Big water expert looks to grow Yar-Craft presence in upper Midwest
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – Minnesota’s Brett King, a 20-year veteran of the marine industry and a highly competitive angler on the National Walleye Tour, has joined Bass Cat Boats as a regional sales manager in the upper Midwest and will be working closely with Ivan Williams to grow the brands. He will represent the Bass Cat and Yar-Craft in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa and northern Illinois.
“I feel like I have been in training my entire career for this position,” King said. “This is what I live, eat, breathe and wake up in the morning thinking about. I’m excited to make a push with both brands to increase overall awareness and I’m honored to have the opportunity.”
“Brett and I have known each other for several years and his hard-work at the dealer level, reputation for service and extensive knowledge of the northern boat brands will serve him well in his new position. I’m extremely excited to have him working with Ivan Williams and Joe Okada to provide a high level of service for our dealers,” said Dallas Hodges, vice-president of sales and marketing.
Bass Cat President Rick Pierce said that in addition to King’s likable personality, business skills and industry knowledge, the other thing that made him a natural fit for the position was his acute awareness of the sport and what serious anglers demand of their boats.
“We are fishermen first and foremost,” Pierce said. “All of us. We want every person in our operation to be familiar with the product, and to understand our commitment to making a product that will stand up to everything the elements can dish out. That describes Brett perfectly.”
Indeed, King said that in the course of covering thousands of miles across the water every year, he’s come to understand that proper boat construction will ensure not only safety, fuel efficiency and comfort, but also the overall experience. “When I took my first 80 mile per hour ride in a Bass Cat, it brought out the kid in me,” he explained. He has vast experience in dealer support, sales and manufacturing, but he comes to the company knowing that it is his job to deliver fun and value to the entire Bass Cat “family.”
“I certainly started with a Yar-Craft focus, but after spending some time in Mountain Home, I’m fired up about Bass Cat, too. I think we have a very bright future together,” he said.
Pierce agreed: “Brett King understands that customer service is our focus across all of our products, from Bass Cat to Yar-Craft, from the smallest boat we make to the largest. We don’t undertake any new hire lightly here, and we’re confident that he’s here for the long haul because he fits cleanly into our value system.”
About Bass Cat: Bass Cat, owned by Correct Craft, manufactures the industry’s premier bass fishing boats from its headquarters in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family operated since it’s founding in 1971, Bass Cat is the longest continuously operating tournament bass boat company in the United States. For more information visit www.basscat.com.
About Yar-Craft: Celebrating over 46 years of excellence in the marine industry, Yar-Craft (owned by Correct Craft) is the premier walleye fishing boat in the world known for excellent craftsmanship and customer service. For more information visit www.yarcraft.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 92 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. The Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.