Retiring after an award winning career as a United States Postal Service Marketing Executive, and unwilling to sit on the side lines, Bob found himself at Capt. Harry’s Fishing Supply providing guidance in the development of their national catalog and advertising. After several years with Capt. Harry’s, an opportunity came forth to relocate to the West Coast of Florida, and needless to say, Bob and his family seized it.

Once settled in to the West Coast, he purchased a boat and began his exploration of the vast mangrove islands and the miles of grass flats that make up this unique fishery. It didn’t take him long to realize that the learning curve was not going to be a short one. It was then that Bob saw an opportunity to create and develop a local fishing show.

His initial plans were to create a half hour information packed show that would unravel the mysteries of fishing the Southwest Florida area. However, through his untiring efforts and networking, Bob was able to create an unbelievable two-hour block of local outdoor programming by developing two half-hour shows of his own and then packaging two existing local outdoor programs around those shows. Hence, Southwest Florida Outdoors was born.
From day one Bob used his marketing skills to develop and structure media relationships with major FM radio stations and newspapers to promote the program, quickly turning Southwest Florida Outdoors into the number one outdoor program in the area. As the popularity of the program grew, Bob decided to restructure his shows into a single half-hour program and move it to a larger venue via the regional Fox Television affiliate and the Bright House Network. In addition to this move, he also made a bold decision to no longer have a dedicated host to the show. Instead, each week a member of a core group of expert guides would host the show. This innovative format was an instant success, as viewers raved about the diverse mix of persona, skills and knowledge that was delivered each week.

Due to its local success and unique format, national sponsors asked Bob to move Southwest Florida Outdoors to an even larger venue. And once again, Southwest Florida Outdoors delivered! January 2006, Bob moved Southwest Florida Outdoors to Fox Sports Net Florida. Again, through his keen marketing abilities, Bob developed strategies that put Southwest Florida Outdoors on top of the charts. The Nielsen Ratings went through the roof by exceeding network goals by over 65%. In fact the show did so well, Southwest Florida Outdoors retained 100% of its sponsorship base for the next three years.

The recent economy of 2009 & 2010 has proven to be a challenging. Despite the downturn in manufacturer’s advertising and marketing budgets, Bob once again is turning the tides by aggressively working with companies to tailor sponsorship packages that meet their financial needs. Our in-house marketing and production capabilities allow Southwest Florida Outdoors to offer the best valued sponsorship packages in the industry.

Our new 2010 season looks to be our best ever. It’s all about the “Information Edge” - From Pacific Sailfish in Guatemala to big Caloosahatchee River Snook our guides and special guests share the “How-To’s.”

2011 – Yes, Bob is already looking ahead. More information to share and maybe even a bigger venue to share it. Who knows with Bob, he’s not one to sit on the sidelines and relax.

The Bottom Line
The growth and success of Southwest Florida Outdoors is founded in a well paced, informative and entertaining program that is superbly produced and edited by Bob. Coupling that with his excellent marketing skills, strategies and his eye to the future, Bob always seems to have Southwest Florida Outdoors ahead of the curve and on a continued path towards growth.