Muskegon, MI – Children and teenagers emerging into adulthood frequently experience growing pains. When applied in the business world, however, the euphemistic term is often used to soften the negative consequences of poor or shortsighted decisions undertaken during critical periods of corporate growth.

With that said, the people behind ScentLok Technologies have never taken shortcuts in over 25 years of doing business… Ever. From the moment Greg Sesselmann revealed the solution for keeping a deer hunter’s odor from wafting through the woods, and through the subsequent development of a multitude of new technologies and products, the team at ScentLok has always insisted on doing things the right way. Their commitment to the hunting industry as a whole – as well as to producing only the finest-quality products to support the Complete Odor Management needs of individual hunters – is why the company keeps investing and growing.

Organizing for Success

Upon ScentLok’s acquisition of all assets of Robinson Outdoors last July, the company immediately announced their commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the Robinson brands and products, including ScentBlocker, ScentShield, Tree Spider and Whitewater Outdoors. ScentLok Technologies Owner and CEO, Patrick Hylant, had this to say to ScentBlocker customers at the time:

Our respective brand values have always been aligned. Both ScentLok and ScentBlocker have been built upon common principles that include a strong reverence for family, God and the glory of wild places. We are driven by the moment of truth and a great respect for the creatures we pursue. Today, our merger only fortifies these common values. We understand that ScentBlocker is your brand. We wish to assure you that the ScentBlocker brand – including its technologies and the quality it is known for – will be maintained. That authenticity will carry on as it always has.

Four months later, this pledge to the hunting community is further reinforced with the creation of a new corporate entity to unify the best scent-controlling brands and products available: Nexus Outdoors.

Nexus Outdoors represents a formal unification of the expanded ScentLok brands. It is intended to consolidate operations for long-term efficiencies, while allowing the company to continue to do what it has always done since day one: offer hunters the best technologies in the best products at the best price.

“Although not forward facing to the consumer, Nexus Outdoors provides a framework for the individual brands and products that support our mission of Complete Odor Management,” says Hylant. “In light of this news, we wish to reinforce our pledge of transparency to our customers: It will always be their voice that creates our products, not our boardroom – regardless of what the company is called. Every tree stand is different and every situation is unique, so we ask that all hunters continue to share their experiences with our brands and products with us. Nothing will get hunters closer to game than all of us working together. I’ve said it before: We don’t need to be the biggest, but we will always strive to be the best.”

Investing in People

Immediate evidence of Nexus Outdoors’ continued responsible growth is clear in three recent hires at the company’s Muskegon, Michigan headquarters.

Dale Douglas joins Nexus Outdoors as Senior Vice President of Product Development. In this role, Dale will lead sourcing, technology and product strategies for all brands. Born and raised in Nebraska, Douglas brings over 24 years of experience as director, merchandise manager, product and category manager, and senior manager of global sourcing of hunting apparel for Cabela’s. Married and raising his son, Trev, and daughter, Makenna, Douglas still finds time to add to his 35 years of hunting experience, with his core passions being whitetail archery, waterfowl, upland and predator hunting.

Taking on the position of National Sales Manager is Kevin Strong. Strong brings 10 years of hunting industry experience, including a multi-faceted retail background with sporting goods store ownership and additional corporate merchandising experience gained at Bass Pro Shops. Most recently, Strong served as a key account manufacturer’s rep covering the upper Midwest in the archery and shooting sports markets. In his new position, Strong will be responsible for all revenue generation for the recently acquired Blocker Outdoors brand portfolio across all channels and markets. Strong will work closely with Vice President of Sales, Norm Langlois, and other members of the Nexus Outdoors leadership team to drive growth for the company’s trusted brands. Strong is a passionate bow hunter who also enjoys fishing, camping, golfing and spending time with his wife, Devon, and daughter, Madelynn.
Leslie Rakestraw joins the Nexus Outdoors team as Senior Production Planning Manager. With more than 10 years in procurement, Rakestraw’s specialized knowledge, skills and experience make her a valuable addition to the team. Joining the team will be a smooth transition, as Rakestraw previously worked at ScentLok for 16 years in various roles, including customer service, logistics and purchasing. Most recently, Rakestraw was Site Buyer for Knoll, managing a wide variety of commodities and vendors. Her experience in sourcing, negotiation and supplier relationships will ensure Nexus Outdoors continues to bring the very best products to market.

“A lot of folks don’t realize how efficient our team is,” says Hylant, who believes strongly that it is its people who contribute most to the success of any small business. “We couldn’t have accomplished what we have on behalf of hunters over the past 25 years without a team comprised of uniquely qualified individuals. We have the highest confidence in Dale, Kevin and Leslie, and look forward to leveraging their distinct strengths and abilities for the benefit of our customers.”

