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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/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. 
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. 
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!
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. 
Marketing Co-Op
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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!
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.
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! 
Coordinator of Human Resources
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Kirsten Voorhees
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After 20+ years in Florida my husband and I (and our 3 kids) have returned to the Midwest. I said many times while in the South that I left my heart somewhere on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is good to be back in my home state of Minnesota! 
Mechanical Engineer
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Mac Sandberg
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Osceola born and raised, recent Mechanical Engineering graduate of Michigan Technological University.
Supply Chain Specialist
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Oliver Dressel
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Knock. knock.
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.
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! 
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.
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. 
