Derek Siddons was named president of Gander Mountain in after joining the company in as a store manager in Wisconsin. Here are excerpts from a recent interview:. A: Growing our business in hunting, fishing, camping and shooting. A: We dedicate resources to finding regional products. The local standpoint is important. Fishing is different in Duluth than it is in Bemidji, just as Minnesota fishing is different from Florida.
Our stores have autonomy. It appears that you take that responsibility seriously. Derek Siddons. Favorite hunting or fishing spot: Pheasant hunting in South Dakota; fishing for crappie and walleye on Lake Waconia. We know that with rights come responsibility, so we go above and beyond to teach safety and handle the training.
Each is focused on training and safety in firearms. We also do Minnesota conceal and carry training. More than , people have taken our training in the last five years. A: We have three segments.
The virtual training range to get new shooters more comfortable with firearms, the live range and the simulator to model shooting sporting clays, target, three-gun shooting and scenario training. A: Our web category has grown significantly. Customers research online but come in to touch and feel.
Even a novice fisherman wants to touch the goods. We sell fun, so we want to make the in-store experience as big as we can. A: Yes, we started offering that in Q: How concerned are you that younger people are not taking up hunting and fishing as often as their parents or grandparents?
A: Industry data shows that youth in the outdoors is something we need to support. We support organizations that get youth on the lake like Fishing for Life. The St. Paul-based chain has stores in 27 states, including 12 locations and 1, associates in Minnesota.
It sells outdoor sporting goods, firearms and fishing gear. After starting as a store manager in , Siddons, 40, climbed through the ranks - working as the company's director of retail operations, vice president of electronic commerce, senior vice president of operations and electronic commerce, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
It was not formal education that prepared him for those varied roles. He instead attributes part of his success to a hands-on approach. Before starting at Gander Mountain and holding those various titles, Siddons worked 14 years in operations for electronics chain Circuit City.
He then decided to transition by becoming a store manager. Mirroring his rapid succession, Siddons said he and the company make a conscious effort to bring in potential talent and give them leadership opportunities. One of the things I enjoy most is bringing people in and allowing them to grow.
After assuming the presidency in October , Siddons hired one of his mentors from his Circuit City days. Lisa Schmidt, executive vice president — retail store design, has been promoted to executive vice president — store operations, store design and development with responsibility for retail store operations, visual merchandising and store design.
Eric R. Jacobsen, executive vice president and general counsel, has been promoted to chief administrative officer and general counsel. The company also announced the hiring of two new key senior executives.
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