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MEET THE BENDING BRANCHES TEAM
Paddlers making paddles
Most small businesses start by the founder having a problem in their lifestyle or hobby, and out of necessity, build a product themselves. Our company was no different. However, what makes our paddles so good today is that most every employee at Bending Branches is a paddler. We design our product based on our own research and we build it to better the sports we love.
Alexander Praschak
PM Production Supervisor
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Alexander Praschak
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I joined the Bending Branches team back in 2019, working on the wood line, manufacturing that Bending Branches wood product everyone loves. With a family background in carpentry I found myself as a kid in a candy shop working here at Branches. The work culture here at Branches is one you can't find anywhere else and I am happy to continue that culture through my current role as plant supervisor.
I grew up with a love for the great outdoors. Anything from hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and all things watersports. So much that my close friends and I have started our own YouTube and Instagram page called "There's One Outdoors" showcasing our love for the game. Cruiser Plus or Angler Pro in Copperhead Apple River https://www.instagram.com/theresoneoutdoors/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJwR9XNCXlc
Alexander Praschak
Andrew Stern
VP of Marketing/R&D
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Andrew Stern
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Since my start in 2011, I have predominantly worked in marketing and recently pivoted into leading product development. When not chasing down engineers or putting out fires, I believe passionately in the strength of our brand and work to reinforce that value with our customers. Looking back at my time with BB, I’ve had some fun developing key products (i.e. the Angler line-up), pushing forward on the e-commerce front, mentoring gifted team members, and helping people enjoy paddling more. Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, canoeing, CrossFit, golfing, and traveling with my wife. My favorite things in life are ranch dressing, the view from a national park, the new sock feeling, the Packers beating the Vikings, and my family. Navigator St. Croix River
Andrew Stern
April Bartholmey
Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
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April Bartholmey
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Born and raised in the beautiful state of Arkansas, I made my way up to the frozen tundra that is Wisconsin in March of 2020. Yes, exactly 5 days before the world shut down. After about 6 months working 3rd shift as a security guard, a friend of a friend recommended that I apply with Bending Branches. With a few years of experience in the shipping world I threw my hat in the ring when the Shipping/Receiving Coordinator position became available and for some reason leadership took a chance on me in March of 2021. I enjoy travelling and almost every outdoor activity including horseback riding, hiking, snowboarding, soccer, ultimate frisbee, football (GO PACK GO!), basketball, etc. Slice Carbon North Branch Potomac River
April Bartholmey
Brandon Johnson
Mechanical Engineer
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Brandon Johnson
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I recently graduated from UW-Stout and started at Bending Branches in the summer of 2021. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time paddling, as it is the only means of transport to get to many of my favorite hunting and fishing spots. My favorite hobbies are waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, fishing/bow fishing, camping, and biking. I am looking forward to using my paddling experience and engineering background to improve our products and manufacturing processes here at Bending Branches. Black Pearl II Boundary Waters Canoe Area Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Brandon Johnson
Brian Boyea
Sales Manager
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Brian Boyea
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I started working at Bending Branches in 2015 and have loved every minute of it. When I'm not working, I can be found on the water, exploring the outdoors, or at the golf course (more specifically: in the sand traps, ponds, or woods). I've had to adjust to living in a town that doesn't bleed green and gold, but don't worry, I'm happy to pay extra money in order to watch the Packers, instead of that lesser squad who wears purple, every Sunday this fall.
Likes: Cold beverages, tearing up dance floors and traveling.
Dislikes: Tomatoes, Ketchup and Pizza
Accomplishments/Experience
Mastered the art of hypnotism in 2008.
Was among the first humans in the world to see the very first sunrise in the year 2014.
Brian Boyea
Bryan Sandberg
Maintenance Technician
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Bryan Sandberg
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I started at Bending Branches in 2000 and have enjoyed my time here as well as everyone I have been able to meet, even Andrew!When not at work, you can find me at home with my wife and five kids, working on a car, at our horse farm fixing something, or making some hay. But no matter what I'm doing, I'm always thinking of a way to go fishing!
Most importantly, I am neutral on ranch dressing. Bry Sunburst ST Apple River, WI Anywhere there is fish!
Bryan Sandberg
Cory Novinska
VP of Operations
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Cory Novinska
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After breaking the main water line that comes into our building during my first week of work (which shut down production, blasted a hole in the sheetrock, and then flooded the entire front office) I didn't think my tenure would make it into double digits. However close to a decade later, they haven't kicked me out yet!I grew up in small town Wisconsin. My father introduced me to the outdoors before I could walk and I have been hooked on it ever since. Favorite hobbies of mine include: spending time with family and friends, fishing, hiking, golfing, cross-country skiing, sitting in a tree stand or duck blind, and of course- paddling.
