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Johnson Outdoors Inc.

jout · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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FY2018 Annual Report · Johnson Outdoors Inc.
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2018 ANNUAL REPORT

FOR

ADVENTURERS

BY

ADVENTURERS

—Sam Johnson, Founder

FOUNDED IN THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE.
PROPELLED BY A PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS.
INSPIRED TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND.

We always have been and always  
will be a company for adventurers,  
by adventurers, dedicated to creating 
the best outdoor experience possible.

“Our love for outdoor recreation 
creates a unique bond with the outdoor 
consumer, and a unique advantage for 
Johnson Outdoors.” 

—Helen P. Johnson-Leipold  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  1

FISHING

DIVING

WHO
WE ARE

JOHNSON OUTDOORS 

IS A FAMILY OF CORE 
BRANDS building on 

the power of the whole 

to deliver a superior 

consumer experience 

and create awe-inspiring 

outdoor adventures. 

Through innovative, top-

quality products, we earn 

industry awards, customer 

loyalty, and the trust of 

consumers who share 

our passion.

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CAMPING

COMPANY SNAPSHOT
JOUT-NASDAQ

$544.3 M  

NET SALES 

WATERCRAFT

16

PRODUCT 
CATEGORIES

1,200

EMPLOYEES

21

FACILITIES 
WORLDWIDE

80

COUNTRIES

AS OF 9.30.18

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  3

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

CONNECTING WITH 
CONSUMERS

TO COMPETE AT THE 
CUTTING EDGE

AT OUR CORE, JOHNSON OUTDOORS IS A 
FAMILY OF ADVENTURERS, PEOPLE WITH A 
PASSION TO FISH, CAMP, HIKE, SCUBA DIVE 
AND PADDLE. Our love for outdoor recreation 
is a unique bond we share with the outdoor 
consumer. We know what it takes to make a 
great outdoor experience, and Job #1 every day 
for everyone here is to stay on the cutting edge 
of design and technology to deliver just that.        

This gives Johnson Outdoors a clear 
competitive edge: authentic, differentiated 
innovation with the staying power to keep 
our brands at the forefront of the market. 
Consumers can see what sets our products 
apart. They trust our brands and products to 
promote the best possible outdoor experience. 
They know every product is created by people 
who share their mindset. 

Deep, rich consumer insights help us identify 
the best new product ideas, those with 
maximum potential for success in a complex, 
highly competitive market. Great ideas, in turn, 

require great follow-through, and we continue 
to refine our innovation process. As products 
move into production, we emphasize efficient 
infrastructure and global systems built on 
best practices. 

Go-to-market strategies demand equal 
innovation. We rely on insights and the 
experience gained across our portfolio of market-
winning brands to be in complete sync with our 
consumers. Over the past year we’ve furthered 
our ability to connect with outdoor recreation 
enthusiasts in new ways, increasing our digital 
sophistication to initiate compelling conversations 
when and where our consumers prefer. 

Outstanding financial performance 
demonstrates the power of our long-term 
plan. Over the last three years, it has provided 
essential structure as we build the foundation 
for future success. This plan defined new, 
exciting ways to move forward in a rapidly 
changing marketplace where “new” isn’t “new” 
for very long. 

4  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

Ms. Johnson-Leipold, an avid paddler, at a family vacation on Lake Owen.

Our goal is to make the most of the passion we 
share with consumers to consistently deliver 
must-have innovation across our entire brand 
portfolio. We’re filling the new product pipeline 
and launching products strategically to create 
the biggest impact. We understand how to 
give each product a chance to build. At the 
same time, we celebrate—and learn from—the 
breakthroughs that exceed expectations.

Intimate knowledge of our consumer also fuels 
our technological advances. Our know-how 
empowers us to use technology in new ways 
at every touchpoint, through a well-defined 
prototyping process. Future efforts will also 
focus on targeted sales and marketing programs 
designed to fully leverage our company-wide 
digital transformation, harnessing the power of 
data analytics to enhance profitable growth for 
all channels long-term. 

