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Johnson Outdoors Inc.

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FY2014 Annual Report · Johnson Outdoors Inc.
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Smarter. Stronger. Better.

Annual Report 2014

CONTENTS

Company Snapshot…2

Message From the Chairman…10

Performance Overview…12

FY2014 Financial Highlights…14

Johnson Outdoors Businesses…16

Building Success…24

Leadership…36

Reaching Ever Higher

JOHNSON OUTDOORS SUCCEEDS BY ALWAYS STRIVING TO BE 

SMARTER, STRONGER AND BETTER. We’re on a journey of continuous 

improvement, driving exciting advances in every aspect of our business. 

Reaching ever higher positions us for sustainable growth—and makes us 

global leaders in outdoor recreation equipment.

JOUT-NASDAQ   |  1

Global Leaders

JOHNSON OUTDOORS KNOWS OUR MARKETS AND WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN. 

Outdoor recreation equipment 
sold in 80 countries
16 product categories
20 facilities worldwide
1,200 employees
Market cap ~$300M*

*as of 9/27/2014

 Headquarters in Racine, WI

Who We Are“Innovation is at the core of who we are 
— a strength we’ve cultivated for nearly 
half a century.”

— Helen Johnson-Leipold, Johnson Outdoors Chairman & CEO

Johnson Outdoors holds 204 U.S. and 

international patents and 31 pending 

patents for innovative technology across  

our portfolio. Innovation fuels growth 

year after year. In 2014, new products 

generated more than a third of total sales.

33%+ 

JOUT-NASDAQ     2  |  3

Brand Masters

OUR ICONIC BRANDS PROMISE ENTHUSIASTS A GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE.

Fishing

Diving

Camping & Hiking

Watercraft Recreation

JOUT-NASDAQ     4  |  5

Innovation Champions

BEING THE BEST FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS DRIVES OUR GROWTH. 

Our products regularly win industry accolades. 

Old Town® Predator™ XL 
Powered by Minn Kota® 
ICAST BEST OF SHOW

The world’s largest  
fishing trade show

Humminbird® ONIX® 8SI 
ICAST Best Electronics

Minn Kota® Ulterra™  
ICAST Best Boating Accessories

Award WinnersMarket Leaders

Our brands command leading market positions. 

Minn Kota® | Motors

Humminbird® | Fishfinders

Humminbird® | Digital Maps

Cannon® | Downriggers

SCUBAPRO® | Diving Gear

Jetboil® | Personal Cooking Systems

Minn Kota® | Shallow Water Anchors

Eureka!® | Family Tents

Silva® | Field Compasses

Old Town® | Canoes

Necky® | Kayaks

Ocean Kayak™ | Kayaks

JOUT-NASDAQ     6  |  7

JETBOIL® Joule™  
Outside magazine 
Gear of the Year

Driving Forward

WE FINISHED STRONG IN 2014, AND WE’RE 

EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE. Moving full speed 

ahead with our strategic plan, we’re confident in our 

ability to create long-term value.

JOUT-NASDAQ     8  |  9

Message From the Chairman

A strong close to 2014 keeps us on track toward  
long-term, sustainable growth.

Johnson Outdoors went from a challenging start to 

a record-setting finish in 2014. During the first half 

of the year, prolonged harsh winter 

conditions across North America and 

Europe froze consumer spending as 

well as customer orders. Sales in the 

first half of this year were off more 

than 10 percent. We stayed focused, 

managing production and employing 

strict spending and working capital 

controls, confident of a rebound when 

the weather turned.

profitable growth. We are seeing solid return 

on investments in new product development, 

manufacturing and operational 

excellence. We are making progress 

in achieving a better balance of 

profitability across our portfolio, 

which is a critical element of building 

foundational strength. 

We are committed to ensuring Johnson 

Outdoors’ long-term success. The key is 

to bring added value to every aspect of the outdoor 

recreation enthusiast’s experience.

As expected, demand grew as temperatures warmed. 

