After its recent change in ownership and executive shifts, Oceanside, Calif.’s Hobie has announced the hiring of longtime industry veterans Joel McBride as its new Vice President of Sales and James McBeath as Director of Marketing. With over 70 combined years of experience in adventure and paddlesports, these new hires bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a dynamic vision to Hobie’s leadership team. McBride and McBeath will collaborate with both existing and new staff to elevate Hobie’s sales and marketing strategies.
The hiring marks the start of a new era for Hobie, which hopes to augment the deepening connection of a legendary outdoor brand to today’s outdoor market place. These changes, it says, start with evolving sales programs and dynamic, modern marketing tactics. The two will prioritize building out the sales force and dealer support systems, strengthening Hobie’s brands, increasing brand awareness, and engaging the marketplace with modern consumer-reaching tactics.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joel and James to the Hobie family,” says Hobie president Marty Pathak. “Their combined experience and innovative thinking will be instrumental in driving our sales and marketing efforts to new levels. They bring a fresh perspective that aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the best adventure products to our customers.”
About Joel McBride
Joel McBride is a paddlesports veteran with over 35 years of experience, including sales manager positions at Wave Sport, Confluence, and Pelican International. Since joining Hobie two years ago, Joel has focused on enhancing Hobie’s presence in the fishing and recreational markets. “I’m excited for the changes being made at Hobie,” he says. “Our goal is to strengthen our organization to provide increased dealer support and connect with our consumers as well. Hobie struggled with the post-pandemic slowdown and we have a long hill to climb. We are going to rebuild our sales force and our marketing program to bring Hobie back to the forefront of the outdoor markets. I look forward to working with our team to achieve these ambitious goals.”
About James McBeath
James McBeath brings over 35 years of experience in outdoor sports marketing. His career began with leading marketing agencies and professional sports teams like The Montreal Canadiens, The Carolina Hurricanes, and USA Hockey in the late ’90s. Transitioning to paddlesports, he has since held marketing positions for Liquid Skills Kayak School, Heliconia Press, and Jackson Kayak. “Joining Hobie is a tremendous opportunity. My focus will be on increasing brand awareness and engaging the marketplace with modern, consumer-reaching tactics,” he says. “We have a strong foundation to build on, and I am eager to bring Hobie’s story to a wider audience.”
About Hobie
Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie designs and manufactures an impressive collection of innovative watercraft that includes surfboards, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, sailboats, and accessories, all aimed at making water adventures accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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