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.
Marketing Manager
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Andrew Stern
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I started with Bending Branches in 2011 and have worked in the marketing department ever since. When I’m not napping at my desk, I can be found kayaking, canoeing, running, golfing, and hiding from my boss. Looking back at my time with BB, I’m most proud of the developing of the Angler series of paddles and the success of our ProStaff fishing team. I recently convinced a girl way outside of my league to marry me and I enjoy every day with her. My favorite things in life are ranch dressing, the new sock feeling, the Packers beating the Vikings, strange smells you cannot pinpoint where they came from, and my family.
Navigator
St. Croix River
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.
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!
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 10+ years. I enjoy camping with my wife, 2 young children and our 1 rescue dog. I also enjoy after work paddling trips, golf, fishing and an (in)frequent Jack Daniels.
Navigator
Lake Nunya
Mechanical Engineer
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Mac Sandberg
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Osceola born and raised, recent Mechanical Engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University.
Marketing Specialist
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Olivia Hart
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I started working at Bending Branches in 2018 as a Marketing Co-Op. After graduating college from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in business marketing, I started here full-time in January of 2019.
Copywriter/Blogger
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Sharon Brodin
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Sharon Brodin is a contributing content writer for Bending Branches. She resides in Ham Lake, MN, with her husband Nick. They have three grown children, two of them married. Sharon has over 30 years’ experience in the industry and is well versed in all paddle sports. Sharon’s passion is anything outdoors, as she enjoys spending time canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping and riding horses. Her favorite paddling destination is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. More information can be found about Sharon at SharonBrodin.com. Besides client writing, Sharon owns two online resource centers: TwinCitiesOutdoors.com and ActiveOutdoorWomen.com.
Inside Sales
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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 Aqua-Bound 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, in my garden, or spending time with friends and family. 
Marketing Specialist
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Susie Schmitt
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I'm a Marketing Intern turned Marketing Specialist here at Bending Branches as well as a recent graduate from UW-River Falls with a degree in Business Administration-Marketing. My most favorite things in this world are travel and ice cream. I've been lucky enough to travel to some amazing destinations including Italy, Scotland, Germany and most recently Spain. If you have recommendations for sweet paddling destinations, lemme know! My favorite ice cream flavor is a toss-up between monster cookie and cookie dough, but I've seriously never had an ice cream flavor I didn’t like.
Apostle Islands