Strengths: bad dad jokes, distracting folks actually working, and mopping up spilled water.
Dislikes: gas station sushi, air mattresses that leak, and folks that don't like tater-tot hotdish (if you know you know) Black Pearl Staight Apple River St. Croix River
Cory Novinska
Daniel Marquand
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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Daniel Marquand
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Where to start... Hi I'm Daniel! I am an Engineering Intern here at Bending Branches, and currently in between semesters of mechanical engineering classes at UW Stout.
Things I love about life: coffee, friends, family, plucking on the guitar, games or sports (indoor, outdoor, and everything in between), and learning all things new.
Things I love about Branches: the highly positive and encouraging work environment, the awesome people that work in all parts of the building, and the passion everyone shares for the products they love. Dan the Man or Magic Dan The sunburst or Navigator Namekagon River A small lake near my grandparent's house. The fishing isn't great anymore, but the memories are.
Daniel Marquand
Destiny Herbert
PM Production Supervisor
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Destiny Herbert
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I started with Aqua Bound in 2009 and have enjoyed growing with the brand. In my spare time, I love to hike, especially with my Australian Shepherds. I choose stand up paddle boarding when its time to get on the river, except when tubing is involved :D D Navigator Apple River Cedar Lake
Destiny Herbert
Devin Binkowski
Inside Sales & Service
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Devin Binkowski
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In the first 23 years of my life, I have been known to be many things: World's Best Retail Store Employee (Rhymes with Garlic), Average Excel User, Bleu De Chanel Wearer, and Lover of Store Bought Ribs. Throughout this life of mine, I was constantly missing something, however, and that was a paddle. I joined Branches in April of 2021 and haven't looked back since. I love the flexibility to work both sales and customer service in my role, and no day is ever the same. We have a ton of fun here, and I want to do everything in my power to guarantee we get people out on the water with the world's best paddles. Dev or "Captain of Sneezing during Phone Calls" Navigator Apostle Islands The smoked salmon section of any retail deli
Devin Binkowski
Evan Zaves
Engineering Co-Op
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Evan Zaves
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I started at Branches in the winter of 2022 and am also pursuing a degree in manufacturing engineering at UW-Stout. With three semesters left of college I am excited to see that there are manufacturing companies as rich in culture as Branches. Working at Branches is right up my alley as I have a love for the outdoors. When I am not at work I enjoy hunting, fishing, or really any outdoors activity. Baseball and football are my two favorite sports to watch and play. Being born and raised in eastern Wisconsin I am a big Brewers and Packers fan. Speedy Zaves (I am not fast) Angler Navigator Flambeau River Turtle-Flambeau Flowage
Evan Zaves
Harley Leavens
Marketing Specialist
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Harley Leavens
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After graduating from UW-Madison in 2020 with degrees in Marketing and Digital Studies, I began my career in the banking industry as a client specialist. Looking for more excitement and feeling very passionate about digital marketing, the Bending Branches Marketing Co-Op position was a perfect transition for the start of 2022. After 3 short months in the Co-Op position, I was offered a role full-time and could not be more overjoyed!When I'm not at my desk, you can find me reading murder mysteries, boating on the St. Croix, exploring the nearest art expositions, and trying new things from restaurants and breweries to destinations and hobbies. Navigator Plus St. Croix River Lake Holcombe/Holcombe Flowage
Harley Leavens
Jason Eccles
Operations Manager
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Jason Eccles
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Having started my professional career in the laser industry, I brought an engineering background to Bending Branches in 2003. Tired of stuffy trade shows, APQP’s, CAPA’s (fancy acronyms that really mean “boredom” to an engineer), Bending Branches was a welcome change. I’m most proud of the dynamic, driven and energetic team that has been molded at our company over the last 15+ years.I enjoy camping with my wife, 2 young children and our 1 rescue dog. I also enjoy after work paddling trips, golf, hiking, fishing and an (in)frequent Jack Daniels. Navigator Apple River Minong Flowage
Jason Eccles
Joe Pueschner
Inside Sales & Service
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Joe Pueschner
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I joined the team here at Bending Branches in 2021 after graduating in 2020 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My degree in journalism and mass communication didn't initially point me toward paddle sales, but here I am! When I'm not selling paddles or using paddles, I enjoy time outside, traveling to new places, Italian food, the ocean, museums, (most) sports, dogs and thinking too hard about this bio. Navigator St. Croix River Chippewa River Flowage
Joe Pueschner
Luanne Koubsky
Marketing Specialist
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Luanne Koubsky
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I feel happiest on or near water. While I do not identify as a “morning person,” I revel in the magical moments of steam rising from a river just before sunrise. Growing up, I spent lots of time canoeing, kayaking, boating and swimming in Midwestern lakes and rivers. A couple of my favorite trips include paddling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with my husband and kayaking along the multi-colored cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We look forward to sharing time in a canoe with our two young children. I bring my background in art, fundraising, sales and business development as well as my love for the outdoors to my role at Bending Branches. Some may call me a creative nerd, and I’m cool with that. I’m thrilled about the job, the people, and the awesome paddles. Cruiser Plus South Arm Knife Lake, BWCA
Luanne Koubsky
Mac Sandberg
Mechanical Engineer
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Mac Sandberg
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Osceola born and raised, recent Mechanical Engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University.My hobbies include anything outdoors with a passion for ice fishing and waterfowl hunting.