ABOUT NEXUS OUTDOORS
Nexus Outdoors, headquartered in Muskegon, MI, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of performance, hunting and casual odor-controlling apparel, footwear and equipment under the ScentLok®, OZ®, ScentBlocker®, Scent Shield®, Whitewater Outdoors® and Tree Spider® brands. Nexus Outdoors is the only company with access to all scent-controlling technologies, including their patented Carbon Alloy technology and Trinity technology, which provide superior success in the field. ScentLok and Scentblocker are pioneers in the hunting industry, which many credit with creating a market based on the elimination of odors to get closer to big game.

About ScentLok
ScentLok Technologies, headquartered in Muskegon, MI, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of performance, hunting and casual odor-controlling apparel, footwear and equipment. Founded in 1992 on scientific principles, ScentLok is the only company with access to all scent-controlling technologies including their patented activated carbon technology, which is consistently proven to outperform other technologies tested. ScentLok is a pioneer in the hunting industry, which many credit with creating a market based on the elimination of odors to get closer to big game.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nick Andrews
VP of Marketing and Advertising
ScentLok Technologies
Nick@scentlok.com
800.315.5799

Josh Lantz
Traditions Media, LLC
Josh@traditionsmedia.com
219.728.8996

The post ScentLok Invests, Grows and Prepares for the Future appeared first on Inside Archery Archery Newsfeed.

ScentLok Rogue

The Rogue backpack features padded shoulder straps and lumbar hip pads with buckle closures for a comfortable hike. The 2,285 cubic inches of storage provide plenty of space for all your bowhunting essentials. A clip-on LED light provides excellent visibility in low light, and mesh side pockets use elastic to hold water bottles or scent eliminators securely. For more information, visit scentlok.com.

Tenzing TZ PP15 Predator Pack

Tenzing’s new TZ PP15 Predator Pack enters the scene with all the features to make your predator hunt a great experience. The Predator Pack features spring-loaded legs and a padded foldout seat so you can set-up practically anywhere. With 23 customizable pockets and a detachable electronics bag, the Predator Pack offers 2,200 cubic inches of storage. For more information, visit tenzingoutdoors.com.

ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS

Alps OutdoorZ offers packs for every hunting style, and the Traverse EPS makes a great fit for the back-country bowhunter. An extendable pack section is great for packing-out meat or storing extra gear. The unique H-Frame design allows you to carry heavier loads with minimal effort. The padded shoulder harness includes load lifters, and a waist belt has two easy-access pockets with anti-sway straps to keep the load secure. A hydration pocket and port rounds out the Traverse EPS. For more information, visit alpsoutdoorz.com.

Easton Outfitters Whitetail 1500

Easton Outfitters makes the Whitetail 1500 a go-to pack for treestand and ground-blind hunters chasing whitetails and turkeys. Hidden bow-carry compression straps securely hold your bow for transportation in the field. The pack is loaded with features, including a digital device pocket that’s easily accessible—no more digging through one big compartment to find your phone. The pack even includes an accessible headphone port. The Whitetail 1500 offers 1,500 cubic inches of storage, providing plenty of room for a full day’s worth of essentials, and it is hydration compatible. For more information, visit eastonoutfitters.com.

GamePlan Gear Double Drop Fanny

The Double Drop Fanny offers the same great versatility as the Full Rut in a fanny pack perfect for day outings into the whitetail woods. This top-loading fanny pack features rattling-antler straps to keep antlers quiet while walking to and from your stand. The shoulder-strap yoke delivers superior comfort, and the straps are fully adjustable to fit most hunters. The Double Drop is available in brushed, silent-tricot fabric featuring Mossy Oak Infinity or Realtree Max-1 patterns. For more information, visit gameplangear.com.

Badlands Superday

Badlands now offers the Superday pack in Lost Camo. The Superday features a state-of-the-art suspension system to offset rigorous terrain bumps, and has straps to carry a bow or gun for advanced versatility. A 1,950-cubic-inch storage capacity offers room for all sorts of gear. The pack also accommodates a 95-ounce hydration bladder. For more information, visit badlandspacks.com.

Sitka Gear Ascent 12

The Ascent 12 is a trim pack designed to keep the hunter mobile. This panel-loading pack offers a 1,200-cubic-inch main compartment, and includes a hydration-bladder sleeve and suspension hook. The Ascent 12 offers three zippered mesh pockets inside the front panel to keep your accessories organized. A lightweight toggle bow-suspension system secures your weapon while hiking through varied terrain. For more information, visit sitkagear.com.

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