
Aquateko Brings Jobs Back
“Onshore”
North American based tackle manufacturer recruits
local talent…and more
Ponte
Vedra, Fla. – This isn’t just your ordinary “feel good
story” about domestic job growth or a measurable decrease in
unemployment. No, this is about fishing industry
entrepreneur Keith Kessler and his company Aquateko actually
improving product quality while simultaneously giving back.\
Previously, Kessler’s technologically
advanced InvisaSwivel and Knot2Kinky products were wholly
produced and or packaged in Taiwan. But it didn’t take long
for Kessler to realize his production and packaging
standards wouldn’t be met. He frowned on everything from the
haphazard stapling of plastic bags to cardstock – no
consistency. When the offshore manufacturer told Kessler how
much it would cost to improve the results, immediately
Kessler began searching for alternative means, which
included reconsideration of his own backyard. (Kessler’s
actual family did the deed during Aquateko’s first few
months in business.)
During Kessler’s quest to return
manufacturing to its native land, he happened into a
Jacksonville outfit called Pine Castle. The philanthropic
company’s mission is to manufacture at a high level while
using a workforce of physically challenged adults. And that
they do.
Now
In the Pine Castle workshop, employees package both
Knot2Kinky and InvisaSwivel products. Getting paid a fare
wage, and handling these techy pieces of terminal tackle,
Aquateko has been able to assure quality manufacturing while
eliminating the headaches and overhead of having product
shipped. Gone is the great mystery of Kessler opening that
first case, praying that the product looks as promised. Gone
are the sometimes erratic “float times” as shipping
containers trudge toward our shores.
Gained is quality control and on time
delivery…not to mention job creation for citizens who often
struggle to join traditional workforces. “These
guys have been all over it,” said Kessler. “They’ve been
phenomenal. I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’ve had zero
complaints from any of my customers about quality. In fact,
quite the opposite is true – Aquateko products have improved
since I partnered with Pine Castle.”
About InvisaSwivel
Consider your preconceived notion of swivels forever
changed. No more rusting on the bottom of your tackle box.
The bulkiness and unwanted weight are history. InvisaSwivels
are virtually indestructible; neutrally buoyant; invisible
in the water; non-metallic, non-corrosive; and
self-lubricating in the water, making them maintenance free.
About Knot2Kinky
Fish should consider removing their teeth before striking a
lure tethered with Knot2Kinky. The knottable leader line is
kink and bite resistant; never corrodes; stretches to offer
that “shock absorber” effect to better hook fish; and is
tougher and stronger than conventional titanium wire.
Knot2Kinky is the perfect defense against freshwater and
saltwater fish that have a knack for slicing the line.
Ontario Ice Fishing
Get North!
Stressed? need a vacation? Visit Get North to find your Northern Ontario
get-away!
Fishing
Lodge Classifieds
Come fish your heart out at one of
these many Lodges, Camps and Resorts.