The partnership of Shimano Corp and Jackall meant changes for Jackall’s staff. David Swendseid, former Jackall Product Specialist who had a direct influence on the company’s national exposure and sales in the US helped Shimano’s marketing team get oriented to the company’s product line before deciding it was time for him to move on.
David Hunter Jones, Bassmaster: “David’s intimate knowledge of fishing tackle and especially hard lures is unparalleled. His depth of expertise and dedication to fishing has led to his catching state-record smallmouth bass as well as improving on lure designs thought to be perfect. No doubt his input will make Duo hardbaits the best they can be.”
“Changes are sometimes blessings in disguise” said the Product Specialist. Happy for Shimano’s acquisition, the very loyal Swendseid saw it as an opportunity for him to do what he loves most sharing his expertise in bass fishing with regular media. What he didn’t know was DUO International also knew of Mr. Swendseid’s changes.
Curt Niedermier, FLW Magazine: DUO Realis is obviously making smart decisions for its company by adding David Swendseid to its staff. He’s a rarity in this industry – a guy who can get it done on the water (he once held the Oregon smallmouth record), at the drawing board and in the press room. I met David about six years ago, when we went on a smallmouth fishing spree on the Columbia River. I have since turned to him frequently for advice on new techniques and tackle coming from the Asian market. I’ve also called on him as a contributor for a variety of magazine projects at FLW. Excellent choice.
General Manager of DUO/Realis, Mr. Bakos had an opportunity to speak with many industry heads in Japan and from other country regarding Mr. Swendseid. “We learned of his his availability. His reputation and experience is well founded,” stated Mr. Bakos.
“He is knowledgeable when it comes to lure action and the utility parameters surround design. He knows the market from baits to bass boats and understands needs of bass anglers” expressed Mr. Bakos.
Stephen Quinn, In-Fisherman: “David Swendseid is a very innovative and perceptive angler and he has the pulse of the entire bass fishing industry. Moreover, he is an outgoing and sharp individual who likes to write in the popular media. I feel confident he will do an outstanding job with the R & D Department at DUO. He has worked with several important companies, particularly those of Japanese origin”. What DUO didn’t know was that Swendseid was keeping quiet tabs on the Japanese lure company as well. “I’ve known of DUO, and their top designer Mr. Adachi. Their international sales manager, Mr. Bakos is what I call one of the hardest most efficient industry heads I have known in 15 years. He is refreshing to the industry and like a well-oiled machine”.
Mark Lassagne, Bass Angler Magazine: “David Swendseid is the most detail oriented bass angler I have ever met. He is a guy that looks well beyond the surface of any product, show him a lure and he will give you a lesson. He will tell you things you never thought of, even if you we’re the one that designed it. David’s ability to dissect a product is amazing and will be a tremendous to the DUO team”
Mr. Adachi is well known in Japan since the 90’s. He is one of the most meticulous, seasoned designers in the world. And most people don’t know, that DUO makes high performing lures for top Japanese companies. Their quality control is one of the very best in the world. “Another reason I was so drawn to DUO, they are one of Japan’s few companies that is completely vertical; meaning from concept and design articulation, to multi-dimensional manufacturing, all their work is done in-house (Japan). Some of the most popular Japanese lure companies actually have their lures manufactured outside Japan with continuous challenges regarding quality control.” Said Swendseid.
Jason Sealock, Wired2Fish: “David Swendseid has been a great resource for staying up to date on the latest in tackle from the West Coast, Japan and beyond,” said Jason Sealock, Vice President of Wired2fish.com. “He has an intricate knowledge of bait design and why certain lures are made to do certain things in the water and where and how to apply them to the fishing. He’ll be a valuable asset to DUO as they break into the American recreational fishing market.”
Swendseid’s, position with the company will be Product and R&D Specialist Manager for Realis USA.
Swendseid will always consider himself a student of bass angling and fish behavior and credits his beginning knowledge of lure design and action to renowned Tom Seward. Mr. Seward’s designs penetrated the world market in the 80s and 90s with such designs as Speed Trap and Hot lips. “He spent hours with me as I was eager to learn everything about lure action. Bass fishing is my passion. I can do it every single day, 365 days a year and never tire of it.
Come say hello to David Swendseid and DUO Realis at the 2013 ICAST Show (booth 5) July 9th through the 12th. For dealer and mass merchant inquiries, please contact martin@duo-inc.co.jp.
