Above - Ian Godwin with Russ Nixon, SFVU Pro Staffer

Below - Tanya and Russ Nixon

Congratulations 2011 SFVU Pro Staffer of the Year

Russ Nixon

When considering all the candidates, President and CEO, Ian Godwin said this, “SFVU and our factory partners are really blessed with a great group of pro staff so deciding who would follow in the footsteps of previous winners was a difficult choice, especially considering how much growth we endured in 2011. When it ultimately came down to it, Russ was selected because he really embodies what anyone would look for in a pro staffer. He is extremely accountable, very loyal, not only to the bigger mission statement of SFVU but to our manufacturers product as well and he really works at being a complete team player. Examples are, despite his own business suffering as most did in 2011, he stepped up and helped us service dealers in an area where we lost a rep, he created new dealer opportunities for us, he took his own time to promote product at clubs and in seminars, he represented SFVU well, in both performance and integrity, at the tournament level and he has been a key leader in helping us drive towards sponsorship of a Christian college bass fishing team. We are extremely honored to have Russ working with us, appreciate that his priorities are right, God first, his wife and family next, and then the rest falls into place, and we look forward with great pride and anticipation to what God has in store for him in the future!”

Upon learning of earning this distinguished honor, Russ commented, “First and foremost, I am humbled at this award being bestowed upon me. I want to thank my awesome wife for all her support and my Lord and Savior for giving me this opportunity. I so much appreciate all the doors being opened up to me as being a part of the SFVU team but most of all, I love that everyone associated with SFVU are Christ centered in how they conduct themselves and their business. I definitely feel my opportunities for ministry outreach have increased wearing my jersey and I really get a kick out of helping people, from those that are lost spiritually to the younger guys just coming in to the sport to mom and pop tackle stores who want to become better independent dealers. And SFVU sure can help them, I have seen it time and time again. Professionally, I like being part of an organization where my input matters, and is valued, and where there is no free lunch, you want something you earn it! I am a much better tournament fishermen than ever before and I give credit to the improved equipment and product that I have become exposed to, and to the vast knowledge the entire team at SFVU can mentor me with.”

If you would like to join Russ as a member of our great pro staff, please fill out one of our online applications. We look forward to working with you and once again, a big congratulations to Russ Nixon for his selection as 2011 Pro Staffer of the Year. He will be presented with a $1000.00 prize package from all of our factory partners as well as an all expenses paid fishing trip with the SFVU president!

2011 SFVU Pro Staffer of the Year
Russ Nixon