We look back on this year’s record-setting 
results with pride and are confident in our ability 
to move steadily forward. Looking ahead, we 

will continue to progress against our three key 
strategic priorities—richer consumer insights, 
enhanced innovation processes and digital 
sophistication. These are the cornerstones of 
a foundation for success.

Great brands, great products, great people 
—supported by focused planning and follow-
through. Only Johnson Outdoors can deliver 
this combination. We know fishing, diving, 
paddling, camping and hiking. And we know 
what it will take this year, and the next, and the 
next to achieve continued sustainable growth 
and long-term profitability. We feel good about 
the path forward and invite you to join us on 
the adventure.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  5

 
ADVENTURE Fishing

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GREG

Product Management
FISHING

EVERY SUMMER MY 
FATHER AND I TAKE A 
TRIP UP INTO NORTHERN 
CANADA to walleye fish. Using 

one of our new Minn Kota trolling motors, we 
were trolling around some islands—and I hooked 
into a 10-plus pound walleye. It’s fun to have it all 
come together: you work in the business, and then 
you get to put that into play, too.

I HELP DEVELOP WHAT’S NEXT…fill the funnel 
with ideas that work their way through the system 
to become products. Anytime you’re engineering 
something, there are blocks in the development 
process. One thing that impresses me is how 
everybody is constantly willing to put all hands on 
deck to get beyond that problem, whatever it is.

COMING TO WORK ISN’T SOMETHING I HAVE 
TO DO; IT’S WHAT I GET TO DO—and a large part 
of that is the people. Everybody here treats each 
other like family. There’s nothing we can’t say to 
each other to make sure that at the end of the day, 
we win.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  7

T E C H N I C A L L Y

IRRESISTIBLE

Breakthrough innovation has anglers hooked 
on Minn Kota® trolling motors, shallow water 
anchors and battery chargers. Next-generation 
technology flows from our knowledge of fishing 
and our ability to get close to the consumer—
for a powerhouse brand that continues to 
exceed expectations.

INTEGRATED IMAGING 
As of 2018, anglers can select a Minn Kota Ulterra™, 
Terrova®, Ultrex™ or Fortrex® trolling motor with built-in 
Humminbird® MEGA Down Imaging sonar.

The built-in unit is protected from wear and tear and 
delivers sharp images of what’s below the bow, for 
better fish-finding.

8  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

MINN KOTA® ULTREX™  
WITH BUILT-IN DOWN 
IMAGING 
The award-winning patented Ultrex 
is the world’s most technologically 
advanced electric cable-steer motor, 
the first and only to offer all our 
breakthrough steering and navigational 
features to pedal-control anglers with 
the tap of a foot.

BEST BOATING 
ACCESSORY

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  9

ADVENTURE Fishing

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CRAIG

Operations
FISHING

I FISH AS OFTEN 
AS I CAN—which any 
fisherman will tell you is not 

as often as I want! And I see the 

value of the Johnson Outdoors innovation model 
first-hand. Strong linkage to the consumer is what 
our business needs to succeed.

OUR FACILITY IS ALL ABOUT CHANGE. It’s 
about continuous improvement, about being 
incrementally better every day—and people here 
are passionate, driven to do their best. My role is 
to help put together strategies in conjunction with 
our top-level objectives. Then I provide support, 
resources and guidance to keep everyone here in 
sync, to meet those objectives.

TEAMWORK AND CLARITY. That’s been the key 
as we’ve collaborated so well here on so many 
projects. When we look back on a big project, we 
can say we did it. We did it together.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  11

FISH-FINDING FIRST 
Pioneering MEGA Imaging™ technology 
took fish finding into new territory, 
delivering up to 3X the output of standard 
Side Imaging®—and Humminbird keeps 
making it better. We’ve expanded depth 
and side coverage and further enhanced 
imagery to deliver the clearest, sharpest 
sonar image ever.