Strong market momentum in the second half of the 

We start by leveraging our core strengths in fishing, 

year almost overcame the sales decline in the first 

diving, camping, hiking and watercraft recreation.  

six months. Fourth quarter sales were up 10 percent 

Our market knowledge, product expertise and 

year over year, bringing total company revenue to 

consumer insight are unmatched. Broad, deep 

almost even with the prior year.

distribution and retail penetration; sophisticated 

processes and systems; and an across-the-board 

Through discipline and hard work, we have better 

focus on continuous improvement give us a strong 

positioned Johnson Outdoors for sustained, 

foundation for future growth. 

From our solid core, we have the power to launch 

strategies we plan to maximize our individual and 

new products, to create new categories, to reach 

collective brands’ share of voice in this arena.

new consumers. We have the platform for ongoing 

innovation—a hallmark of Johnson Outdoors, 

Johnson Outdoors strives to be the kind of company 

with new products driving a third or more of 

people want to work for and work with, and whose 

sales year after year. In today’s world of fast-paced 

products they want to buy. As we further enhance 

technological change, it’s more important than ever 

our brand equities, market positions and operational 

to focus our resources on innovation that has the 

performance, our people are building a culture of 

greatest chance of success. 

success, making us world-class competitors.

We are developing a new long-range plan that 

I am excited about the future for Johnson Outdoors. 

includes initiatives to get even closer to our 

We continue to be an ever smarter, stronger and 

consumers, to uncover deeper, richer insights 

better company, committed to winning consumer 

on how to make the entire outdoor recreational 

and customer loyalty and creating long-term value 

experience the best it can be. These insights will 

for all our stakeholders.

drive more targeted innovation, supported by ever 

more efficient innovation processes. 

We also recognize the importance of furthering our 

digital capabilities. Web and digital technologies 

have become our most important marketing 

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold  

tools, and we must keep pace with customer and 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 

consumer expectations. Through best-practice 

JOUT-NASDAQ     10  |  11

 
  
Performance Overview

Innovation and disciplined financial management  
curb effects of long, harsh winter.

Strong market momentum of new products 

in the second half of fiscal 2014 nearly offset 

the declines Johnson Outdoors experienced due 

were key drivers in our ability to drive more than 

$30 million in cash from operations, an 11 percent 

increase over last year. 

to extreme weather in the year’s first six months. 

Total company net sales were $425.4 million versus 

As a result of the impact of this year’s extreme 

$426.5 million in fiscal 2013. Growth in Marine 

weather on outdoor recreational markets, 2015 

Electronics and Outdoor Gear countered lower 

financial targets were reset to 2-3 percent compound 

revenue in other business units. 

annual growth in sales and 5-6 percent operating 

margin. Importantly, the balance sheet is in excellent 

In the third quarter we recognized $8.5 million in 

shape. Our strong cash position means we can invest 

one-time, non-cash impairment charges, which 

in the future when the opportunity or need arises, 

affected both profits and earnings. Operating profit 

as we continually work to make Johnson Outdoors a 

was $16.7 million compared with the prior year’s 

stronger, smarter and better organization.   

$25.6 million (a 20-plus year high). Tax treatment of 

impairment charges yielded an effective tax rate of 

46 percent, more than double last year’s 22 percent, 

resulting in net income of $9.1 million, or $0.90 

per diluted share, versus $19.3 million, or $1.95 per 

diluted share last year.

While extreme weather pushed the bulk of sales 

and profits into our third and fourth fiscal quarters, 

we reaped the benefits of efforts over the last five 

years to drive out inefficiency and costs. Improved 

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold  

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 

operational flexibility helped preserve profitability 

David W. Johnson 

as we adjusted to shifts in demand. Successful 

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

inventory and working capital management 

JOUT-NASDAQ     12  |  13

 
  
FY2014 Financial Highlights

Operating Results* 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Operating profit** 
Net income  

