.
Garmin president and CEO Cliff
Pemble said: “JL Audio’s extensive
audio experience will create new
opportunities to provide premium
audio features across a broad range of
our markets and products.
“The JL Audio brand is known
around the world for offering a
premium audio experience, which is
made possible by their talented and
dedicated associates.”
JL Audio founder and CEO Lucio
Proni added: “JL Audio shares Garmin’s
vision to deliver unique technology
solutions supported by meaningful
R&D and engineering. We are thrilled
at the opportunity to integrate into
Garmin’s product ecosystem.”
www.garmin.com
10 www.tackletradeworld.com