12  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

B I G -T I M E

VISIONARY

Game-changing Humminbird® fish 
finders are key to The One-Boat 
Network™, featuring intelligent 
integration with Minn Kota® trolling 
motors and anchors. Anglers can 
distinguish fish from structure, see 
which way they’re facing and even 
determine the species—then enjoy 
effortless boat positioning for a more 
productive outing.

ALL-SEEING,  
ALL IN ONE 
With the biggest screen 
ever, the state-of-the-art 
SOLIX® Series offers intuitive 
access to every Humminbird 
technological innovation for 
imaging, viewing, charting, 
mapping, networking, 
connecting—and catching 
more fish.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  13

RODRIGO

Product Testing
DIVING

DIVING IS MY PASSION. 

AND BECAUSE I’M A 

DIVER, I KNOW WHAT 
DIVERS WANT, how they use 

the equipment. I use that knowledge in my 
job to make sure we always give divers a great 
experience. When I spend my time outdoors, I’m 
actually touching and using what we’ve made.

MY WORK BEGINS AFTER THE PRODUCT IS 
MADE. We test each and every unit to make sure 
they meet the highest standards for performance 
and quality before we allow them to be shipped 
out around the world. I think about where each 
one is going and how divers trust SCUBAPRO to 
be the best, so only the best will do.

I’VE GONE DIVING IN MANY PLACES, FROM THE 
COAST OF SESTRI TO MAROSO TO THE RED 
SEA, but my favorite had to be the Maldives. The 
serenity, the tranquility, the beauty was amazing, 
and the vast number of fish and sharks made the 
whole experience unforgettable.

14  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

ADVENTURE Diving

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  15

COMPACT COMFORT 
The new S620Ti is crafted to improve breathing 
performance by 37 percent. It incorporates 
all the best features of the renowned S600 in 
a smaller, lighter design, delivering effortless 
airflow under all dive conditions.

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R E L I A B L Y

EXCEPTIONAL

SCUBAPRO® wins the diving world’s 
respect at every level, with a full range 
of core life-support products, diving 
gear and accessories. We set the gold 
standard for performance that lets 
consumers focus on the adventure,  
dive after dive after dive.

LIVING THE DREAM 
The Hydros™ Pro BCD represents an 
incredible breakthrough in dive comfort 
and convenience. Moldable Monoprene®, 
modular construction and endless 
customization options make the Hydros Pro 
perfect for local diving or global travel.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  17

ADVENTURE Camping

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SARAH

Marketing 
CAMPING

THE FIRST TIME I 
USED A JETBOIL, MY 
HUSBAND AND I WERE 
NEWLY DATING and a friend 

invited us to do a week-long portaging trip to the 
Boundary Waters, in northern Minnesota. It was 
canoeing and packing up all your stuff and getting 
in and out of the water…and at one point one  
of us fell in…but that trip really connected us.  
It showed we could work as a team.

HERE AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS I’M PART OF 
A TIGHT-KNIT TEAM. I do consumer research to 
understand the needs and wants of backpackers 
and campers. Then I get to work with great 
engineers to bring products to life. 

For instance, we created a scale to measure your 
gas canister, so you don’t have to be afraid of 
running out of gas on the trail. It’s fun to see it on 
store shelves, and on social media—people saying 
it’s the best tool any backpacker could have. 
That motivates me—that we get to help so many 
consumers do what they love.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  19

BRINGING THE

HEAT

Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems 
lead the industry thanks to obsessive 
engineering and outstanding 
innovation. The result: lightweight, 
compact, super-dependable stoves 
for use from basecamp to summit…
entrancing first-time adventurer and 
seasoned pros alike.

COUNTING OUNCES 
AND SECONDS 
Tried, true and triumphant: The 
next-generation Flash cuts a full 
minute off boil time to be the 
fastest Jetboil ever, harnessing 
every ounce of innovative 
FluxRing® technology to stay at 
the industry forefront.

