By David A. Brown
Special to BassFan

A love for the outdoors certainly co-existed with his film and video production studies, but Mark Copley probably could not have imagined someday blending the two worlds into a fulfilling career where he gets to work with folks he genuinely loves in a field he deeply appreciates.

Nevertheless, since 2007, Copley has served Strike King in a multi-faceted role that has made good use of his University of Memphis bachelor’s degree — one that also included a minor in journalism.

Describing himself as a lifelong outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and pretty much anything that involves the outdoors, Copley currently holds the title of marketing relationship manager for the Collierville, Tenn.-based lure company. His hiring, he said, must have been an act of divine intervention.

“I was on the way to an interview with Bill Dance and the position there ended up not being open,” Copley recalled. “A good friend called Strike King and they invited me to come interview. Totally a God thing.”

The Course

Now making his home in Memphis, Tenn., Copley put his degree to work directly after graduation by working at his alma mater for a dozen years, including 6 as the university’s football and basketball video coordinator. Copley’s resume also includes a short stint as the Shelby County Schools video coordinator prior to 7-year run in corporate communications at First Horizon National Corporation.

“When the opportunity at Strike King arose, I jumped at the chance to be involved in the outdoor industry because this is my true passion,” Copley said. “When I first arrived I was responsible for the filming and editing of the three TV shows, along with the others in the department, that Strike King/Schazam Productions produced.”

Professional fulfillment; yeah, Copley found plenty of that. He also found a living seminar series that improved his hook-and-bullet game.

“This is where my education of how to become a better angler and hunter began,” he said of his priceless interaction with Strike King pro-staffers, many of whom are equally proficient at hunting and fishing. “When you are in the boat with the best anglers on the planet and also the best hunters, you can't help but learn from them.”

In 2011, then marketing manager Chris Brown took a job at Buckmasters, thereby opening the door for Copley’s advancement into his current post.

“This was an opportunity to use my communication skills that I have honed over the years from the many great people with whom I have worked,” he said. “My responsibilities now are media relations, national pro-staff manager, TV sponsor relations and Bassmaster Classic/Forrest Wood Cup coordinator. I also manage our day-to-day marketing needs.”

Growth and Memories

Complementing the joy of working in his field of study and promoting the sport of his personal inclinations, Copley lauds the inspiration and encouragement he’s received from his boss, sales and marketing VP Doug Minor.

“Doug has taught me to believe in myself and to not be him, but to be me,” Copley said. “He is so respected in this industry and for him to take a chance on me is an honor. It has given me the confidence I can do anything.”

Balancing this personal growth, Copley’s years at Strike King have also enabled him to enjoy tremendous moments of entertainment and endearment. Here are a couple of examples:

“I used to film Brauer Bass battles and traveling with Denny and Chad (Brauer) was one of the most entertaining and fun times in my life,” Copley said. “Denny is one of my best friends from doing that and we talk once a week.”

Another memorable moment involved Kevin VanDam and a painful incident that occurred while filming Strike King’s Pro Team Journal.

“We were at Lake St. Clair on the Canadian side, about 20 miles from the ramp, when Kevin went to cast a spinnerbait and he hit me in the face,” Copley recalls. “Needless to say we were done filming, but Kevin stayed with me at the ER and made sure I was okay.”

Throughout these and many other highlight-reel moments, Copley has became what he terms “the best student of the game” while filming with Strike King pro staff.

“It was lessons learned on steroids from the best teachers in the business,” he said.

The Man and the Message

Hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities consume much of his personal hours, but Copley also makes time to coach his son’s competitive baseball team and brings his spiritual beliefs into action.

“Outside of work, my other activities involve serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through my church and involvement with the youth,” he said. “My passion for service and evangelism has led me to many different areas of service, such as a mission trip to Peru in 2006.”

Of his role in conveying the Strike King messages, Copley said this of effective communication: “It starts with honesty, then openness to reaching all age groups. We use all forms of advertising from relationships, TV, radio, print and social media.”

There are lots of lures in the Strike King lineup and each merits specific messaging. However, Copley said it all links back to one consistent thought:

“Fishing is for everyone and you are not limited by your age. It is a sport for a lifetime.”