Diluted earnings per common share 
Diluted average common shares outstanding 

Capitalization 
Total debt 
Shareholders’ equity 
Total debt to total capital 

* $ Thousands, except per share amount 
** As reported

2012 
$412,292 
164,322 
21,413 
10,134 

$1.03 
9,379 

2012 
$8,860 
173,604 
5% 

2013 
$426,461 
171,049 
25,591 
19,327 

$1.95 
9,523 

2013 
$8,333 
197,668 
4% 

2014
$425,410
168,613
16,691
9,123

$0.90
9,635

2014
$7,791
198,458
4%

Return on Investment *
Compared to Peers

Stock Price Performance
Compared to Peers

20%

10%

0%

-10%

-30%

-30%

800%

600%

400%

200%

0%

-200%

* Based on average invested capital TTM

JOUT Peers: ACAT • BC • BDE • ELY • ESCA • GRMN • JAH • MPX • NLS • ZQK

•  Record sales for flagship Minn Kota® brand

•  2015 products grab top industry innovation awards

•  Watercraft profit beats expectation

•  Historic low debt with $70.8 million in cash at year-end

•  Continuation of quarterly dividend

Net Sales Compared to 
Operating Profit *

$430

426.5

425.4

$30

412.3

410

26.5

23.6

390

19.2

370

350

25

20

15

10

5

0

Operating Cash Flow

$35,000

33.2

31.8

30.0

25,000

15,000

5,000

FY ’12

FY ’13

FY ’14

FY ’12

FY ’13

FY ’14

  Net Sales ($Millions)
  Operating Profit ($Millions)

*Excluding unusual Items

Operating Cash Flow ($Millions)

Cash, Net of Debt

Profit per Employee

$60

40

20

0

63.0

50.0

47.4

22.9

20.4

$20

16.5

10

0

FY ’12

FY ’13

FY ’14

FY ’12

FY ’13

FY ’14

Cash, Net of Debt ($Millions)

Profit per Employee ($Thousands)*

*Excluding unusual Items

JOUT-NASDAQ     14  |  15

 
 
 
 
Maintaining Momentum

WE’RE POSITIONED TO THRIVE IN A CONSTANTLY CHANGING 

LANDSCAPE. Our businesses go deep to understand our markets and 

deliver industry-leading solutions.

JOUT-NASDAQ     16  |  17

Fishing

Fishing Motors

Fishfinders

Downriggers

Shallow Water Anchors 

Digital Charts & Maps

$249.6 million

FY2014 NET SALES

More Fish, 
More Fun
MARINE ELECTRONICS HELPED FUEL JOHNSON 

OUTDOORS MOMENTUM IN 2014, with record 

performance from Minn Kota® motors and Cannon® downriggers. 

Combined with Humminbird® brand sales, Marine Electronics 

revenue grew 1 percent.

Minn Kota dominated through innovation; new products 

accounted for half of all sales. We help anglers make the most 

of their time on the water with advances like our revolutionary 

Ulterra™, the ICAST Best of Show winner in boating accessories. 

This elite trolling motor makes boat control easier than ever 

with fully automated stow, deploy and power trim—controlled 

wirelessly via the i-Pilot® or i-Pilot Link™ remote or foot pedal.

Humminbird remains a technological leader in a highly charged 

competitive environment. Our patented Side Imaging® sonar 

technology grabs sonar snapshots off the sides of the boat to 

create a picture of passing terrain. Revolutionary 360 Imaging™ 

uses circular sweeps to reveal what’s ahead, behind and all 

59% 

Percent of JOUT sales

around—even when the boat’s standing still. Anglers can see 

exactly where to steer and cast to catch more fish, faster.

This year Humminbird also significantly upgraded the  

operating system for its high-end touchscreen units, including 

the ONIX® 8SI fishfinder that won ICAST Best of Show in 

electronics. We’ll upgrade all models in 2015—enabling us  

to dramatically improve features and functionality now and  

in the future.

JOUT-NASDAQ     18  |  19

Diving

Regulators

Buoyancy Compensators

Dive Computers

Masks/Fins/Snorkels

Wetsuits

$79.6 million

FY2014 NET SALES

Modern 
Pioneers
DIVING, OUR MOST GLOBAL BUSINESS, continued to 

deal with weak European economies as well as unrest in 

the Middle East, which affects some of the world’s most popular 
dive destinations. Revenue in 2014 declined 6 percent. 

18% 

Percent of JOUT sales

We’re working hard to lessen the impact through continued 

innovation in our marketing approach as well as in our products. 

We engage customers around the world through multi-channel, 

multi-media strategies ranging from daily photo posts on 

Instagram to specialized regional promotions. SCUBAPRO® 

surpassed 100,000 likes on Facebook, where users regularly share 

photos, videos and tips on enhancing the diving experience.

