On the heels of the acquisition of Softspikes, Inc. by Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC, which established the worlds premier consumable golf products company in Pride/Softspikes, the Company today named veteran Pride Golf Tee executive Bob Burr as President and Chief Executive Officer. In his new position, Burr will oversee a business operation which leads the world in the production of golf tees and golf cleats, two of the most in-demand consumable products in the golf industry.
In addition to directing the Pride/Softspikes golf business, Burr will also lead the Companys continued wood turnings operation, Pride Manufacturing Company, which manufactures more than 5000 custom hardwood turning products for the piano, furniture, hardware, household, toy and craft & hobby industries, respectively.
Burr replaces 22-year Pride veteran Randy Ellis, who became Prides President in 1996, and was the-fourth generation of the Pride family to run the business. While relinquishing his position as President and CEO of Pride, Ellis will remain an integral part of the Company as a member of the Board of Directors where he will focus on strategic direction for Pride/Softspikes, while working closely with Burr to ensure a successful transition in corporate leadership. Burr, who has spent the past eleven years with Pride, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been a driving force of the Companys growth in both the wood turnings and golf tee industries.
“Bobs combined expertise in manufacturing, marketing and sales, backed by his in-depth knowledge of the Pride culture, makes him the ideal executive to move our Company forward,” said Adam Godfrey, Chairman of the Board, Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC. “Equally important, Bob will be instrumental in merging the Softspikes business operation into the Pride infrastructure, while continue to drive our ever-growing wood turnings business.”
As President and CEO of Pride/Softspikes, Burr will oversee an entity that employs nearly 600 people at seven facilities throughout the United States and England. It includes the Pride Golf Products Division, which will encompass all sales and marketing operations for the Pride and Softspikes brands, including the revolutionary Black Widow golf cleat-the worlds top-selling cleat. In addition to its flagship tee and cleat products, the Pride Golf Products Division will continue to market and sell a full line of golf accessories, including ball markers, divot repair tools, pencils, golf cleat accessories and a host of other products.
Burr will also direct Pride/Softspikes growth in the OEM market. In doing so, he will oversee the operation of Trisport, Ltd. of England, the leading manufacturer of cleats and receptacles for the worldwide golf market, which came with Softspikes as part of Prides acquisition of Sports Holdings, Inc., on January 23, 2003. Backed by the manufacturing expertise of Trisport, Ltd., Pride/Softspikes will complement its aftermarket business with an OEM operation that currently services Foot Joy, as well as 18 of the 22 shoe companies in the golf industry.
“The operations of Pride, Softspikes and Trisport, together under one umbrella, provides us with unmatched capabilities in R&D, manufacturing, product development, sales & marketing, and distribution,” said Burr. “I am very excited to help direct the future of this Company and enhance our position as a world leader in consumable golf products and custom woods turnings, respectively.”
