Franchi Hunts New Ground with Theresa Vail and ‘Limitless’
OutdoorHub 08.18.14
Franchi, a division of Benelli USA, has announced its sponsorship and endorsement deal with the former Ms. Kansas and Ms. America contestant and outdoor celebrity Theresa Vail.
As part of the arrangement, Franchi will be the presenting sponsor of Vail’s new Outdoor Channel reality show “Limitless with Theresa Vail” and bring her onto the brand’s prostaff team. It’s a move calculated to show the brand’s support of young and aspiring shooters, and give the Italian shotgun maker access to a broader and more diverse set of potential buyers.
“We’re thrilled to work with Theresa—and believe that not only is she a personality, but a person who comes along once in a great while in our industry.” said Tom Kaleta, VP of marketing for Benelli USA. “She’s the right person with the right message and incredible passion for the sport—Theresa’s background and appeal lets us reach entirely new audiences while still connecting with Franchi loyalists.”
Sponsoring Vail and the new show was a natural for Franchi, said Kaleta, adding that the Limitless format and episode content was also made to order for the brand. “Theresa’s message is about breaking down stereotypes and bringing new people into the hunting lifestyle. Franchi offers beautifully designed Italian shotguns perfect for people who demand more from themselves and their equipment. That is what “Limitless” is all about.”
“Limitless with Theresa Vail” will feature Vail taking on new, extreme challenges, from terrain and weather to dangerous game. The arrangement also gives Franchi access to Vail’s insights for product development.
“She’s out there living it, in the field—turkey, upland, deer—that’s very exciting for us because Theresa is the real deal,” said Kaleta. Vail’s celebrity as a hunter and outdoorswoman is only slightly eclipsed by her celebrity on other fronts. Former Miss Kansas, Miss America contestant, Army National Guard Sergeant, college student, avid gun and bowhunter—Vail’s “never quit” persona is at the core of the “Limitless” storyline, according to Kaleta and Outdoor Channel producers.
“I’m beyond excited,” said Vail. “Franchi is a great brand, and this show is really going to let me put their products to the test, not to mention testing myself.” Vail went on to say filming “Limitless” would be an exciting challenge in itself, since the show is focused on wild places and experiences.
“Limitless with Theresa Vail” will debut in July 2015, and Vail will be shooting the Franchi Intensity 12-gauge during show segments. In honor of the partnership, Franchi is launching a contest to win an identical Intensity shotgun—viewers can enter the contest on Franchi’s Facebook page. http://woobox.com/y48r52
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