Newly-Formed Regional Sales Management Roles Will Strengthen Buck Knives’ Aggressive Growth Plans
Buck Knives is pleased to announce Connor Slepikas and Anthony (Tony) Tekansik have joined the company to further strengthen aggressive growth plans. Under Vice President of Sales, Mike Silverberg, Slepikas and Tekansik will remotely oversee sales activities for the Western and Eastern United States and Canada.
“The addition of these talented individuals is both strategic and necessary. As Buck Knives evolves in its effort to service an expansive dealer base and exceptionally broad product line, our field-based Regional Managers will provide enhanced communications and value to our retail partners. Our new structure is a direct response to our customers’ needs for responsive data-based support at the local level,” said Silverberg. “Connor and Tony exemplify Buck’s mission, values, and authentic hands-on approach to achieving excellence in customer satisfaction.”
Slepikas, most recently with Leatherman Tool Group, brings six years of practical field-based experience managing retail sales channels, conducting clinical training sessions, and executing promotional and merchandising programs. An avid outdoorsman with a respect for high-quality gear, the Buck Knives lifestyle fits closely with his passions for hunting turkey and following his bird dog in the upland prairies. Slepikas will be responsible for territories in the Eastern USA and will work closely with Buck’s sales agents, marketing, and product teams, driving awareness for the Buck brand and value proposition. Slepikas holds a BS in Recreation and Sport Management from the University of Arkansas.
With over 10 years of direct sales experience, primarily in sport optics with Pentax and Leica, Tekansik will be responsible for the Western USA territories. Growing up in Colorado, he used Buck products in his backyard of the Rocky Mountains and is excited to clinic the attributes of Buck Knives with retail partners. He will support established representatives in the West, executing strategic plans designed to maximize the sales of new and core products. Tekansik holds a BA from Western State University in Gunnison, Colorado.
In addition to these key roles, Buck Knives has also grown their Sales and Marketing support team by welcoming Katie Swanson as Graphic Design Coordinator, Debbie Bobshosky as Sales Coordinator, and Whitney Wienholz as Marketing/Ecommerce Administrator.
Swanson joins the Buck team as an accomplished Graphic Designer. She has over three years of marketing, digital marketing, social media, and media/design experience. She will be working with Buck’s Marketing team to design promotional materials, print and digital content. Swanson holds a BA in Graphic Design from Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho.
With over 11 years of experience working for Buck’s west coast representative group, J. Harding & Associates, Bobshosky serves as Buck’s Sales Coordinator. She will support inside/outside sales in a direct and indirect capacity, working across several departments, communicating with customers, and facilitating the needs of sales reps and management to keep projects and initiatives on track.
Wienholz, a recent college graduate, is the new Marketing/Ecommerce Administrator. Wienholz will be responsible for directing and applying available resources to support the Director of Marketing, Marketing Manager, and the expanding eCommerce Division. She also will collaborate cross-departmentally to assist in the implementation and production of marketing collateral and public relations projects. Wienholz holds a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Whitworth University in Washington.
“As we continue to align with today’s market and customer needs, these new members are essential to help facilitate our day-to-day operations and ensure we maximize customer experience across all areas of our business. We look forward to what this robust group of talented individuals will bring to Buck Knives,” said Silverberg.
Buck Knives is a c0-founding member of the American Knife & Tool Institute.