Post Falls, ID — Wednesday, August 12, 2020–Buck Knives, leader in sports cutlery, is pleased to announce key organizational appointments that reinforce and position the company for a dynamic approach to marketing, product development and business development in the modern arena.

Chris Bourassa will assume the role of Director of Marketing and New Product Development, where he will be responsible for delivering Buck Knives’ voice, vision, and product range into the market.

“Buck Knives has a story to tell. Over a century’s worth of legacy, innovation, craftsmanship, and trusted reliability define who we are. I couldn’t me more pleased to help tell that story and contribute to the product line that will further build on everything Buck Knives exemplifies,” said Bourassa.

Having spent the past eight years with Buck Knives as National Sales Manager, and most recently Director of North American Sales, Bourassa is innately suited for this role and prepared to implement this new phase of growth and excitement in Buck Knives.

“Chris is a consummate strategist with a passion for planning and execution,” said Joe Piedmont, COO of Buck Knives. “This move is very fitting for him, as he is a great driving force for our organization.”

Furthermore, Chris Brooks will assume the role of Director of Business Development in an effort to more fully realize Buck’s position in ancillary markets. Brooks will be focusing efforts in the tactical, military, and government sectors, as well as furthering commitment to the culinary side of the product range.

“Having been in this industry for a while, I’ve met a lot of great folks and brought them alongside us to create some amazing products.  It’s an honor to work here at Buck, one of the world’s most reputable knife companies.  I look forward to securing and growing these sectors outside of our normal day-to-day business,” said Brooks.

Brooks has spent the past two decades in the cutlery industry logging time with Kershaw Knives, Southern Grind, and nearly three years with Buck Knives.

“Since joining us at Buck Knives, Brooks has played a key role in developing products and relationships that solidify our position in the tactical and culinary markets.  His vision behind the launch of the Ground Combat knives revitalized our reputation for developing military grade products.  I look forward to seeing the expansion of our non-traditional product lines and market growth through Brooks’ new role,” said CJ Buck, CEO and Chairman of Buck Knives.

Combined, these roles allow Buck Knives to proactively deliver superior service and products to all segments of the market, and will enhance their commitment to building the most trusted knives and tools in the industry.

Brand Adds VP of Marketing and Elevates Long-time Employees into Executive Vice President and Senior Sales Director Roles

(Oregon City, OR) June 22, 2020 – Benchmade Knife Company, the leading producer of American made knives has solidified a new leadership team as it looks to the future for even greater growth.

“This is the perfect moment for Benchmade to prioritize our team and culture” said Jon deAsis, President. “Our commitment to culture and performance drove me to seek out the right people to help support the incredible growth we have been experiencing. Evolving our structure with key talent and vision will energize our brand and improve our ability to satisfy customers worldwide.”

Recently filling the key role of Vice President of Marketing, Joe Prebich joins the team with a long history of defining and developing strong brand relationships to the consumer. Prebich’s previous experience with leading brands like Fjallraven, Oakley and Red Bull, bring a level of consumer expertise that is a key element of Benchmade’s commitment to best-in-class customer experiences.

“I am so proud to be joining the Benchmade family,” said Prebich. “The reputation and dedication to quality is what drew me to the brand, but it is the people that I met along the way that proved Benchmade is truly committed. I look forward to working with the entire organization and to share this incredible story with customers across the world.

Bringing greater depth and sales leadership to the executive team, Charles Darby has been promoted to Sr. Director of Sales and will elevate new responsibilities for Benchmade’s global sales and retail affairs. Darby has made a career at Benchmade and now ascends into the position with a continued commitment to the brand’s long-time relationships across multiple channels of sales.

“Benchmade has given me the chance over the past 15 years to grow as a person and professional,” said Darby. “Now, as I take the reins with my incredible sales team, I am excited to put my perspective on the future and to partner with the group to translate our story to every one of our retail relationships.

Additionally, to emphasize continuity planning, culture, and organizational development, Kristine Gittins has been promoted to the role of Executive Vice President, focusing on securing strategic access to capital and ensuring execution of our corporate mission.

“Kristine has been an integral part of the culture and success at Benchmade and her promotion caps off a year that has challenged every industry. I am very proud of her leadership through difficult times and am looking forward to her continued success here at Benchmade.”

Benchmade Knife Company is proudly taking actions to ensure the future of the brand remains PEOPLE and PRODUCT.

These strategic new additions follow what has been a year of reinforcing the core values of the business that were established when Les De Asis began hand building knives 40 years ago. Today, Benchmade is known throughout the industry as a leader in quality and technology with a relentless drive to bring only the best product to the Benchmade customer.

“I am thrilled to have established a new leadership structure at Benchmade,” said De Asis. “The addition of Joe and Charles to the team means that we will continue to grow our brand, create value, and enrich collaboration with all market partners. Our vision for servicing the market centers around the important relationships with our customers, investing more in our external channels and strengthening our brand identity overall.”