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Meet
Dave Pfeiffer Shimano America's new President |
Introduction:
It isn't
everyday that you have the chance to sit down with the head of a
multi-million dollar operation, and in the tackle industry they just don't
get much bigger than Shimano. We recently had the opportunity to talk shop
with the newly appointed President of Shimano American Corporation, David
Pfeiffer. David takes over the helm from Kozo Shimano and currently oversees
all functions of both Shimano's fishing tackle and bicycle component
throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as lead sales and marketing efforts
in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Zander:
First of all congratulations on your new role as President of Shimano
America, could you spend a minute and tell us about your personal history
here at Shimano?
Pfeiffer:
As of this coming January, I will have been with Shimano
for 19 years. I started as a regional sales manager and moved from there
into various roles in charge of sales and marketing and eventually positions
as director, vice president and executive vice president.
Many people consider 19 years a long time to be with one
company. It has passed very quickly with Shimano because every day is
exciting. I tell people all the time that I look forward to going to work
every day and I really do.
Zander:
Wow, that certainly is a long time at a
single company. You must have seen a great many changes here, from your point of view how has Shimano evolved over the
years in terms of products and a company overall?
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Shimano now makes tools for specific applications like the new
Baysteel Muskie and Kingfish multi-tool |
Pfeiffer:
In terms of products,
Shimano has been able to develop more and more specialized products that are
very close to their target markets. In many cases we’ve been able to study
certain fisheries or techniques and develop products that enhance and even
expand the possibilities for anglers.
As a
company, Shimano truly touches markets all across the world. In doing so,
the Shimano brand is well recognized by people both within and outside our
target markets.
Zander:
If I
have my facts straight, you will oversee both cycling components and tackle
in the region, is it challenging to wear two hats? Are there any
similarities between the two markets?
Pfeiffer:
The greatest challenge
about wearing two hats is the desire to fully involve myself in both
businesses. When you want to put everything you have into those businesses,
there just never seems like enough time to do it all.
There are a lot of similarities between the two markets. Cyclists and
anglers get very passionate about the products they use and the amount of
time they devote to each activity. Both are demanding about performance,
product information and service. Certainly that makes for a good match in
terms of how and where we decide to devote resources as a company.
Zander:
I remember in 1991
when the first Calcutta was released to market with a MSRP of 139 dollars.
At that time many skeptics balked at the price. Today we are obviously well
beyond that, why do you think the demand for premium tackle has continually
grown over the years?
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The
Shimano Calais 4x8 DC is sure a far fetch from that first 139 dollar
Calcutta introduced 15 years ago |
Pfeiffer: To really develop products that stir peoples’ emotions and fulfill
dreams, more times than not it is going to be expensive. People get excited
about products that use new materials and great innovations to make their
experiences even more intense.
It
also seems like many people only have enough time to pursue one or two
activities seriously so they want to use the best products they can to make
that time the most enjoyable. I know I’m that way about fishing and
running. I don’t want to mess around with stuff that doesn’t perform on par
with the intensity I put into those activities.
Next Section: Dave
talks Rods & Reels
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