Entry 297-3
The Business of Being a Strike King Pro with Denny Brauer
Editor’s Note: Strike King is extremely proud of the men and the women who make-up the Strike King professional team. They have proven to be some of the best bass-fishing professionals in the world. To be a great fisherman and a part of the Strike King team, these pros not only have to be the best in the world of professional fishing, they also have to be extremely-good businessmen. To learn how the Strike King pros have become some of the best in the business of fishing, we’ve asked Denny Brauer of Camdenton, Missouri, to tell us what’s involved in the business of being a professional fisherman.
Part 3: Choosing Your Partners
Question: Denny, like any other businessman, as you continue to grow your business, you have to hire people to help you. How do you decide when you need to hire staff?
Brauer: I hired my wife first, and I can’t really fire her. She doesn’t get many raises, but I know she won’t quit. She’s my partner and having my wife totally involved in my business has been very important to my success. My wife knows more about me, my fishing and my business than anyone else, and I completely trust her. She’s the number-one, most-important person in my fishing business. Since we travel a lot on the road together, I also needed someone at home to handle a portion of the bookkeeping and other business details, so I hired my daughter-in-law.
About 12-years ago, as my business continued to grow, I needed someone who could handle negotiations and represent me in business meetings. I hired my agent Lowell Tom to handle my business dealings and the legalities involved in contracts and negotiations. Instead of trying to learn these complex issues, I hired Lowell to take care of that part of my business. 
By hiring him, I was able to buy back the time I needed to fish, compete and work with my sponsors, which is what I really like to do, and where I know I should spend most of my time.
Without my wife, daughter-in-law and agent, my life would be much tougher, and I couldn’t be as effective as a fisherman. As you continue to improve at catching bass, winning tournaments and promoting products, you have to surround yourself with people who can assist with the business of fishing. Oftentimes that background support is the major reason for your success as a professional fisherman.
Next: Finding a Good Agent
Contents:
- Part 1: Balancing Fishing and Business
- Part 2: Time Management
- Part 3: Choosing Your Partners
- Part 4: Finding a Good Agent
- Part 5: Plan for the Future
