From Pro Fishing to Major Promotions, Jon Thelen Rides His Niche to Lindy National Sales Manager
Jul 5th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jul 5th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Jon Thelen loves to fish. He pursued his passion on the water and jumped into the pro ranks of the PWT. He competed on the national level for five years, scored some top 10-place finishes, made several Championships, won special awards, and learned a valuable lesson early in his career. “It was up to me to secure media opportunities. Just fishing well was not enough, especially if I wanted to move from the sport to full-time,” he said.
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Jon Thelen
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That philosophy served him well. He started with his first outdoor writer trip arranged by this author. “You brought Vince Meyer (Brainerd, MN Dispatch outdoor editor) to Mille Lacs, and he did a story that got great pick-up and more than 100,000 impressions. I received lots of positive comments, and decided this would serve me and my sponsors well,” Jon said.
Guaranteeing impressions in magazines and newspapers, on TV shows, on the internet, and ads takes work. Jon was amazed as the articles he submitted were printed, the “bang” from the writer trips he booked, and the TV shows were aired. This resulted in companies asking to be represented; he was on the right track. “Tackle companies, resorts, tourism agencies, and others wanted to get their names out, and I did that,” he said. He also was a regular and still appears in print and TV ads for Lindy Little Joe and several companies.
In January, Jon accepted the position of National Sales Manager for Lindy Little Joe, a company he was actively involved with for many years. He contracted field promotions and in 2009, added public relations duties to his “job.” Now, he does all that plus manages the Lindy sales force where he is in charge of major accounts, sales programs, approximately 50 guide and pro staffers, and product development.
Of course, he accepted some personal risk along the road. He gained tremendous retail experience at Dan’s Southside Marine in the Twin Cities from 2003 to 2005. He was still part-time in the promotions side of fishing, and knew to feed his family, it would take a commitment. “I decided to devote all my energies to the public relations game and took a shot in 2005,” he said. Going full-time and paying his bills was a rude awakening, but with 50 to 100 guide trips each year, coupled with the guaranteed media, he also picked up sponsors.
“Every pro angler – to make a living – must search out ways to make it happen,” he said. “Tournaments and top finishes supplemented the media I was getting, and tournaments provide the reputation and credibility that allowed me to get into that position. I feel every pro should strive to help their sponsors in the best way (and most creative way) they can.”
Accepting the National Sales job with Lindy meant resigning from some great companies, but he still does Lakemaster, Humminbird, MinnKota, Otter Outdoors, Panther Marine and Lindy promotions. He also cut back guiding to a few trips per season. “There is more stability in this position with a great college plan for my 10-year old son, and a retirement fund, and I have a passion for this industry that won’t go away,” he said.
He recently fished a walleye tournament with his son, and both loved the experience. This could develop into another family passion. Jon also fishes four to five team tournaments each year. In nine of the last 16 Minnesota Tournament Trail events he fished, he placed in the top 10.
Of the new job, and all that it entails, Jon said, “I love it!” He was especially proud that sales are on the “up-tick,” and the new products are really making waves. The Lindy Thill Splash-Brite, the bobber that lights when it hits the water is hot. The new Lindy crawler harnesses are selling well, as are the Lindy Shadlings. “You won’t believe the new stuff about to be introduced,” he said.
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VIEW OutdoorsFIRST Lindy Shadling Hydrophone video
Contact Jon:
Website: lindyfishingtackle.com— Email: [email protected]–Phone: 612-390-3752