Our Deep Elite brand ambassadors are iconic individuals from 

across the sport who are committed to conservation as well as 

innovation in diving. They don’t receive pay or gear and aren’t 

required to use SCUBAPRO products—but they willingly discuss 

our brand as they encourage new and seasoned divers to 

discover, experience and protect the oceans. 

SCUBAPRO has earned respect through a history of innovation 

and commitment to quality, continuing as the world’s #1 diving 

brand. More than half our SCUBAPRO employees are divers 

themselves, and more than a third are instructors. That keeps 

us close to the consumer, ready to deliver the products and 

services for divers who deep down, demand the best.     

JOUT-NASDAQ     20  |  21

Camping & 
Watercraft 
Recreation

Recreational Paddling

Fishing Kayaks

Personal Flotation 
Devices

Tents

Personal Cooking 
Systems

Camping & Hiking Gear

$96.9 million

FY2014 NET SALES

Instant 
Adventure
WATERCRAFT RETURNED TO PROFITABILITY 

A YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, following a 

sustained drive toward operational improvement and despite 

a slight 3 percent decline in revenue. More than a decade 

ago, this business struggled with the growing pains of major 

acquisitions and rapid category expansion. Over the years 

we’ve strengthened Watercraft’s infrastructure, removed 

costs and complexity, and increased speed-to-market with 

streamlined development and production. 

These improvements fuel meaningful innovation—like the  

Old Town® Predator™ fishing kayaks, which this year helped 

drive a 10 percent increase in revenue for the brand. The 

new Predator XL, powered by Minn Kota®, took home ICAST’s 

highest honor, overall Best of Show.

In Outdoor Gear, revenue grew 7 percent. We continue to 

integrate Jetboil®, the #1 brand in outdoor cooking systems, 

into our camping portfolio, working to make the most of 

23% 

Percent of JOUT sales

operational synergies. Our research shows that for enthusiasts, 

cooking is a big part of camping. We’re leveraging Jetboil’s 

patented technology to enhance that experience. 

Our focus on campsite essentials earned continued recognition 

in 2014. Backpacker Gear Guide featured Eureka!® tents and bags, 

naming the Midori 2 to its tenting hall of fame. And Outside 

Buyer’s Guide rated the Taron Basecamp 4 tops in livability. 

JOUT-NASDAQ     22  |  23

Building Success

WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN. Translating in-depth 

analysis and planning into action, we continuously improve 

every aspect of Johnson Outdoors.

JOUT-NASDAQ     24  |  25

JETBOIL FITS PERFECTLY INTO THE LIVES OF 

ACTIVE CAMPERS, HIKERS AND CLIMBERS.

Bold Innovation

Jetboil® cooking systems make trail food great food,  
igniting demand through innovation.

In 2014 we saw the importance of innovation that 

excites our markets and delights consumers. Once 

the extreme weather lifted, Johnson Outdoors sales 

a meaningful difference at the right price/value balance 

and has the greatest chance of success.

hit record highs—and 40 percent of those sales came 

Jetboil represents the ultimate in innovation, using 

from new products. 

new, proprietary technology to create an entire product 

category. Fast, efficient, lightweight units like the Jetboil 

To stay a step ahead on the innovation curve, our 

Joule make it easy for enthusiasts to cook enjoyable 

businesses work constantly to enhance new product 

meals outdoors. That makes Jetboil the number one 

development processes. The challenge is making the 

brand in personal cooking systems—and keeps demand 

most of our resources to deliver innovation that offers 

for Johnson Outdoors products strong and growing. 

Jetboil® Joule™ 
Personal Cooking 
System

Integrated Flux Ring® 
speeds heat transfer for 
fastest cooking time ever.

Push-button igniter  
makes startup easy, even in 
windy conditions.

2.5 liter vessel supports  
cooking for a group.

Inverted, liquid-feed design 
delivers fuel-efficient heating 
even in cold weather, with 
canister portability.

JOUT-NASDAQ     26  |  27

OLD TOWN PREDATOR IS  

THE ULTIMATE FISHING KAYAK. 

