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

Andrew Stern
VP of Marketing/R&D

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

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

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

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

Daniel Marquand
Mechanical Engineering Intern

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Inside Sales & Service

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