Bell Canoe Works announced Don Otey has agreed to fill an independent representative vacancy in the New England territory. He assumes the post vacated this Spring by former Bell rep Tom Remsing. Oteys appointment is effective immediately. Of his new role, Don stated succinctly by phone: “I am happy to be associated with a company of Bells integrity and quality.”
Otey brings his rich paddling background and extensive experience in the industry to the position with Bell. Don is an ACA certified instructor and a former whitewater and slalom competitor. He pioneered routes and authored guidebooks for many areas in the Southeast, including a collaboration on Appalachian Whitewater: Volume 1 and guides for northern and southern Georgia.
Otey has been a manufacturers rep for well over 20 years. He began his career in the early days with Blue Hole Canoe Company, when he handled “everything East of the Mississippi.” Over the years hes represented Diamond Brand, Montrail, Gaia, Dagger, Perception, and Harmony, to name a few. Along with his wife Lisa, he oversaw the New England and, eventually, Eastern Canada territories for Dagger and Watermark for more than 10 years. Independently, and as a team, the Oteys are known for their honest, straightforward commitment to dealer and customer service.
Currently, Oteys major lines include Bell Canoe and Walden Kayaks. He reports he doesnt have as much time for the road since he and Lisa opened Battenkill Valley Outdoors one year ago in Cambridge, NY.
