June 29, 2010

Confluence Watersports welcomes Kaustubh Deshpande as the new vice president and chief financial operator for the multi-brand paddlesports company. Kaustubh will lead the finance and accounting departments.

“We are pleased to have Kaustubh join the team,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence. “He brings not only significant experience in finance, but also a strong background in engineering, operations and a broad spectrum of IT skills. With our unwavering goal of providing the highest level of customer responsiveness in every department, Kaustubh will focus on customer-facing accounting services, in addition to streamlining our internal financial processes. He will lead the team effort of maintaining and increasing our fiscal strength to enhance the future for our brands and continued success for our dealer partners.” Continue Reading…

June 16, 2010

Confluence Watersports has hired Lila Thomas to lead the sales and marketing efforts for the company’s accessories division. Lila will be responsible for enhancing brand awareness and increasing sales for Adventure Technology (AT paddles) and Harmony paddling accessories. Though in the same division, the brands still maintain their autonomy in production, development and distribution. As she works to further strengthen and develop each brand, Lila will offer support to company sales reps and its dealers; set direction for marketing, promotion, and training; and oversee Harmony’s Shopatron e-commerce site strategy. Continue Reading…

May 20, 2010

Confluence Watersports has expanded its marketing department, allowing for an intensified focus on social media efforts for each of its brands. With the internal promotion of Craig Ray to manager of marketing communications and the new hire of Jessica Wessinger to marketing specialist, the team can continue to execute on long-term strategies, while being more nimble to manage the needs of the growing, online communities.

“We congratulate Craig, and we welcome Jessica to Confluence,” said Cheri McKenzie, CMO of Confluence. “This restructuring is the evolution of a strategy that began with the re-launch of our websites over a year ago. Online and community-driven media have been a critical part of our brand awareness and development of brand dedication. Craig has built strong foundations to ensure that our online communities are driven by and for the people who visit them. Jessica will keep us responsive, relevant and engaged members of those communities.”

In his new role, Craig will manage a new marketing communications team that includes an internal social media team and Jessica’s new media work. With seven websites, three branded communities, five blogs, seven Facebook pages and many vibrant, external forums in which to participate, it takes a village to effectively contribute to the online world. The primary contributors for Confluence are well-known authorities in paddlesports today, whose experience and knowledge allow them to speak authentically to the needs of retail partners and the passions of fellow paddlers. Primary contributors include: technical specialists Buff Grubb and Steve Scherrer, boat designers, Confluence management, and the Dagger, Wave Sport and Wilderness Systems Fishing pro teams.

Jessica will be responsible for day-to-day social media efforts on Confluence brand websites, Facebook, Twitter, as well as work closely with the broader social media team. She will provide marketing and advertising communications support. Outside of her professional life, Jessica is a competitive and accomplished equestrian and overall outdoor enthusiast. She hikes, fly-fishes and paddles. Her kayaking experience has been primarily on lakes and flatwater, and she is looking forward to her first whitewater lesson.

May 24, 2010

Confluence Watersports is pleased to welcome Joe Warren as the sales representative for the Northeast territory, consisting of southern New York, Rhode Island, western Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. Joe brings over 10 years of paddlesports sales experience to the Confluence team.

“Joe’s experience and knowledge will be an excellent asset in ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest level of customer service and support,” said Shelly Moore, VP of sales at Confluence. “In addition to his product expertise, he has established relationships in the region.”

Joe has been a sales rep for several competing paddlesports brands. His understanding of the needs of specialty dealers fits well with the Confluence goal of offering the best dealer support services in the industry. His most recent position was a manufacturer sales representative for Dunkin-Lewis, a leading sales rep agency in the South, where he represented several kayak and accessories brands.

The Confluence sales team is internal and works exclusively with Confluence brands. This allows for full dedication to customer service, encourages the development of long-term relationships with dealer partners, and helps to ensure continued success for its retailers.

If you are a retailer in the Northeast region and would like to contact Joe, please email (joe.warren@kayaker.com) or call Confluence customer service (877.755.2925).