Rich Insights

Old Town® Predator™ fishing kayak shows how we turn  
consumer insights into must-have products.

Unique consumer insights fuel innovation across 

Johnson Outdoors. From early-stage product 

development feedback to point-of-sale analytics, we’re 

enthusiasts who paddle, not paddling enthusiasts 

who fish. That insight sparked development of the 

Predator fishing kayak. We involved anglers and 

mining a wealth of data to stay closer to consumers 

dealers at every phase, combining their feedback  

and be stronger partners for customers. 

with our unparalleled knowledge of fishing. Early 

market success led us to expand our offering with  

Our goal is to know our consumers better than they 

the Predator XL, powered by Minn Kota®. 

know themselves: who they are, what makes them tick, 

and what will make their entire outdoor experience 

The result: In 2014, our Predator models won major 

the best it can be. We keep our brands the preferred 

industry awards, drove a 10 percent sales increase 

choice for enthusiasts through continuing “ahas”—

for Old Town and outpaced sales of all other fishing 

like realizing that a fishing kayak is bought by fishing 

kayaks, growing market share in this key segment. 

Three-position seat offers 
maximum comfort or flips aside 
for more deck room.

Six removable plates let anglers 
mount rod holders, electronics 
and accessories without drilling 
into the hull.

Large bow hatch and accessible 
storage spaces ensure plenty of 
room for gear.

Slip-resistant deck combines with 
a stable ride for confident standing 
and casting.

Old Town® Predator™ MX 
Fishing Kayak 

JOUT-NASDAQ    28  |  29

TALON BRINGS MINN KOTA TOUGHNESS 

TO SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS.

Growing Brands

Minn Kota® Talon™ shallow water anchor builds success  
 on deep brand strength.

O ur iconic brands form a strong core from which 

we can launch new products and categories. Most 

of our brands hold the #1 or #2 position in their market, 

sustaining consumer loyalty. And Johnson Outdoors 

stands for superior technology and performance to  

our customers.

We value this equity and use it prudently to 

expand our market segments. Case in point: 

the Minn Kota Talon shallow water anchor. For 

decades, enthusiasts have known Minn Kota 

as the gold standard in electric trolling motors. 

The brand means rugged innovation rooted 

in deep fishing know-how. Johnson Outdoors 

has carefully expanded the Minn Kota line 

with motor accessories. In 2011, we saw fresh 

opportunity in an adjacent category, shallow 

water anchors.

The Talon delivers exactly what anglers expect  

from Minn Kota: game-changing toughness and smart, 

quiet operation. In the last two years we’ve added a 

camouflage version, and the world’s only  

12-foot shallow water anchor option…growing  

sales by taking a well-loved brand to new depths  

and new heights. 

Push-button deployment 
quickly pins the boat 
without disturbing the 
bottom or spooking fish.

Unique, adjustable 
anchor enables fishing 
at depths up to 12 feet, 
preventing drifting 
when casting, reeling or 
changing ties.

Anchor mode choices 
match the environment – 
Auto-Drive, Soft Bottom, 
Rough Water.

All-electric design 
eliminates hydraulics for 
easy installation and low 
maintenance.

Minn Kota® Talon™  
Shallow Water Anchor

JOUT-NASDAQ     30  |  31

Powered by Technology Firsts

For more than 80 years, Minn Kota® has 
led the industry in electric trolling motor 
innovations. Game-changing technology 
firsts have strengthened the core business, won 

consumer loyalty and built valuable brand equity. 

Johnson Outdoors draws on what we know and 

do best—our knowledge of fishing and our ability 

to get close to the consumer—to guide the 

expansion of the Minn Kota brand. As we’ve moved 

into adjacent market segments, we’ve continued 

to grow sales, making Minn Kota that rarity in 

the outdoor recreation equipment industry: 
a consistent $100 million brand.

i-Pilot®
First wireless remote-controlled,  
GPS-based trolling motor navigation 
system. Less navigating, more fishing! 
i-Pilot locks onto fishing spots, sets trolling 
paths and commands speed and steering. 

CoPilot™
First trolling motor wireless 
remote control. Anglers can 
now fish from anywhere in the 
boat and still control speed, 
steering and prop on/off. 

