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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
Brandon Johnson
Mechanical Engineer
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Brandon Johnson
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After graduating from UW-Stout, I started at Bending Branches/Aqua Bound 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/fishing/camping spots.My favorite hobbies are waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, fishing, archery, camping, and mountain biking. I look forward to using my paddling experience and engineering background to improve our products and manufacturing processes here at Bending Branches/Aqua Bound 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
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
Jason Eccles
President
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Jason Eccles
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Having started my professional career in the industrial laser industry, I brought an engineering background to Bending Branches in 2003. This move required a leap of faith at an early stage in my career. The outdoor industry has been a rewarding endeavor, one that I would not trade for anything. Our purpose to inspire memorable outdoor experiences through passion and innovation has proven to be rewarding on so many levels. Over the last 20 years, we’ve built a company and a team that I’m extremely proud of. Our core values and the integrity from which our team conduct themselves is truly humbling.When I’m not working, I enjoy camping with my wife, 2 children and our rescue dog. I also enjoy after work paddling trips, golf, biking, running, hiking, fishing and a good whiskey or bourbon. Navigator Apple River Minong Flowage
Jason Eccles
Kate Wright
Marketing Manager
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Kate Wright
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A lifetime spent recreating the St. Croix River Valley inspired me to pursue a career encouraging others to experience our natural world. I'm passionate about storytelling, advocating for others, protecting our natural spaces, and connecting people to the magic of outdoor recreation.
I joined the Branches team in 2023 and bring with me a background in marketing, sales, design, and sustainability from time spent in corporate, nonprofit, and retail settings.
When not working, you can find me with a camera in hand and dogs in tow as I paddle, hike, ski, and camp the best of the Northwoods wilderness and beyond. Just watch out, I tend to trip over imaginary roots, locate all the poison ivy plants, and think it’s easy to paddle solo with two dogs in my boat. Ask me about a women’s hiking group I co-founded called Trail Mixer. K.C. Sunburst Straight Basswood Lake, BWCAW Deer Lake, WI
Kate Wright
Luanne Koubsky
Creative Lead
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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 acquired Aqua Bound, 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
Hometown: International Sales & Marketing Manager
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Susie Kadlec
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International Sales & Marketing Manager
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