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.

March 28, 2011

Confluence Watersports has expanded its sales team as part of an organizational restructuring of the sales division. Building on the success of the regional field representatives, the reorganization was designed to further drive sales at specialty through a combination of increased technical support, enhanced customer service, new key account personnel, and a dedicated e-commerce manager.

The restructuring of the team began in spring 2010, with the appointments of Brad Taylor as the director of U.S. field sales and promotion of Kevin Henderson to director of sales for Canada. Taylor traveled extensively to meet with U.S. retail partners, listen to their needs and identified potential areas for growth in both service and sales. This new restructuring of the sales organization will allow for the implementation of these expansion plans for retail partners and Confluence, alike.

As a key component of expanding independent specialty dealer support, Confluence announces the addition of five Technical Representatives in the U.S. and one in Canada. The “Tech Reps” will provide technical product training, warranty inspection and resolution, and support retailer shows and events. The company’s 13 regional sales representatives across North America remain the core of the Confluence sales team and the primary point of contact for retailers. Continue Reading…

Mad River Canoe has built its name on quality and remained committed to creating a better canoe since co-founder Jim Henry crafted the first Mad River Malecite in 1971.

The iconic Mad River Canoe brand celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011. In preparation for this landmark year, parent company Confluence Watersports invested two years of resource allocation aimed at strengthening the business, branding and product facets of Mad River Canoe. The brand emerges refreshed in 2011.

“Strengthening and rejuvenating Mad River Canoe has been a company-wide initiative,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “The heart of this brand lies in heritage, quality, and passion. Over the years, we have improved the execution of those elements that have not been consistent to our stringent standards. So, beginning two years ago, we enlisted sales, marketing, production, quality control, materials, engineering, and customer service to ensure that every aspect of Mad River Canoe lives up to its distinguished and premier status.”

Mad River Canoe is now equipped with efficiencies and improvements implemented across the organization, including the development of in-house staff training and certification programs to ensure the highest standards of quality are upheld through the manufacturing process. For the 2011 season, the results of these collaborative efforts will be visible in every Mad River Canoe.

Five brand-new boats in three different series hit the market in 2011, including a new series. The new Journey series, designed in partnership with Mad River Canoe co-founder Jim Henry, provides an ultra-tough and easy-to-paddle canoe for the casual enthusiast who enjoys a low-maintenance and versatile boat. The maneuverable Expedition 176 will join the popular Expedition 186, a lightweight tripping canoe. Continue Reading…

December 22, 2010

Confluence Watersports proudly announces that Bomber Gear will join its group of leading paddlesports brands. Bomber Gear, originally founded in Durango, Colo., is a premium, authentic paddlesports brand that specializes in the design of performance whitewater skirts and technical paddlesports apparel. Bomber Gear will relocate from Steamboat Springs, Colo., to Confluence Watersports’ headquarters in Easley, S.C. Rick Franken, founder of Bomber Gear, will relocate with his family to join the Confluence team as Product Development Manager for Softgoods and Accessories in early January, 2011.

With the move, Confluence Watersports infuses a powerful brand and design force into its growing accessories business. “Confluence is acquiring a heritage brand and product line in Bomber Gear, and also is bringing a legend in the core whitewater community into our family,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “This investment is in perfect alignment with the vision for our accessories business to provide a strong value proposition to our customers.” Continue Reading…