Rapala VMC has hired Pete Przepiora as the company’s new regional sales manager, focusing on the Eastern U.S., Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
In his new role, Przepiora will work with Rapala VMC’s retail partners and distributors to market all Rapala VMC brands sold in the U.S., including: Rapala (lures, knives, apparel and accessories); Lures by Storm, Blue Fox, Luhr-Jensen, and Williamson; StrikeMaster ice fishing augers and apparel; VMC hooks and terminal tackle; Sufix fishing lines and leaders; CrushCity softbaits; and 13 Fishing rods and reels.
The company said Przepiora will work with rep groups that serve customers in both freshwater and saltwater fishing products.
“Pete brings a deep, grassroots understanding of what customers want and expect from manufacturers,” said Travis Tuma, VP of sales at Rapala VMC. “Pete’s experience, knowledge and passion for the fishing industry fit perfectly into the Rapala culture. With the recent addition of 13 Fishing and CrushCity, we’re looking forward to the continued growth of our strong portfolio of brands with Pete’s expertise, especially in the bass category. We’re very excited to have Pete become part of the Rapala family.”
Born in Syracuse, NY, Przepiora is reported to have fished for Great Lakes Salmon with his uncle but only discovered his passion for Bass and Walleye fishing in his early 20s when his parents moved to Minnesota.
“I had some friends who took me fishing up at a cabin in Northern Minnesota,” Przepiora said. “Bass and Walleye fishing was a whole new experience for me. I remember tying on my first Rapala during that first trip, and I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t think of anything but fishing from then on.”
Przepiora said his passion for fishing later turned into a career when he joined the fishing department staff of Cabela’s in Rogers, MN. There he worked for seven years, moving up into management roles. The experience “gave me a deep appreciation for what anglers want in a fishing experience, as well as the baits and equipment they need to fulfill their dreams of catching more and bigger fish.”
Ferguson Keller, the fishing tackle rep agency, recruited Przepiora, where he got his first introduction into product development and pro staff management. Przepiora later joined Omnia Fishing, which allowed him to work closely with all aspects of the bass fishing industry.
Przepiora credits Al and James Lindner and Charlie Davis, director of product development at Rapala VMC, as mentors throughout his career and fueling his passion for fishing.
“Each new career experience has allowed me to build on my passion and expertise in fishing,” said Przepiora. “I’m looking forward to helping Rapala VMC keep expanding its presence in the bass fishing belt, as well as on the East Coast and the saltwater market. Rapala VMC has a lot of momentum behind it, especially with the introduction of the new CrushCity line of softbaits, and I’m just really excited to be a part of it.”
Images courtesy Rapala VMC
