Team Realtree Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Something on another board got me thinking tonight. There are a whole lot of folks that want to be on Pro staffs for lots of companies in the outdoor industry. There are a lot of misconceptions about "Pro-Staffers." I'm going to be away from the computer a good bit this weekend, but would like to leave you with this question(s). What is your definition of a Pro Staffer as far as it relates to the hunting industry? Just curious if folks know what the job entails. Don't go in and flame others. Just post your opinion and lets see what happens. I will come in at a later time and give you mine. S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Humm, I look at being a Pro-Staffer in different ways. One way would be, a Special team put together to accomplish goals. Another way, is to help promote The Team, help it grow Grow and have knowledge on products that your Team uses. Also I believe that Pro Staffers, are someone to look up to! You can ask them questions and such about things and they have answers, Can help direct you in a good way! Which leads me to another point, Pro Staffers should set examples, to those out there that watch on tv. By doing the right thing, and hunting by the Laws and Regs for the State. And What I believe Most of all, is the Friendships that you develope, and the times shared together in the woods. Or even at hunting show events, sharing stories, knowledge and such to everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I always kind of think of a Pro-Staffer as an individual that is paid (cash or product) by a company to either use their product or represent their company. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] One way would be, a Special team put together to accomplish goals. Another way, is to help promote The Team, help it grow Grow and have knowledge on products that your Team uses. Also I believe that Pro Staffers, are someone to look up to! You can ask them questions and such about things and they have answers, Can help direct you in a good way! Which leads me to another point, Pro Staffers should set examples, to those out there that watch on tv. By doing the right thing, and hunting by the Laws and Regs for the State. .............at hunting show events, sharing stories, knowledge and such to everyone. [/ QUOTE ] Very well put, Ryan. I am on staff for a smallish game call company out of eastern PA. I know some guys pretty well who are staffers for some of the pretty big outfits. From what I have seen, the definition of a "Pro-Staffer" will vary some from company to company. A staffer for a smaller company will not have near the duties or responsibilities as a staffer for a major company. But, in all cases, what Ryan laid down is just about it in a nutshell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] Humm, I look at being a Pro-Staffer in different ways. One way would be, a Special team put together to accomplish goals. Another way, is to help promote The Team, help it grow Grow and have knowledge on products that your Team uses. Also I believe that Pro Staffers, are someone to look up to! You can ask them questions and such about things and they have answers, Can help direct you in a good way! Which leads me to another point, Pro Staffers should set examples, to those out there that watch on tv. By doing the right thing, and hunting by the Laws and Regs for the State. And What I believe Most of all, is the Friendships that you develope, and the times shared together in the woods. Or even at hunting show events, sharing stories, knowledge and such to everyone. [/ QUOTE ] Think that about covers what I believe it to mean... I'm with Strut and Ryan on this definition... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] I always kind of think of a Pro-Staffer as an individual that is paid (cash or product) by a company to either use their product or represent their company. todd [/ QUOTE ] I'm right there with ya, Todd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] I always kind of think of a Pro-Staffer as an individual that is paid (cash or product) by a company to either use their product or represent their company. todd [/ QUOTE ] Yep. That, too. Yep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCH Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers A glorified member of the Public Relations department. And I don't mean that in a detrimental way. Its just that most PR people are just faces or bylines, whereas a Pro-staffer's job is to be well-known. Now although qualifications for the job include actually having some skill other than a PR degree such as shooting, calling, etc, they still must be able to handle the public and be able to articulate well in a public setting. However, lately, I've noticed more and more so-called "pro-staffers" that couldn't promote water if someone was on fire. I just call them "sponsored pro-shooters".. Basically to me, a true Pro-Staffer is a PR guy who uses the company's product and sometimes actually better than most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Turkeystalker Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers To me a Pro-Staffer is someone that a company employs to market there product. Every Pro-Staff has something marketable about them. Take Stan Potts for example; to me he is great to watch full of enthusiasm and emotion. He also promotes the right ethics in hunting. I agree that a Pro-Staffer