My father got me into kayaking when I was young, so working at Branches was a perfect fit!
Oh yeah, and that Ranch Dressing stuff... it's pretty awesome.
Mac Sandberg
Mark Eskro
Credit Manager
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Mark Eskro
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I came on board with Bending Branches in 2013 in their sales and service department. After 5 years of building great relationships with our customers I made the jump to credit and finance. Outside of work, my wife and I are raising 5 strong and very independent daughters. I enjoy cooking, camping, and DIY home projects. I have an ever-growing bourbon collection and never miss a Packers game. I am primarily a canoer but I'll hop in a kayak for a change now and then. Dave Explorer Plus Anywhere I cannot hear traffic Upper Namekagon River
Mark Eskro
Oliver Dressel
Supply Chain Specialist
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Oliver Dressel
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Knock. knock.Who's there?
Canoe.
Canoe who?
Canoe paddle a little harder? I'm doing all the work around here!
I grew up in Osceola, WI, attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, and love to spend my time outside work sitting around a bonfire, riding my motorcycle (Charley the Harley) on rustic backroads, working with local environmental organizations, and thinking of a new joke to share in the office. In 2020 I set the factory record, doubling up paddles on the production line 27 times consecutively while whistling the Star-Spangled Banner. Ollie Navigator Plus St. Croix River (at sunrise) Chippewa River Flowage
Oliver Dressel
Rachel Kellen
Continuous Improvement and Safety Training
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Rachel Kellen
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After two years as a behavioral therapist for Autistic children, I changed course and joined the Bending Branches team. I enjoy getting out on the water, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
This year my New Year’s resolution is to try something new each month. Sky diving here I come! Angler Pro Copperhead
Rachel Kellen
Sara Sigsworth
Purchasing & Inventory Assistant
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Sara Sigsworth
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I started at Bending Branches in 2004 on the production floor making paddles. In 2009 when Bending Branches had and acquisition, our purchasing department needed a little help in the office & I was there to sneak in the door! When I am not at work, I am spoiling my dogs, taking them for a ride in my Camaros, & planning my next trip to see my daughter, who is in the Air Force currently stationed in North Dakota. Of course I can't forget a pretty important person in my life, my husband, he is the reason I am spoiled! ❤ Navigator
Sara Sigsworth
Sharon Brodin
Copywriter/Blogger
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Sharon Brodin
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I am a contributing content writer for Bending Branches. I reside in Ham Lake, MN, with my husband Nick, three kids, and yellow lab Jazz. I have over 20 years’ experience in the industry and am well versed in all paddle sports. Besides client writing, I also own two online resource centers: TwinCitiesOutdoors.com and ActiveOutdoorWomen.com.I am passionate about anything outdoors and enjoy spending time canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, riding horses, and going for walks. Boundary Waters Canoe Area https://brodinpress.com/
Sharon Brodin
Susie Kadlec
Inside Sales & Service
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Susie Kadlec
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After 11 years teaching high school English, I decided to set down my chalk and pick up a paddle; I started my Bending Branches journey the summer of 2018. When I'm not slinging paddles or providing unparalleled customer service, I can be found trying to wrangle my four young boys, enjoying the great outdoors no matter the season, with my nose in a book, or spending time with friends and family. Oh, or rage cleaning my house because of aforementioned male children. Suz or 'The Other Susie' Catalyst ST Apple River