Jan 25, 2022
Outdoor Industry sales and operations professional Russ Ackerman, with 30 years management and sales success at the national, regional, and independent retailer levels, joins Can-Am as Sr. Account Manager. Russ is a former National Sales Manager at Flambeau Outdoors and brings extensive industry relationships and a wealth of experience as a retail Buyer, Sales Manager and Manufacturer’s Rep.
Based in Hudson, Ohio, Russ will call on customers located in PA, OH, MI, & IN. He will also leverage his experience and relationships at key National Accounts such as Academy & Tractor Supply.
Canadian outdoor sporting goods expert Kevin Kaksonen joins Can-Am as Account Manager. Kevin is highly skilled in assortment planning with very deep product and Canadian market knowledge. Kevin’s career includes 20 years with the largest national outdoor distributor and 5+ years with Ramakko’s Source for Adventure, one of the top independent outdoor retailers in Canada.
Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Kevin will be working with key National & Regional accounts and Distributors located in Eastern Canada.
Patrick Leggett, a qualified firearms and archery specialist, joins Can-Am as Territory Manager in Ontario. As an outdoor guide and mentor, Patrick has been involved in all aspects of outdoor sporting goods retail. Starting on the retail floor and advancing to management roles in some of Canada’s largest outdoor equipment distributors and retailers, including Bass Pro Shops and Big Rock Sports. This experience enables Patrick to best help retailers large and small grow sales while ensuring inventory is exciting, moving, and relevant, while building strong long-term partnerships!
Based in Woodbridge Ontario, Patrick will work with regional & independent retailers and distributors in Ontario.
“We are very excited to have Russ, Kevin and Patrick join our Can-Am team. Their enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors combined with their deep product knowledge and extensive customer relationships are a perfect fit for the needs of our distribution, retail, and vendor partners” stated Can-Am Sales Group President, Scott Makway.
Can-Am is also announcing the departure of Sr. Account Manager Rob Gervais who is leaving to become the Hunting Category Manager at Canadian Tire Corp., effective Monday January 17th. Rob has been with Can-Am since 2018 and we thank him for his contributions. “Working for Can-Am has been an amazing experience with incredible vendor partners and customers and I am grateful to Scott and the entire Can-Am team,” said Rob Gervais.
“This is a very bittersweet day for us at Can-Am” commented Mike Santos, VP National Accounts. “While we are very disappointed to see our friend and colleague Rob leave, we are very excited for him starting his new role at Canadian Tire and will support him any way we can”.