20  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

 
A D V E N T U R E R S

WELCOME

Simple setup and complete 
comfort are the hallmarks of 
Eureka!® tents, camping furniture, 
camp stoves and sleep systems. 
We combine 120 years of 
know-how with insight-driven 
innovation…for tents and gear 
that make it easy for all campers 
to make memories.

GROUP + GEAR, RIGHT HERE 
The massively spacious new Eureka! 
Boondocker Hotel sleeps six and stows 
all the toys. Its gear garage doubles as a 
comfortable vestibule. A gull-wing side 
panel protects campers from sun or rain… 
making the Boondocker the heart of camp 
and the home for extended adventure.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  21

ADDIE

Product Development 
WATERCRAFT

THE MALIBU PEDAL 
WAS MY FIRST KAYAK 

PROJECT, making sure  
the layout and the aesthetics 

represented the Ocean Kayak brand—very  
fun-in-the-sun. I’d give the engineers sketches, 
and they’d figure out: Will this work? Will it 
affect the boat’s performance? You’re constantly 
refining and checking back to be sure you’re 
meeting the goals of the consumer. 

I GET INVOLVED IN THE ENTIRE PRODUCT 
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, STARTING WITH 
CONSUMER RESEARCH. We look at what people 
are saying about current boats, and where we 
see potential opportunities and improvements. 
That goes into ideation and sketches, and from 
those sketches we’ll develop 3D models and test 
prototypes. It could be something as small as a 
handle, all the way up to an actual boat. 

People here really push for you to use the 
product. It makes a big difference when you 
experience the product the way a consumer 
would. My partner and I did the Kenduskeag 
Stream race together—and we took the more 
unconventional route. WE DIDN’T DO IT IN A 
CANOE, WE DID IT IN A MALIBU!

22  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

 
ADVENTURE Watercraft

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  23

POWERFULLY

NIMBLE

Since 1898, Old Town® has originated 
boat after cutting-edge boat, leading in 
the market and the hearts of paddlers, 
pedalers and anglers. We jump ahead 
of changing times and trends with 
our unmatched consumer insight and 
engineering artistry…passionate pioneers 
in sharing the thrill of being on the water. 

STABILITY, MEET 
PERFORMANCE 
Old Town’s new Topwater™ Series, 
with the ultra-stable DoubleU™ hull, 
provides stand-up anglers with a 
comfortable platform and thoughtful 
tackle and rod management. 
Compact paddle and pedal versions 
make for easy car-top transport, 
pleasing both novice and veteran 
kayakers.

24  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

T H I N K I N G

FRESH

Fitness fans, fun-seekers and 
families are always on top with 
Ocean Kayak®. Our sit-on-top 
kayaks and stand-up paddle boards 
combine comfort and freedom, 
staying in sync with consumers 
through wave after wave of 
innovation.

SIT. PEDAL. ZIP! 
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal’s highly 
efficient PDL Drive delivers remarkable speed 
with quick-turn agility. The adjustable bench 
seat heightens comfort, and a kid’s jumpseat 
helps families enjoy a lunchtime jaunt or 
long-term adventure.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  25

DAN

Digital Marketing
WATERCRAFT RECREATION

I GIVE LIFE TO BRANDS 

ON OUR DIGITAL 

ENVIRONMENTS—
websites, social media, email. 
We’re working with exciting new technologies 
on the digital front, which pairs nicely with the 
technologies on the product side. It’s rewarding 
to interact one-on-one with our consumers and 
deliver a custom shopping experience.

I’VE BEEN CONNECTED FOR A LONG TIME TO 
THE JOHNSON OUTDOORS BRANDS, specifically 
Old Town, using their products growing up. 
Everybody knows our brands. People are excited 
to tell you about their boat—how it came into 
their hands, how they fished or paddled with their 
grandfather, how the boat enriched their lives.