The Minn Kota AutoPilot was 
the first motor to include the 
AutoPilot feature in 1991.

AutoPilot™
First microprocessor-controlled automated 
steering system. AutoPilot locks onto a compass 
heading and keeps the boat moving, cutting the 
time anglers have to spend steering by 75 percent. 

i-Pilot® Link™
Minn Kota and Humminbird® combine forces to 
create the first wireless, GPS-controlled trolling 
motor navigation and fishing system. Using 
either device, anglers can set a path, follow the 
contour, lock in a spot and more—for practically 
hands-free fishing.

The Riptide® SF, a saltwater bow-mount 
motor, is among the Minn Kota models 
featuring Lift-Assist.

Lift-Assist™
Patented Lift-Assist design cuts 
the weight of stow and deploy 
in half, making lifting a motor as 
easy as lifting an SUV tailgate.

Digital Maximizer™
Provides up to five times 
longer run time on a single 
charge by drawing only 
the power that’s needed— 
extending anglers’ time on 
the water. Available on select 
Minn Kota motors.

The 2015 Minn Kota Ulterra™  
is equipped with the Digital 
Maximizer, 112 pounds of thrust, 
auto stow and deploy, power trim 
and integrated GPS technology 
for either the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link.

JOUT-NASDAQ     32  |  33

EVERY HUMMINBIRD, EVERY DAY, 

MADE IN AMERICA.

Advanced Manufacturing

Humminbird® uses a patented manufacturing process  
to promote operational excellence. 

W hatever the business system or process, we 

know we can and must continually do it 

better. That gives Johnson Outdoors vital operational 

state-of-the-art, 84,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. 

Here Humminbird makes, packages and ships its sonar-

based marine electronics. Advanced techniques include 

flexibility. We can’t control the weather, but we can 

a patented dual-line process that speeds circuit board 

manage supply chains, purchasing procedures and 

production. Every unit is automatically tracked and tested 

inventory to flex with demand. And we can turn ideas 

multiple times before shipping.

into winning products through efficient, quality-

focused manufacturing, as seen at our Humminbird 

This intense quality focus is key to supporting a radical 

headquarters in Eufaula, Alabama.

new operating system, launched with the Humminbird 

ONIX® and ION® and rolling out to all models. Using the 

The 50-acre site along Lake Eufaula includes a  

most advanced manufacturing techniques, we’re bringing 

high-tech research and development center and a 

anglers the most powerful fishing electronics ever.

AutoChart® Live sonar-generates a 
custom fishing map in real time.

Side Imaging®, Down Imaging™  
and 360 Imaging™ technologies 
show where to steer and cast.

Cross Touch™ controls make 
it easy to tap and swipe 
through menus and features 
or use traditional touchpad in 
rougher waters.

Intuitive Interface gives 
fast access to favorite 
views, GPS data and more.

Humminbird® ONIX® 10 
Sonar & GPS System

JOUT-NASDAQ     34  |  35

Experienced Leaders

Terry E. London
Director since 1999

John M. Fahey, Jr.
Director since 2001

Kathy Button Bell
Director since 2014

W. Lee McCollum
Director since 2005

Edward F. Lang
Director since 2006

Thomas F. Pyle, Jr.
Vice Chairman of the Board
Director since 1997

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman of the Board  
Director since 1999

Richard “Casey” Sheahan
Director since 2014

JOUT-NASDAQ     36  |  37
JOUT-NASDAQ     X  |  37

Board of Directors

Our board of directors helps guide Johnson Outdoors  
with vital business acumen and a broad range of experience.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold, Johnson Outdoors chairman and 
CEO, leads with skills in strategic planning, global operations, strategic 

marketing and branding, drawing on deep knowledge of the company 

and its industry. She served as a marketing executive with S.C. Johnson & 

Son, Inc. and Foote, Cone & Belding. Ms. Johnson-Leipold is chairman and 

director of Johnson Financial Group, Inc.; director of S.C. Johnson & Son; 

and chairman, The Johnson Foundation.

