Z-Man reported that it has added two newest associates to the company, with Richard Dunham, a lifelong bass fisherman and industry veteran who recently joined the company in the newly created role of product manager role, and Marketing Specialist Abbie Skeen, who brings her skills in image and visual branding as well as graphic design.
When asked how he started in the outdoor business, Dunham pointed to Bass Pro. “When I was 18, a new Bass Pro Shops opened near my home in Indiana, and I was lucky enough to snag a job there,” recalled Dunham, already two years into tournament bass fishing. “That first job in the fishing industry opened many doors for me. I met many awesome people who worked in fishing, eventually leading to jobs at two major fishing tackle distributors. Every day since I can remember, I’ve woken up knowing exactly what I wanted to do: catch bass and contribute to the angling community in meaningful ways. This new position at Z-Man is especially cool because it’s legitimately my dream job.”
A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Dunham fished on the school’s collegiate bass fishing team, serving as president in 2006. He fished five national college championships before participating in B.A.S.S. Opens, Toyota Series and FLW Tour as a co-angler.
“I’ve known Richard for around fifteen years and have felt for a while that he’d be the perfect fit for our team and culture,” noted Z-Man President Daniel Nussbaum. “His years of retail and wholesale sales experience have fostered a keen understanding of the lure market as well as strong organizational and analytical talents. Richard’s background, skills and passion for bass fishing will absolutely take our product development efforts to the next level.”
Dunham is working alongside Lure Designer and Director of Product Development Jose Chavez.
Marketing Specialist Abbie Skeen ” brings a fresh eye and keen talents to the Z-Man team.” A graphic communications major and 2022 graduate of Clemson University, Skeen reportedly acquired valuable experience in marketing, photography and design during tenures with Sportsman Boats and Toadfish.
“My Dad worked in the boating industry for a long time, which instilled in me a love for being around boats and water from day one,” Skeen commented. Skeen, a competitive water skier, was recruited by Clemson University’s waterski team, where she specialized in the 3-event circuit. Skeen remains active in the sport, participating in South Carolina and Southern Region tournaments.
“In just a few months here, I’ve grown to appreciate the Z-Man team,” added Skeen. “It’s been a super supportive, welcoming community. Every day offers a different challenge.”
Nussbaum added, “Abbie’s talents are already making a strong impact on our marketing and branding efforts. We’ve run with a lean marketing team and needed to add a jack-of-all-trades well-versed in multiple areas. From the moment I met Abbie and studied her portfolio, her strong graphic design, photography, social media, and email marketing skills jumped off the page. Right away, I knew Abbie’s positive attitude and can-do demeanor would help the Z-Man brand continue to thrive and grow.”
