EPISODE · Feb 22, 2024 · 1H 33M
S6, Ep 20: All Things Grundens with Curtis Graves and Jim Kershaw
from The Articulate Fly
Embark on a journey with Marvin Cash as he casts a line into the world of Grundens with Curtis Graves and Jim Kershaw on this episode of The Articulate Fly. Curtis and Jim, the masterminds behind Grundens' innovative product design, share their philosophy on creating gear that's not just durable but thoughtfully engineered to enhance the angling experience. The duo reveals the meticulous attention to detail that goes into their products, from the groundbreaking Boundary waders with their unique suspension system to the upcoming Portal rain jacket, designed for the ultimate dryness even in torrential downpours. They also hint at exciting developments, like the soon-to-launch sunshirt line, ensuring anglers are well-protected and stylish under the blazing sun. Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous testing that Grundens gear undergoes, ensuring that every product lives up to the brand's promise of keeping you dry and comfortable, no matter the conditions. With a nod to the upcoming mid-layer that pairs perfectly with the Portal jacket, Curtis and Jim demonstrate that Grundens is about more than just waders; it's about a comprehensive approach to angling apparel. Whether you're wading through a serene stream or braving the harsh elements at sea, this episode of The Articulate Fly is a deep dive into the gear that gets you through your fishing adventures. So cast off your doubts, gear up for the elements and, remember, tight lines! All Things Social Media Follow Grundens on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Support the Show Shop on Amazon Become a Patreon Patron Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice. Helpful Episode Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:48 Early Fishing Memories 0:04:51 Curtis and Jim's Journey to Grundens 0:32:03 Building Future-Proof Waders 0:44:06 Designing for Different Angling Needs 1:15:00 A Different Customer Experience
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What this episode covers
Curtis Graves and Jim Kershaw from Grundens discuss their design philosophy, product journey and customer connection approach on The Articulate Fly podcast with Marvin Cash. Curtis highlights intentional career decisions and overcoming the fear of failure in his journey as the Director of Product at Grundens. Jim shares his background in industrial design and previous work experiences that led him to his role as the Design Director. Grunden's entry into the fly fishing market with the sport fishing collection, featuring durable, value-driven products inspired by their commercial fishing heritage, is discussed. The duo describes Grundens' meticulous design process for their Boundary waders, focusing on problem-solving, consumer-centric features and product differentiation. They emphasize key aspects such as repairability, mobility, suspension system and gravel guards as part of their innovative approach to creating functional gear for anglers. The conversation delves into the intricate design process of creating versatile and durable fishing gear, particularly waders and boots, focusing on future-proofing products with repairability, sustainability and quality materials. Specific features of the Vector and Bedrock waders are compared, highlighting their use cases and design aspects. The discussion then moves to rain gear and wading boots, emphasizing thoughtful design choices for durability and functionality. The focus remains on comfort and performance to enhance the fishing experience for anglers of all levels. Curtis shares insights on field testing fishing gear in challenging conditions like heavy rain, stressing the importance of gear quality and comfort. He recalls a scenario where immediate design changes were made after discovering a leaky jacket before field testing. The importance of hands-on experiences in selecting fishing gear and the dedication to quality control, such as water-beating performance without harmful chemicals, is emphasized. The impact of digital marketing versus personal interactions in retail is discussed, highlighting the value of personalized service at local fly shops and American-made textiles in places like Old Fort, North Carolina. The unique culture of Asheville, NC, and the role of community support in the fishing industry are explored. The episode concludes with a focus on industry education and collaboration to advance textile engineering. The participants express enthusiasm for sharing experiences, educating consumers and creating quality gear for outdoor enthusiasts.
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S6, Ep 20: All Things Grundens with Curtis Graves and Jim Kershaw
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