SAN DIEGO – -- Daiwa’s just completed sales meeting went beyond talking new products and programs for the ’22-’23 tackle year. Along with bringing in nearly 100 sales reps and staff from throughout the U.S. and Canada to its first in-person gathering in two years, the tackle firm also honored select reps with its coveted ‘Summit’ and ‘Key Objective’ awards.

“Having the people who represent the Daiwa brand to tackle dealers and anglers all across North America gather together with our corporate staff was a great opportunity for all involved after all their hard work through the pandemic,” said Gerad Cawhorn, Daiwa’s national sales manager. “It was a special treat this year to honor our sales award recipients while we all gathered together to discuss and strategize our plans for Daiwa for the upcoming ICAST Show and beyond.”

Daiwa’s top honors – the Summit awards – recognize both an individual sales rep and overall rep group based on achievements in total sales, strategy, fastest to market item plans and launches. Sean Kunzer with Ferguson-Keller Associates, based in Buffalo, Minn., was honored for his personal efforts with the Summit Outstanding Leadership award, while Rogers Sports Marketing, based in Norcross, Ga., earned the Summit top rep group recognition.

During the sales meeting’s final night award banquet, Cawhorn also recognized Graywood Sporting Group which handles Daiwa’s efforts throughout Canada with the 2021 Summit Leadership Award winner for overall rep group. The agency was not able to attend last year’s ICAST Show when Daiwa announced its rep awards.

Also recognized with ‘Key Objective’ awards for specific product category sales and faster to market efforts include Drake Hollander (Rogers Sports Marketing), Travis Ryan (Maschmedt & Associates), David O’Donnell (Maschmedt & Associates), Brad Olsen (Ferguson-Keller Associates), Cale Engelage (Marschmedt & Associates), Greg Mancini (Jones & Company), and Warren McRae (Graywood Sporting Group).

Daiwa also recognized Scott Dubiel (Rogers Sports Marketing) with its ‘Dealer Development Driver’ award and Greg McIntrye (Graywood Sporting Group) with the ‘Change Leader’ award.

Media Contacts:

Marc Mills/Daiwa – marcm@daiwa.com • 949.923.7627

John Mazurkiewicz/Catalyst Marketing – jpmazurk@ameritech.net • 574.292.2500