Valiant Wealth Management Acquires Vexilar Inc., Jablonski to Lead

Robert A. Jablonski and Valiant Wealth Management announced Monday October 16, 2023, the acquisition of Vexilar Incorporated and AWC Incorporated, naming Rob Jablonski to lead the business going forward. Vexilar and AWC have been owned by Steven J. Baumann who has been president of Vexilar since 1995.

Vexilar is the premier ice fishing marine electronics company in the United States with a 60-year history of developing and manufacturing advanced sonar and fish-finding equipment for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its state-of-the-art sonar technology provides anglers with real-time, precise information about the underwater environment, helping them locate fish and optimize their fishing strategies.

AWC is a leading ice fishing equipment manufacturer that produces the K-drill line of ice augers, patented augers designed to revolutionize the way anglers drill through the ice. These light-weight augers are powered by modern high powered cordless electric drills to make it easier for fisherman to get out on the ice and get fishing.

After working for Vexilar Inc. as a Mechanical Engineer since 1977, Mr. Baumann, and Skip Christman bought the then struggling company in 1986, made monumental advancements and truly pioneered the use of ice fishing electronics with the Vexilar FL-8 Flasher. In 1995, Baumann assumed the role as company president following Christman’s unexpected passing. Mr. Baumann helped mold Vexilar into the ice fishing leader, securing numerous patents, and helping anglers countless increase their ice fishing success.

Baumann’s engineering, ingenuity, vision, and contributions to the ice fishing industry are legendary. Steven Baumann was inducted into the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame in 2004, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2012, and Vexilar Inc. was honored as a Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame inductee in 2015.

Valiant is a Wealth Management company based in Des Moines, Iowa, that provides modern financial and lifestyle management services. Valiant believes that a diversified portfolio is a mixture of in-market investments and directly investing in high potential privately held companies, like Vexilar.

Jablonski is a seasoned manufacturing executive with experience at General Motors, Kohler Company and Pella Corp and is an avid angler and outdoor lover. “I am honored to be leading Vexilar, a true legacy brand in ice fishing in the United States and a company with a strong runway for growth.” Jablonski said in the statement. “I’m excited to be transitioning the business with Steve Baumann, an icon in the ice fishing industry, and. I look forward to building on Vexilar’s and AWC’s successful histories, in partnership with the leadership team at Valiant”.