has to make the right desicions on and off the field. If you have a person that future generations can look up to than said company is only ensuring the future off the sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Well, lately it seems that a pro-staffer is a friend of a rich guy that has video equipment, regardless of any skills they have (or maybe I should say "don't have"). Not talking about Realtree, as the staffers I've seen are knowledgable and good representatives, but several of the smaller companies have some pretty crappy "pro-staffers" it seems. I think a pro-staffer SHOULD be a good representative of the company they're representing and promote that companies products, while being an all-around likeable person. Unfortunatly not all companies take the time to find pro-staffers like this, and it hurts their company. You look at Michael Waddell for instance....how many people do you hear say they don't like the guy? He's a likeable guy by nature!! Seems to treat every hunter as his best friend (from what I've heard and read about him) and just is a great representative of Realtree. Being a pro-staffer isn't for everyone, just like not everyone should be a surgeon. Take me for instance. I feel like an accomplished hunter, shoot a bow better than your average joe, and eat, sleep, and breathe everything about hunting, get along with EVERYONE, but I don't think I'd be a very good pro-staffer for the simple fact that I'm not very outgoing. Pro-staffers have to be able to talk hunting to your average joes every day and answer the same questions every day without getting frustrated. I might be a good cameraman though..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers A pro-staffer is someone who was in the right place at the right time around people who share the same passion for the outdoors. If you have the ability to be remembered by influential people, that is a plus. If someone is looking for a pro-staffer, and you just happen to be in front of him and he can remember you because of your personality and the way you present and carry yourself, good things may happen. Knowledge, personality, honesty and an over all need for the outdoors is key I believe. I know a lot of people that would make fine pro-staffers for small or large companies if they ever got recognized. But just because you become a pro-staffer doesn't mean it is time for easy street. Travel all the time, speaking to crowds of people, hotel after hotel, etc. can take it's toll on anyone. I would guess it is a very tough, full time job if you are a pro-staffer for some of the larger companies. Hunting in great areas is a nice perk, getting paid to hunt is great, but I am almost 99% certain it is not all fun i the sun. Good question Scott! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born2Hunt Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers RyanH and Strut10 pretty much hit the nail on the head for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowtechTurkeyHunter Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I think a Pro Staffer is someone who represents a product/products in a profesional manner weather it be for money or for exposure for lack of a better term, I think they should represent the product at all times and be willing to go the extra mile for the company/companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I agree with most of the qualifications mentioned but I also think a "Great Pro Staffer" (because let's face it, a "Good Pro Staffer" is someone you forget unless you see them on a video or on TV) os someone that has the all around package in great abundance. Using the RT Pro Staff as an example, we immediately think Michael Waddell, David Blanton and Bill Jordan. Probably in that order. Mostly because of the outward nature of each one, we rank them in our heads as to who we like to watch the most. On the other hand, we see Ted Nugent (with not disrespect to "The Nuge") as a flamboyant in your face kind of guy with not a lot of knowledge as to what products he endorses. You would really have to think to list more than 3 and they may not be his current endorsements. Zwickey Broadheads, Reflex Bows and Natural Gear Camo. I think. Michael on the other hand shoots a Hoyt Bow, Muzzy Broadheads, Realtree camo, H.S. Products, Rocky Boots, Chevy Trucks and he eats at the Waffle House. Yet we also know he married Ashley who works at Realtree and they have a baby together along with a child from Michael's previous marriage. My point is that the personalities you remember the most are the ones who seem genuinely concerned with hearing what you have to say but also have confidence in what they say as the gospel truth. You also have to be good at what you do to the best of your ability and a person you would share your campfire with anyday. You also have to give off the idea that you would be welcome at your deer camp as well. Almost every Realtree pro staffer gives off that image very well and I commend them for giving us the all around package in the uppermost quality of products and entertainment. It's a tougher job than what most of us would be able to keep up with on a year round basis let alone year after year and as long as some of these guys have been doing it. I think the pressure of constantly having to perform whether it be in the woods, on the lake, in front of a crowd, around a campfire or in a board room, is something only 2 or 3% of all so-called pro staffers can keep up with. It's