Alex Smay joins the St. Croix Rod family, taking on the role of Northeast regional account manager. He brings nearly 10 years of experience in outdoor marketing and sales management in both fishing and hunting. Smay’s territory will cover Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Ohio.
“The candidates we interviewed for this position were the strongest I have encountered in more than 20 years in the fishing industry. That made the selection process very challenging,” said Jeff Crockett, St. Croix’s director of sales.
“We are extremely selective in hiring regional account managers, but once we bring them into our family at St Croix, they are traditionally with us throughout their careers,” said Crockett. This trend of longevity creates stability and consistency in the region for St. Croix dealers. It proliferates a more focused knowledge of the local market as it relates to the product line, competition, dealers and consumers. The result is a more highly skilled, focused, knowledgeable and dedicated account manager for St. Croix Rod dealers.”
St. Croix's 70-year history was intriguing to Smay.
“Being on the retail side for over nine years and working closely with a lot of reps, I am very familiar with St. Croix Rod. When I was with Kinsey, they were our high-end rod company.
“I have a lot of appreciation for the family-run aspect of the company, too. It means a lot to dealers – many of them are also family-owned businesses. Knowing the owners make decisions and take pride in every aspect of the product is something they can relate to."
Smay holds a degree in marketing management from Grove City College of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he accepted a position in internet marketing sales. A lifetime lover of outdoor sports, Smay made the move to the hunting and fishing industry in 2009, taking a position in customer service for Kinsey's Outdoors, a division of Kinsey's Archery, based in Mount Joy, PA.
Throughout his career with Kinsey Outdoors, he worked as the customer service manager, moved into the sales manager position, and most recently filled the role of marketing manager for the retail store.
