Tim Johnson - Goals

SPONSOR GOALS

In 2003, Chick Moss with Evinrude Motors was the first person to recognize worth in me as a salesman in the fishing industry, and he agreed to an entry level sponsorship with Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP). I will always be grateful to Chick for giving me that opportunity.

As you can tell by the letter of recommendation from Krista Heidgerken, I am still sponsored by BRP, Inc. and I think have built an excellent reputation with the company. They make a wonderful product that is easy to represent. Shortly after BRP came Ranger Boats, and I have been sponsored by them for three years. Another quality product from another great company. I am also sponsored by MinnKota, Berkley, Fenwick, and Abu Garcia, and enjoy a great working relationship with them both.

FISHING GOALS

On the fishing side, rather than just "jumping in" with both feet, I felt it best to set realistic goals and allow myself time to learn the business and to gain recognition as well as a good reputation. I had faith in my work ethic and commitment, but I knew it would take time for sponsors to see this first hand. I also realize it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, and only a moment to lose it.

In 2001, I began fishing with the FLW Outdoors tournament trails as a boater in the BFL Georgia Division. I made the Top 30 and went to the Regional. I had a respectable 25th place finish on Lake Wateree, a lake I had never seen before the tournament. One goal accomplished; small, but still forward progress.

Having qualified for the Everstart Division after my first year of BFL, I stepped to the next level of competition in the Everstart, while continuing to fish the BFL circuit. My goal was to make the Regional in BFL and the Championship in the Everstart. I accomplished both goals.

In 2003, I qualified to fish the All-American, the largest paying tournament for "weekend anglers" and also one of the hardest for which to qualify. I had a great season in the BFL, finishing 6th in the points race.

In 2004, I had difficult seasons in both BFL and Everstart, but still a good year promoting sponsors. I was more determined than ever to be more dedicated and work harder in 2005. That hard work paid off in 2005 as I again returned to the Everstart Championship that year.

In 2006, I decided to step up to the next level with FLW, fishing as a non-boater in the FLW Tour. In the first tournament at Lake Okeechobee, I won my first attempt at this level. Finally, a chance to taste victory! It is sweet, just like everyone says, and the $20,000 first prize was welcomed too! I finished 4th in the points race out of 315 competitors. The top 10 co-anglers in the points race have the option to switch to the "Pro" side for the 2007 FLW Tour. That was my goal at the beginning of the season, so I switched to the professional side in 2007. Another goal accomplished!

I received an opportunity to fish as a Professional on the newly formed FLW Tour Series in 2006, so I took the challenge and finished 27th in points, which also earned the opportunity to fish the Professional side of the 2007 FLW Tour, so I ‘double qualified’ to enter the Tour for 2007. Also, finishing in the Top 30 in points means that I have already qualified for the FLW Forrest Wood Cup tournament in August, 2007, with a top prize of $1 million. It is nice to have success at the top level in tournament fishing, and a great opportunity to promote the sponsors that have helped me achieve these goals.

I resigned my position with Douglas County Bank in July 2006 to pursue a full time career in the fishing industry. I now have more time for sponsor commitments and will be able to concentrate solely on the fishing industry. I am exited and ready to go!!!!

It's important to me that I know any product I represent inside and out, that I believe whole-heartedly in the performance and quality of the product AND the company. I understand that I am an employee representing your company, and I take that commitment very seriously and believe that my 20 years of knowledge of sales and marketing has helped me gain experience that will be most beneficial to my sponsors.

Please know that by receiving my resume, I CHOOSE YOU with much confidence and experience in your product and company. I have been as careful in selecting you as you will be in selecting me.