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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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