WE HAVE CANOES AND KAYAKS THAT 
EMPLOYEES CAN CHECK OUT ANYTIME. I love 
to paddle after work or on my lunch break. Or 
maybe someone from R&D says, “We’re testing 
out a new design, and we want to get some water 
time.” We’ll go paddle around on the Penobscot 
River and give feedback. You’re working, you’re 
helping the company create new products…but at 
the same time, you’re out there rejuvenating. And 
when you get back to your job, you have a clear 
state of mind.

26  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  27

C L E A R L Y

CONNECTED

Ongoing digital transformation reaches across all 
marketing and sales channels. Our renewed website 
creates a unified platform for our family of brands, leading 
consumers on the journey from online to outdoors.

And digital strategies go beyond the website to further 
embrace social media platforms, interactive marketing and 
e-commerce tactics. We have the tools in place to heighten 
success for our brands in a rapidly changing market.

28  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

WINNER: DIGITAL MARKETING EXCELLENCE 
Our completed rollout of connected yet customizable websites for 
all our brands earned Johnson Outdoors a 2018 Acquia Engage 
Award. The award recognizes digital marketing sophistication that 
paves the way for brand integration, cross-merchandising, and 
streamlined promotion and analysis of consumer engagement.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  29

SUSANNE

Marketing
DIVING

I AM PASSIONATE 

ABOUT DIVING IN 
GENERAL. Whatever 
problems may be on your mind, 

they disappear instantly the moment you’re 
underwater. For me, it’s like flying, soaring 
underwater and having the freedom to go 
anywhere. One of my most memorable dives was 
off the coast of France. As we descended, shadows 
began to appear and grow beneath us until 
suddenly, almost as if out of nowhere, we came 
upon a sunken submarine from WW II. It still gives 
me goosebumps just thinking about the incredible 
thrill I felt that day. 

I HOPE TO INSPIRE MORE PEOPLE TO HAVE 
AWESOME EXPERIENCES UNDERWATER. That’s 
why I enjoy being part of the team that creates 
and manages all our digital social media platforms, 
such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, as 
well as promotions, to bring our dealers, divers 
and us across northern and eastern Europe closer 
together, connected uniquely and deeply by our 
shared passion for diving. 

It was always my dream to work for SCUBAPRO. 
EVERY DAY, LIKE EVERY DIVE, IS A WONDERFUL 
ADVENTURE.

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PASSION FOR

PERFORMANCE

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  31

MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

INNOVATION

DRIVES RECORD GROWTH 
FOR FY2018

All-Time High Revenue and Earnings
For Second Consecutive Year

Strong marketplace demand for new 
products in our core fishing and diving brands 
propelled a second year of record results for 
Johnson Outdoors. 

Total company net sales grew 11 percent to 
$544.3 million, versus fiscal 2017 net sales 
of $490.6 million. Operating profit soared 
to a record $63.0 million, a 38 percent 

increase over last year’s $45.6 million, due to 
significantly higher sales volume and margin 
improvement year-over-year. 

Net income for the fiscal year increased 
16 percent to $40.7 million, or $4.05 per 
diluted share, versus $35.2 million, or $3.51 
per diluted share, last fiscal year. 

FY2018 Financial Highlights
•  New product success

•  Sustained momentum in Fishing and Diving  

•  Enhanced digital sophistication

•  Strong cash flow and a debt-free balance sheet

•  Increased quarterly dividend to shareholders

32  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

Revolutionary, consumer-focused innovation 
is the unquestionable driver of this growth. 
Exceptional new product performance fueled 
double-digit revenue growth in Minn Kota® 
and Humminbird® brands, while momentum 
for award-winning innovation in life-support 
categories gave a 3 percent boost to 
SCUBAPRO® brand sales. 

