Confluence Adds Three to Design and Engineering Team
May 23rd, 2011
Hans Nutz joins industry veterans Bob McDonough and Mark “Snowy” Robertson as a fellow lead designer for Confluence boat brands. Also joining the design and engineering teams are two new engineers: Andy Robinson and Geoffrey Bergmark. With the iconic brands of Wave Sport, Dagger, Perception, Wilderness Systems and Mad River Canoe, Confluence Watersports has created dedicated design and engineering teams to see the introduction of each new boat from concept to manufacture.
Working in concert with athletes from the Wave Sport and Dagger pro teams, as well as the experts on the Wilderness Systems Pro Staff each designer is joined on a team by an engineer and a product manager. The team concept focuses on collaboration to ensure that every boat that reaches the market will display the strongest blend of inspiration, performance, quality, materials innovation, and consumer appeal to maximize retail opportunity.
“The depth of knowledge in our design and engineering teams is a major point of difference for us,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “They’re incredibly talented individuals whose skills and vision complement those of their colleagues. Since their backgrounds vary, they each draw from different professional and life experiences to solve design dilemmas and challenge existing constraints of boat design. We’re very proud to have each of them on our team and look forward to what we can all accomplish together.”
Hans Nutz holds a master’s of industrial design. He’s been part of award-winning design teams in several industries and wrote a thesis on consumer needs in recreational markets. Engineers Andy Robinson and Geoffrey Bergmark bring further “design for manufacture” expertise to the Confluence brand teams. Andy is a South Carolina local with vast experience in mold design, tool and mechanical design, and plastic design engineering. Geoffrey’s engineering focus is mechanical design. His background as an elite cyclist and trainer influences his work in the outdoor industry.
Confluence Expands Supply Chain Team to Support Growth and Assure Quick Response
May 1, 2011
Confluence Watersports has hired Barbara Deaver as director of strategic sourcing and supply chain management for all of the company’s brands. In this newly created senior level position, Deaver will oversee an expanded supply chain team to ensure reliable availability, top quality products, and align the supply chain function with customer requirements.
The hiring of Deaver underscores the company’s commitment to being the premier supplier to paddlesports retailers. The ongoing growth trajectory necessitated an expanded team with a comprehensive range of expertise for five top-line boat brands, Adventure Technology, the expansive Harmony line, and the recently acquired Bomber Gear brand. Deaver will lead the team with singular focus on providing consistently high quality products, reliably quick turnaround times, and a 100% in-stock position.
Though Deaver will oversee all Confluence sourcing, the accessories division (Adventure Technology, Harmony and Bomber Gear) will see the most immediate impact of the increased attention to the supply chain.
“With the establishment of a dedicated accessories division two years ago, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “In order to help our retail partners maximize sell through and profits on accessories, we’re always seeking to improve our own performance. There have been instances where we were caught short on inventory, which caused unacceptable inconveniences to our retail partners. To prevent this in the future, we’ve strengthened and expanded our supply chain team. Barbara and the team will coordinate with our global supply chain for timely delivery and optimum quality, allowing us to better meet retailer demand. She is an experienced and highly capable manager. We’re pleased to have her as part of the team.”
Deaver will collaborate with all departments to determine opportunities for expanded sourcing and quality enhancement. Her expertise, along with that of recently hired Adriana Buzzell and Robert Noble in the roles of senior buyers, brings new depth to the supply chain team. With the recent inclusion of Bomber Gear into the Confluence brand portfolio, this depth of experience will benefit boat, accessory and soft-good sales for retail partners.
