Lew’s Announces Hiring Of Richard LaBauve To Lead Sales
OutdoorHub 06.02.11
(May. 26, 2011 – Springfield, MO)… Lew’s announces the hiring of Richard LaBauve to serve as the company’s vice president of sales.
LaBauve brings nearly 20 years of related industry experience to the company, 12 of which were spent in Columbia, S.C., where most recently he served as a senior national accounts manager for Pure Fishing. He previously also held sales roles with Penn Reels, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Co. and Maurice Sporting Goods.
“Richard knows this industry, understands the rod and reel business and has a proven track record of treating customers courteously and professionally. He’s the ideal person to lead our sales efforts,” said Lew’s president Gary Remensnyder in making the announcement. “Richard is extremely dedicated and very hardworking. He fits right into the culture we are developing for the new Lew’s, and he shares the same passion all have on our team for returning this legendary American brand to retail prominence and angler popularity.”
LaBauve will officially assume the new sales role effective June 6th. His responsibilities include overseeing sales program development, managing the contracted sales force, interacting with key accounts and coordinating sales strategies.
Lew’s was originally founded in the 1950s. Longtime fishing industry executive Lynn Reeves acquired the Lew’s name and many affiliated trademarks, including Speed Spool, Speed Spin, Speed Stick and Laser from the Lew Childre family in 2009. The company also exclusively markets the Wally Marshall Signature Series and Mr. Crappie rods, reels and fishing line.
“I’m excited to be on board with Team Lew’s, and I couldn’t be any prouder that Gary and Lynn have entrusted me with leading the company’s sales initiatives,” LaBauve said. “Without a doubt, a great deal of thought has gone into this brand’s new product development, price points and profit margins for each level of distribution. I’m confident we have made this product line a win-win for all concerned.”