The balance sheet is strong, and our healthy 
cash position enables us to continue to invest 
in growth opportunities while continuing 
to pay dividends to our investors. We have 
made much progress in transforming Johnson 
Outdoors for future success in a changing 
marketplace. More work and more investment 

are needed to ensure continued sustainable 
growth and profitability.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 

David W. Johnson 
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

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

2016

$433,727

176,462

22,894

13,501

$1.34

9,855
2016

$7,389

207,496

3%

2017

$ 490,565

210,940

45,591

35,157

$3.51

9,920
2017

—

243,004

0%

2018

$ 544,268

241,860

63,021

40,669

$4.05

9,996
2018

—

279,197

0%

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  33

 
JOUT-NASDAQ

2018 Business Performance

FISHING

$391.1 M

DIVING

$78.9 M

FY2018 NET SALES

FY2018 NET SALES

Bigger, better new product success in 
our flagship fishing business drove record 
financial results for the second consecutive 
year, driving strong growth across every 
channel. The power of consumer-driven 
innovation is clear:

• The revolutionary Minn Kota Ultrex®, 

the first electric cable-steer motor and a 
standout with foot-pedal control, again 
exceeded expectations. 

• Marketplace demand for Humminbird 

large-screen fish finders continued to be 
strong. We saw double-digit growth for our 
game-changing MEGA Side Imaging™ and 
Down Imaging™ sonar.

• Technical upgrades across the Minn Kota 
electric steer line sparked excitement and 
growth in this category.  

• Technological advancements also lifted 

legacy innovations like the iPilot and iPilot 
Link accessories.

Innovative new products boosted topline 
sales, while infrastructure reduction 
enhanced bottom-line performance. 
Maximizing efficiency and profitability 
requires further simplification and 
increased emphasis on digital initiatives 
to drive more dive consumers to our elite 
dealer network.

• Enthusiasm for the new S620Ti regulator 
and ongoing demand for the Galileo 
G2™ dive computer strengthened 
SCUBAPRO share in core life support 
products.

• Continued demand for the award-

winning body-sculpting and quick-dry 
Hydros™ Pro enhanced SCUBAPRO 
brand equity.

34  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

Outstanding Brands 
Minn Kota® | Fishing Motors
Minn Kota® | Shallow Water Anchors
Humminbird® | Fishfinders
Humminbird® | Digital Maps
Eureka!® | Family Tents

Jetboil® | Personal Cooking Systems
Old Town® | Canoes & Kayaks
Old Town® | Fishing Craft
Ocean Kayak® | Kayaks
Scubapro® | Diving Gear
Scubapro® | Regulators & Computers

WATERCRAFT RECREATION

CAMPING & HIKING

$36.3 M

$37.8 M

FY2018 NET SALES

FY2018 NET SALES

Challenging conditions in the kayak 
market negatively affected revenue 
this year. Our focus is on ensuring we 
are positioned to win when the overall 
market stabilizes. We believe we have 
the right long-term plan, given our great 
brands and superior innovation: 

• The new Old Town Topwater™ series 

brings anglers the stability and 
performance of a large fishing kayak in 
a more compact design that’s easier to 
transport and navigate.

• The Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal 

continues to grow in popularity. Like 
the Topwater series, it uses our award-
winning PDL™ Drive to make fun and 
fitness on the water more enjoyable. 

Growth in Eureka and Jetboil brands 
nearly offset the loss of sales from the 
divestiture of the non-core Silva brand. 
Following two challenging market years 
marked by retailer bankruptcies and 
consolidation, we’re gaining traction with 
new products:

• The next-generation Jetboil Flash 
personal cooking system beat 
expectations, driving an uptick in 
specialty chain and international sales.

• The new Eureka! Boondocker Hotel 6 
Person Tent sports inventive features 
like a gull-wing side panel and a massive 
vestibule that doubles as a gear garage.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  35

EXECUTIVE TEAM

PROVEN

LEADERSHIP

Our executive team gives 
us an edge with their 
experience and capabilities.

