Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Promotions and New Division at The Outdoor Group (TOG)

West Henrietta, NY- August 1, 2015: The Outdoor Group (TOG), parent company to premier brands Elite Archery, Duel Game Calls, Scott Archery, Custom Bow Equipment, Winner's Choice Custom Bowstrings, Solid Broadheads and Slick Trick Broadheads announces organizational changes that enhance and further develop their growing stable of premium brands.

"We have spent a considerable amount of time and resources the last 24 months to build a new world-class manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in New York State while enhancing our infrastructure and resources to improve, engineering, manufacturing, accounting and product development. With a strong foundation to build upon, there was a perfect opportunity to further advance our management team of whom I believe is comprised of the industry's best and brightest professionals in their respective fields. As we continue to professionalize our company it's imperative we focus on each of our executive leaders' strengths to enable laser-like focus on achieving the most with our brands. These new appointments allow us to maximize the synergies between our team and continue the growth of our premier line of brands, while setting the stage for the opportunities that lie ahead", stated TOG CEO, Greg Steil.

Beginning with the appointment of Peter Crawford as President of the newly formed Business Development Division, The Outdoor Group is performing significant staff changes to enhance the overall customer experience, build its brands and prepare for future product and category extension. As the leader of the Business Development Division, Crawford will focus his efforts on enhancement of the TOG footprint and expansion of TOG's market share while seeking corporate development opportunities. Crawford will apply a 20+ year knowledge base in manufacturing, sales, acquisitions and executive leadership with focus on the hunting and outdoor industries. As a lifelong outdoorsman Crawford's passion for business is only exceeded by his love to bowhunt and his combined experiences make him the perfect candidate for this new role. In collaboration with TOG's newly appointed Brand Managers and executive team Peter will maintain involvement in the branding and development of all TOG brands as well as Elite Archery's Television Show, Respect The Game. Crawford will continue to work from TOG's West Henrietta, NY corporate headquarters while regularly scouring the country for sales, business and hunting opportunities. Crawford had this to say about his new appointment, "This is really a great opportunity for me and a great way to really get out there and do what I do best while focusing on some of my favorite parts of this business. People will definitely see me at a lot more shoots this year, on a few more hunts, doing everything I can to expand The Outdoor Group . I am very excited about this new position and looking forward to helping archery grow".

Promoted to the position of President of Elite Archery and Winner's Choice Custom Bow Strings is former TOG "South" Vice President and professional archer, Eric Griggs. As an integral part of the development of the Elite Archery's bows and professional shooting staff since 2012, Griggs brings the perfect storm of experience to his new position. With professional archery accomplishments that rival the world's best, a long history of brand development and executive leadership experience at Scott, CBE and Winners Choice, Griggs's understanding of what makes a shootable bow and a superlative string are second to none. Looking forward to the continuation of the development of the Elite and Winner's Choice brands and the challenge of enhancing the World's Most Shootable Bow™ Griggs will split time between Elite Archery's West Henrietta, NY manufacturing facility and the Winner's Choice Custom Bow Strings facility in Stanton, KY.

"I can't think of a better candidate to fulfill the role of President at Elite Archery. For the last three years Eric has been a cornerstone in the development of Elite's award winning and record-setting bowline with a huge emphasis on our Energy series and Victory bows. His input has been critical to our success and a large part of why we continue to see Elite grow. His experience, relationships, attitude and collaborative management style are going to shine to our employees and amongst his peers in the archery industry", said previous Elite Archery President Peter Crawford.

Additional staff changes include the promotion of Adam Hayden to Scott and CBE Brand Manager, Paul Vaicunas to Vice President of Duel Game Calls, Slick Trick Broadheads and Solid Broadheads as well as Timothy Kent to The Outdoor Group's Vice President of Corporate Communications. Hayden brings a wealth of knowledge to his new appointment by way of his experience as National Sales Manager for Scott and CBE as well as TOG Territory Manager in Kentucky. Adam's pursuits as a hardcore bowhunter and professional tournament archer dovetail perfectly with his new role, where his insight on new product development and manufacturing will be critical to Scott and CBE brand success. A pillar of organization, with an eye for detail and a knack to leave no stone unturned, Hayden will have an exponential impact on the day-to-day operations and sales of Scott and CBE. He will continue to work from TOG's "south" office; home of Scott and CBE manufacturing, in Clay City, KY.

Industry veteran Paul Vaicunas continues to expand his roles at TOG, augmenting his previous title as Brand Manager of Duel Game Calls while adding Slick Trick and Solid Broadheads to his roster while, trading the title of Brand Manager for Vice President. A manufacturing and business management maven, Paul's experience as a business leader, semi-pro archer and accomplished bowhunter will allow him to further progress his zeal for taking products from ideas to reality, while improving the customer experience for the brands under his umbrella. TOG's Director of Marketing, Timothy Kent will assume the role of Vice President of Corporate Communications where he will manage the strategic vision, messaging, marketing and advertising of TOG's brands both to it's customers and employees. An avid bowhunter and longtime outdoor industry marketing and communications expert, Kent will apply his communication and management skills to advance the TOG marketing department while continuing the growth of TOG's brands in a competitive marketplace. He will also continue to manage and contribute to Elite Archery's Respect the Game TV show, which airs on The Sportsman Channel first and second quarter. Both Kent and Vaicunas will continue to work from The Outdoor Group's corporate headquarters in West Henrietta, NY.

Peter Crawford, Eric Griggs, Adam Hayden, Paul Vaicunas and Timothy Kent will all report to Greg Steil, CEO of The Outdoor Group.


ABOUT THE OUTDOOR GROUP
Established in 2012 and based in Henrietta, New York, The Outdoor Group is parent company to the premier brands of Elite Archery, Duel Game Calls, Scott Archery, Custom Bow Equipment, Winner's Choice Custom Bowstrings, Slick Trick and Solid Broadheads.

Media Contact: Timothy Kent tkent@togllc.com