Big Rock Sports announced the retirement of senior merchandise manager Rocky Conroy. The industry veteran, who was based in Clackamas, OR, officially retired on January 31. As part of Big Rock’s succession plan, merchandise managers Graig Zurn and Jon Lyons have assumed all of Conroy’s responsibilities.
Rocky Conroy began his tenure at Big Rock Sports in Clackamas (known then as All-Sports) in September 1989. Prior to that, he worked in sporting goods retail for Fisherman’s Marine in the Portland area.
At one point, prior to consolidating to a national merchant organization, Conroy supervised Big Rock’s entire Western merchant team. He served as the go-to expert on all things pertaining to the Pacific Northwest fishery and became an expert in numerous other markets. In recent years, Conroy primarily managed Big Rock’s entire freshwater lure category, which is extremely complex, given its highly regional nature.
“His well-rounded fishery knowledge and fishing industry experience allowed Rocky to buy virtually every category we stock,” said Bob Hunter, vice president of merchandising at Big Rock Sports. “We will certainly miss Rocky, but I am sure the salmon in the Columbia River will enjoy their new full-time adversary.”
Hunter added that he was excited to see Graig Zurn and Jon Lyons take on Conroy’s previous categories, which include tackle storage. Zurn relinquished his shooting sports merchant responsibilities more than six months ago and worked closely with Rocky in order to ensure a smooth transition of the freshwater lure category.
“Both Graig and Jon are top-notch, experienced merchants,” said Hunter. “They are more than ready to take over Rocky’s duties.”