36  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

Photo by John Sibilski Photography

Karen James
Vice President, Global 
Operations

David W. Johnson
Vice President and CFO

Patricia Penman
Vice President, Marketing 
Services and Global 
Communication

Khalaf M. Khalaf
Senior Managing Director, Legal 
Affairs and Corporate Secretary

John Moon
Vice President and Chief 
Information Officer

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and CEO

Sara Vidian
Vice President, Human Resources

Bill Kelly
Group Vice President,  
Camping and Watercraft

Judy Douglas
Group Vice President,  
Fishing

Joe Stella
Group Vice President,  
Global Diving

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  37

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GOVERNANCE

Our board of directors 
offers vital business acumen 
and 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 SC Johnson and Foote, Cone & 
Belding. Ms. Johnson-Leipold is chairman and director of Johnson Bank 
and Johnson Financial Group, Inc.; director of SC Johnson; and chairman, 
The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread.

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, chairman and CEO 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. In 2016, 
she was appointed to Emerson’s Office of the Chief Executive. A renowned 
branding strategist with expertise in global marketing, digital strategy and 
market research, 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., non-executive chairman of the board of directors 
of Time, Inc., from June 28, 2017 to April 2018, and retired chairman and 
CEO 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 a director of Lindblad 
Expeditions Holdings and a regent of the Smithsonian Institution.

38  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

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 finance, operations and enterprise risk management. He 
previously served with the NHL’s Nashville Predators for 13 years, most 
recently as president of business operations and alternate governor.

Terry E. London, past CEO and interim president of Pier 1 Imports, 
chairman of the Pier 1 Imports, Inc. board of directors, and former 
chairman of London Broadcasting Company LP and LBK Entertainment 
Holdings, provides insight on a broad range of corporate management and 
financial matters. Mr. London has been involved with the outdoor industry 
for more than 20 years.

William “Bill” D. Perez, founder of FamGen consultants for family-
owned businesses, brings extensive experience in corporate transactions, 
international business, operations and manufacturing, finance, strategy 
and brand marketing. He was president and CEO for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. 
Company; Nike, Inc; and S.C. Johnson, where he spent 34 years. He is on 
the boards of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Johnson & Johnson, and 
Whirlpool Corporation, a Presidential Counselor at Cornell University and a 
Director’s Circle member for The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Richard “Casey” Sheahan, CEO of Simms Fishing Products LLC, brings 
proven knowledge, expertise and leadership in management, marketing and 
sustainable business practices in the outdoor industry. Former president of 
Keen Footwear and former president and CEO of Patagonia, Inc. and Lost 
Arrow Corporation, Mr. Sheahan also held key executive positions at Kelty, 
Inc., Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., Merrell Outdoor Division and Nike, Inc. A 
lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Sheahan has served on the board of the 
Outdoor Industry Association.

Edward Stevens, founder and CEO of Preciate, Inc., a relational 
wealth company using blockchain and digital currency technologies, 
and strategic board advisor and previous CEO for KIBO Software, 
Inc., brings extensive experience in digital strategy, ecommerce, 
and omni-channel distribution, along with his international business 
strategy skills. Prior to his role at KIBO Software, Inc., he was founder 
and CEO of Shopatron.

  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report  |  39

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 2018 Form 10-K for a discussion of uncertainties and risks 
associated with these statements.

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 and Global Communication 
262-631-6600 • patricia.penman@johnsonoutdoors.com

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

www.JohnsonOutdoors.com

© 2018 Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Publisher: Patricia Penman 
Vice President, Marketing Services  
and Global Communication 
Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Design: Lynne and Gil Leigh, Modern Media 
www.modernmediausa.com

Editor: Mary Jo Thome

Creative Consultant: Cynthia Georgeson

Production Coordinator: Amy Helvick 

40  |  JOUT-NASDAQ  |  2018 Annual Report

J O H N S O N O U T D O O R S . C O M