For more episodes of the Sawyer On-Water Podcast ➡️ YouTube Playlist

🔗 Episode Links:

• Sawyer Paddles and Oars: https://paddlesandoars.com

📝 Summary

In this episode, Zac interviews Bruce Bergstrom, the second owner of Sawyer, discussing the history of the company, the impact of Ralph Sawyer, and the innovations in paddle and oar production. Bruce shares insights on the challenges of transitioning ownership, the importance of family and community in the business, and the merger with Smoker Oars. The conversation also touches on manufacturing processes, staff training, and the legacy of quality craftsmanship that continues to define Sawyer today.

🎬 Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome to the Sawyer On-Water Podcast

• 00:26 Bruce Bergstrom: Sawyer's 2nd Owner

• 02:46 Transitioning Ownership from Ralph Sawyer to Bruce

• 10:05 The Connection of Bruce and Zac

• 15:58 Relocating the Sawyer Factory

• 20:48 Staffing Challenges

• 23:20 Optimizing Production

• 26:03 The Merger of Sawyer and Smoker

• 32:55 The SOU Paddle Art Project

• 34:43 The Art of Varnishing

• 38:23 Blending Wood and Composite

• 40:35 The Story of the Sawyer SquareTop

• 43:06 Sawyer's Production Manager

• 46:46 The Legacy of Ralph Sawyer

• 51:36 See you on the water!

• 52:58 Rapid Rapid Questions

Sawyer Paddles & Oars. High-quality handcrafted paddles and oars since 1967 🛶

➡️ For paddles and oars, visit our website: https://paddlesandoars.com

➡️ For all your river gear needs, visit our retail store: https://sawyerstation.com

🎥 Watch more episodes of the Sawyer On-Water Podcast here: YouTube Playlist

See you on the water! 🌊