THE BEGINNING
As part of his side hustle, Ian was dropping off a custom-made fishing rod to a client who happened to be an employee at UW-Stevens Point. That employee turned out to be Small Business Development Center (SBDC) director Patrick Gatterman. When Patrick saw the quality craftsmanship of the product, he encouraged Ian to start his own business and Hackett Rods was soon launched.
“Building customized fishing rods tailored to a person’s preferences for design, performance, color, and type of fish was something I just enjoyed doing. It was a hobby, and I had not really thought of starting a business,” Ian said. But his unique products including open water rods, ice fishing rods, and fly fishing rods, turned out to be in high demand.
As a student at the university (who graduated in December 2023), Ian was well supported. He was invited to give many presentations in classes and at student organizations about his small business startup and his rod building process.
THE PARTNERSHIPS
When Taps and Tackle Co., a local bait shop that also does guide services, needed some of their existing fishing rods repaired, Ian started a partnership with them and now he offers repairs as part of his standard services. Fall Line Outfitters Co., a Stevens Point shop for outdoor gear, also discovered value in Ian’s services and asked him to teach a rod-building class.
“One of the obstacles I had to overcome was starting from scratch. I knew nothing about running a business. I relied heavily on the SBDC. So much of where I am would not have happened without Patrick’s help,” Ian said.
Accomplishments with UW-Stevens Point SBDC
- Business strategy
- Pitch presentation
THE GROWTH
The SBDC helped Ian with his business strategy and preparation for pitch competitions. He was named a winner by a panel of judges for the Pulse Competition in October 2023, and he was also voted as the audience choice winner at that competition. “When I won at that event, I was able to use the winnings to really grow my business. I was able to hire a website designer and add ecommerce to my website. I also was able to pay booth fees to exhibit my products at outdoor expos,” Ian said. At his first expo in March of 2024, Ian made great connections. “The expo was huge for promotion of Hackett Rods,” he said.
THE SATISFACTION
“I am passionate about fishing and outdoor recreation, so getting to work in this industry is great! I love sharing space with like-minded people and helping people reach their angling goals,” Ian said. He also loves that his products are often gifts that bring others joy.
Ian shared one of his favorite stories of making a specialized gift. “One of my clients ordered a rod for her long-time boyfriend. I was happy to customize the rod just as he wanted. When he opened the gift, he was so delighted! He immediately proposed to his girlfriend saying, ‘Honey, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.’ And they are now happily married!”
We wish Ian the best with his business and continuing to bring such joy to his customers.