Thomas F. Pyle, Jr., Johnson Outdoors vice chairman, brings 
extensive managerial, transactional, operational and financial expertise 

to the role. Currently chairman, The Pyle Group, and non-executive 

chairman of Uniek, Inc., Mr. Pyle is former owner and head of Rayovac 

Corporation. He serves as director of Sub-Zero Wolf, Inc.; advisor to the 

University of Wisconsin Chancellor; and trustee of Wisconsin Alumni 

Research Foundation and other leading research institutions.

Kathy Button Bell is vice president and chief marketing officer  
of Emerson Electric Co., a $25 billion manufacturing conglomerate.  

A renowned branding strategist, she has served in lead marketing roles 

with recreational giants Converse, Inc. and Wilson Sporting Goods.  

Ms. Button Bell is a director of Sally Beauty Holdings and the American 

Marketing Association, and past chairwoman, Business Marketing 

Association.

John M. Fahey, Jr., chairman of the National Geographic Society, 
is knowledgeable in key Johnson Outdoors markets and outdoor 

leisure, travel and recreational industries. He brings skills in leadership, 

strategic planning, international business and enterprise risk 

management. Mr. Fahey is also lead director of Time Inc. and a regent 

of the Smithsonian Institution.

Edward F. Lang, senior vice president and CFO of the NFL’s New 
Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, provides insight in 

leisure industries and consumer products as well as broad experience 

in corporate finances and operations. He served with the NHL’s 

Nashville Predators for 13 years, most recently as president of business 

operations and alternate governor. 

Terry E. London, chairman of London Broadcasting Company LP 
and LBK Entertainment Holdings, provides insight on a broad range 

of corporate management and financial matters, drawing on his 

experience as chief executive of major corporations. Mr. London has 

been involved with the outdoor industry for more than 20 years and 

is also chairman of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. board of directors.

W. Lee McCollum, director of Johnson Financial Group, Inc., 
brings a broad range of international and consumer product 

marketing and operational experience as well as financial expertise, 

having served as executive vice president and CFO of S.C. Johnson 

& Son, Inc. He is a director of Sigma Aldrich Corporation and Coastal 

South Bancshares, Inc.

Richard “Casey” Sheahan, former president and CEO of 
Patagonia, Inc., brings proven knowledge, expertise and leadership 

in management, marketing and sustainable business practices in the 

outdoors industry. Prior to taking the reins at Patagonia, he held key 

executive positions at Kelty, Inc., Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., Merrell 

Outdoor Division and Nike, Inc. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast,  

Mr. Sheahan serves on the board of the Outdoor Industry Association 

and as senior advisor to Backbone Media

JOUT-NASDAQ     38  |  39

Executive Team

Our executive team draws on insight, industry experience and a passion 
for outdoor recreation to lead our dedicated employees.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and CEO

David W. Johnson
Vice President and CFO

Kelly Grindle
Senior Group Vice 
President, Marine 
Electronics & Diving 

Bill Kelly
Group Vice President 
Outdoor Gear & 
Watercraft

Joe Stella
Group Vice President  
Global Diving

John Moon
Vice President and  
Chief Information 
Officer

Alisa Swire
Corporate Secretary, 
Vice President and  
General Counsel

Sara Vidian
Vice President 
Human Resources

Patricia Penman
Vice President 
Marketing Services

Cynthia Georgeson
Vice President 
Global Communication

Executive team and board of directors photos by John Sibilski Photography

Certain matters discussed in this report are “forward-looking statements” intended to be covered by the safe 
harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995. Please see “Forward Looking Statements” in the 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of uncertainties and risks 
associated with these statements.

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© 2014 Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Publisher: Cynthia Georgeson 
Vice President, Global Communication 
Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Design: Lynne and Gil Leigh, Modern Media 
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Editor: Mary Jo Thome

Production Coordinator: Amy Helvick 

Corporate Secretary 
Johnson Outdoors Inc. • 555 Main Street • Racine, WI USA • 53403-1015

For more information, contact: 
Johnson Outdoors Inc. 
Patricia Penman
Vice President, Marketing Services & Global Communication 
262-631-6600 • patricia.penman@johnsonoutdoors.com

To contact the Board of Directors directly, visit: 
http://investor.johnsonoutdoors.com/contactBoard.cfm

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