When you're name IS the brand...

   With the exception of Dick Kanter and Graphite USA, all of the rod designers we've covered in the last few weeks share one thing in common; their name WAS the brand of the business. C.F. Burkheimer Rods, Tom Morgan RodSmiths, Powell Rods, Thomas & Thomas etc...I can relate to the name being the brand, because my first company, Lamar Fishing was used because Lamar is my middle name. There is something peculiar about the pride you take in your company when your name IS the brand of whatever product you're selling. From a persoanl standpoint, it was impossible for me to put my name on something that I felt was substandard. Not that I would have put out a substandard product if my company had been called something else, but it does carry a different weight when you're name goes on it. Additionally I always found that the reputation for high quality service and support was even more important when my name WAS the brand.

  I bring this up because about two years ago, I thought it would be a great idea to revisit some of these companies almost 20 years later to see how they evolved, not only in their product line, but in their thoughts on rod design as materials and techniques have become better and more efficient. The problem was that with the exception of C.F. Burkheimer and Tom Dorsey most of the folks had passed away. An although Tom Dorsey is still with us, he is no longer the owner of Thomas & Thomas. So, once I had the idea to do a 20 year follow up, I started reaching out to the new owners of these businesses. Guess what? The only person who returned my call was Kerry Burkheimer, who just happens to still be the owner of C.F. Burkheimer. All of the others who are still viable entities, but under new ownership....not one of them responded even after multiple phone calls and emails. This was a response I didnt expect since when I did the original interviews with the actual folks whose name was on the company sign, they responded right away, and ALWAYS in an enthusiastic and generous manner.

  If I'm being honest, this was an extremely disappointing experience, and from a business owners standpoint, one that I simply cant relate to. To me, one of the great joys in owning a business...especially one that invloves a personal passion, is the development of a reputation for high quality products, along with a level of interaction with the folks who are trying to help promote said product, that is nothing less than stellar. I have to give Paul (and Kerry Burkheimer) full credit in this department, as they understand this concept better than this new breed of fly rod manufacturers whose name and personal reputation aren't at stake. Remember this when you decide whose company you're going to support with your hard earned dollars.

Hope you all have a great week,

Andy