tedious and mostly unrewarding in the everyday sense and yet some of these guys spend more time in the woods than they do at home. I look at things they do for our sport and it makes me thankful that I don't have a camera over my shoulder watching every move and praying that I not only get what I am after, but that the camera gets it as well otherwise your efforts were not met with their sponsor's reward. It's tough and so are the people that do it. Like in anything else, you have some that are good and some that are great. Realtree, by design, is the latter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] I always kind of think of a Pro-Staffer as an individual that is paid (cash or product) by a company to either use their product or represent their company. todd [/ QUOTE ] Would have to agree with Todd here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Someone that promotes the company they are a Pro-Staffer for. Attend hunting shows, in the field, etc. Promoting the product whenever possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I think that a Pro-Staffer is the face of a company. They have to the ability to comunicate with the public in an understandble way and to have a personality that people will remember. I don't consider Michael, David, or Bill to be Pro-Staffers, they ARE Realtree. Pro-Staffers are the ones that bring the Realtree presence to some of the smaller corners of the hunting world and are more accessible than the core Realtree guys. Through a Pro-Staffers experiences and travels, they can speak with an aire of authority to the general public and become an emmisary of a company, creating a feeling that a hunter who meets him, knows a portion of Realtree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stick Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I fished the pro bass circuit for 10 years and was on the pro staff of 7 different companies. The thing that I did for themwas I went to grand openings of stores and benifit tournaments and did things like product demonstration, and seminars. I wasn't big enough to get money, but I was given the products that I needed, such aas rods, reels, baits and boats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaskMan Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Let's not forget that they are also usually major public speakers and people under the microscope of the public eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Well, my definition would be someone who the hunting team can count on to do their hardest and to be all they can be for the group. Someone who people can look up to with respect and to always be honest, kind, and compationate. Someone who you can always enjoy working with on and off the team. Someone who is very profesional and knows what he's doing (or she) with the products and responsibilities he has been given. One who is willing to do lots of research and homework on products, breeding and feeding patterns, how to make and sustain food plots, and how to conserve our natural recources. Someone who realizes that there is a lot of work to do before the fun begins. Well, that's just my .02! Believe me, I've thought a lot on this subject! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rifleman25 Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I am on the Hawg Lite pro staff. There are 4 of us that accepted these positions. We go to shows and answer questions on our product, as well as try to get more people involved in the use of this fairly new product (marketing). We have began filming a show to be aired on the Sprtsmans Channel, starting in April of 2007. The Show is called Texas Adventures, and Beyond. We have 4 episodes shot already and will add 2-3 turkey hunts as well. We have a great fall season scheduled and am looking foreward to where this small company is going. All of us on the pro staff were involved with the manufacturing of this product from stage one and are now having an asembly building built with plans to hire a small crew of emloyees to just handle that aspect. This will be a company to watch as the next couple years pass. We are compensated in no way financially for what we do. The owner of the company is even without pay from this at this point. We are selling out product now in 3 major outdoor retailers, and just took an order for another big player. We are already in a good number of retailers across the souther U.S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] RyanH and Strut10 pretty much hit the nail on the head for me. [/ QUOTE ] Me to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers I think Ryan, Strut10, Ohiobucks, and billkay summed up what I feel a prostaffer is. I'm pretty sure (could be wrong) many pro-staffers have regular jobs, just like you and I as well as their commitment to Realtree or whatever company they represent. I have no idea what benefits some of them have from the company they represent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers Most if not all the pro-staffers I know do hold down a 40 hour a week job in addition to their duties as a pro staffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Re: Pro-Staffers [ QUOTE ] Most if not all the pro-staffers I know do hold down a 40 hour a week job in addition to their duties as a pro staffer. [/ QUOTE ] And its STILL my dream to be a Pro-staffer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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