Should probably get this out in the open here (regarding my employment)

Evan B

Evan B

Bobber Downey Jr.
Staff member
Admin
(I've posted this in a few other places, but decided to finally get it out here too)

To get ahead of the rumor mill, I am going to let the cat out of the bag here:

After 7 great years, I've decided I've given all I can give to Rajeff Sports. Deciding to move on from a job is never easy, but it's even harder when you love the company and the people you work for. I have nothing but the best things to say about the company, and know how fortunate I am to have had this opportunity.

But even in the best of places, when it's time, it's time. I have poured myself in to the company for nearly 7 years now, and there's just nothing left in the tank. To continue to go on as I am would be a detriment to both myself and the company that has taken such good care of me.

I hope to stay connected with them in some capacity going forward, possibly even with a very part time arrangement to continue doing a few things for them. But I will be leaving the fishing products industry entirely with my new gig (more on that later). My only involvement in the fishing world going forward will be my continued co-ownership of PNW Fly Fishing.

I will still be at Rajeff Sports, but transitioning to the new gig over the next few weeks. So I'm not totally gone yet. I want to give them plenty of time to be operating with someone new and have them trained up and self-sufficient before I disappear.

Thank you to everyone in my extended network who has made working in this industry, and for Rajeff Sports/ECHO so special. I hope to continue staying in touch with many of you.
 
I'm sure Rajeff Sports/ECHO will be sad to see you go; best of luck in your new venture!!

cheers
 
On that note: If you're someone who loves talkin shop on the phone with guys wanting to ask about fly rods, or helping dealers, or getting fly fishing guides outfitted... I know a job that's opening up ;)
 
Best of luck in your new endeavor! I suspect employment in a non-fishing products industry will actually enhance your fishing enjoyment.
 
Takes guts and a leap of faith to leave something safe. I did something similar about 8 years ago.
 
FontinalisFin said:
Takes guts and a leap of faith to leave something safe. I did something similar about 8 years ago.
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Yeah it's scary in its own way. This job is safe, I'm friends with the owners, and know the company inside and out. Stepping out in to a completely different situation is a weird feeling, but my quality of life will improve because of it. Gonna be awesome!
 
Change is always hard. Changing jobs/careers is even harder. Many of us make those changes well past when we should of. Rajeff Sports/Echo has also been going through a lot of changes in the past few months: new ownership and management roles.

It is great to see Evan make a change for the better. He has his priorities in the proper place: family, enjoying quality life experiences, and accepting new challenges. KUDOs to Evan for making hard choices and coming out better in the short as well as long term...
 
RCF said:
Change is always hard. Changing jobs/careers is even harder. Many of us make those changes well past when we should of. Rajeff Sports/Echo has also been going through a lot of changes in the past few months: new ownership and management roles.
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And honestly, the ownership change has been a huge positive. It's one of the things that breathed some new life in to me for a while. The guys who took over were the most perfect people for the job, and let Tim step back to a soft retirement where he just designs rods and spends time on his projects at home and abroad.

This is mostly happening NOW because the other opportunity popped up suddenly, and I have to strike while the iron's hot. It's a rare opportunity and one I'd be foolish to ignore.
 
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Evan B said:
(I've posted this in a few other places, but decided to finally get it out here too)

To get ahead of the rumor mill, I am going to let the cat out of the bag here:

After 7 great years, I've decided I've given all I can give to Rajeff Sports. Deciding to move on from a job is never easy, but it's even harder when you love the company and the people you work for. I have nothing but the best things to say about the company, and know how fortunate I am to have had this opportunity.

But even in the best of places, when it's time, it's time. I have poured myself in to the company for nearly 7 years now, and there's just nothing left in the tank. To continue to go on as I am would be a detriment to both myself and the company that has taken such good care of me.

I hope to stay connected with them in some capacity going forward, possibly even with a very part time arrangement to continue doing a few things for them. But I will be leaving the fishing products industry entirely with my new gig (more on that later). My only involvement in the fishing world going forward will be my continued co-ownership of PNW Fly Fishing.

I will still be at Rajeff Sports, but transitioning to the new gig over the next few weeks. So I'm not totally gone yet. I want to give them plenty of time to be operating with someone new and have them trained up and self-sufficient before I disappear.

Thank you to everyone in my extended network who has made working in this industry, and for Rajeff Sports/ECHO so special. I hope to continue staying in touch with many of you.
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Good luck in your next adventure. Everyone here is pulling for you. Whoever your new employer is is very fortunate.
 
Good luck in your new endeavor, it’ll be great. I’ve made changes in my work history, moving thousands of miles and/or changing careers and employers or agencies, often with trepidation but it always worked out for the best. Congratulations.
 
Congrats on the new gig man! 7 years with a company is a good run, definitely something to be proud of.
Hopefully you'll still have lots of time on the water!
 
Usually these things work out for the best. It's amazing how much your time spent in the fly fishing biz can contribute to your success doing other things. Particularly if your job involves working with a lot of new and different people all the time (like guides or customer service people do). Best of luck in your new endeavor!
 
Good luck with the next chapter.
Also want to say thanks for being a part of Echo...all employees im sure contribute to making a great company.
 
Best wishes, Evan, on your new adventure. And best wishes for continued success to Echo, an organization and product that impresses.
 
Wait, does this mean the new guy is going to cancel my pro deal simply because its only been 15 years since I guided for one season?(Kidding folks)

Sounds like a really positive move for you, stoked! My job is getting stale quickly after the company sold so I'm hoping for a similar move.
 
Yard Sale said:
Wait, does this mean the new guy is going to cancel my pro deal simply because its only been 15 years since I guided for one season?(Kidding folks)

Sounds like a really positive move for you, stoked! My job is getting stale quickly after the company sold so I'm hoping for a similar move.
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Perhaps take a look at the promising future of crypto beanies.
 
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