Jim Kaiser learned an important lesson when he took his two young sons fishing a few years back. He outfitted himself with all new fancy fishing gear and then supplied his 4 and 5-year-old sons with Playschool plastic fishing poles. Much to Jim’s surprise, his sons were the only ones to catch any fish on that trip.
Jim also learned that kids will take an interest in the outdoors, with or without expensive gear, if they have someone interested enough in taking and spending time with them. This interest often becomes a lifetime habit.
As the recently named store manager for the new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opening this spring in Mesa, Arizona, Jim hopes to help pass these lessons on to others. “I am looking forward to helping expose local youth and adults to outdoor activities that will help educate and create a lasting foundation that in turn can be passed on to generations to come,” he said. (Click here for photo of Jim Kaiser)
Bass Pro Shops is the signature tenant for Riverview–the 240-acre retail, entertainment, auto mall and office center development planned for the vacant agricultural property south of Loop 202 and east of Loop 101, between Dobson and Alma School in northwest Mesa.
The 180,000 square-foot outdoor store will also feature a nearly 9,000 square-foot Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant capable of seating 300 people.
“Being the first Southwest store, the Mesa community is very excited to see Bass Pro Shops coming to Arizona,” said Jim. “Many locals have been exposed to the Bass Pro Shops experience through visiting other locations and through the
catalog. It is our commitment to bring the life-changing experience that only Bass Pro Shops can deliver to the Southwest.”
Jim’s theory is that even if adults don’t know how to fish, hunt or camp themselves, Bass Pro Shops is the perfect place to start. “At Bass Pro Shops, we offer all kinds of free Outdoor Skills workshops for adults, kids, women and families-from novices to experienced,” said Jim. “From hunter education and safety classes, to beginning fishing, setting up a campsite, Dutch oven cooking, nature photography and more, Bass Pro Shops not only sells the outdoors product but teaches you how to use it.”
Honored many times for their conservation and outdoor education efforts, Bass Pro Shops will also be partnering with local conservation groups and their projects. In fact, the night before the official grand opening there will be a special “Evening for Conservation” where local conservation groups are invited in to set up booths and displays to educate the public on ongoing projects and goals. This event is free and open to the public and a portion of the night’s sales will go to a special designate group.
“One of the things that drew me to Bass Pro Shops is their commitment to conservation and their partnerships with these and other outdoor organizations that work so hard to maintain and improve our great outdoors,” Jim said. “I look forward to working with our local groups here in the Mesa area to share in the responsibility of ensuring there is an outdoors for future generations.”
Jim comes to Bass Pro Shops with 12 years retail experience with The Home Depot and as a general manager for multiple stores all in Arizona. Ironically, he started in the ‘outdoors’ at Home Depot in the garden department and then worked in various departments and positions gaining first-hand knowledge of the retail industry and customer service.
“My several years of management experience focused and committed me on growing and developing our associates who I consider the ‘life line’ of our business,” said Jim. “Without truly passionate and well educated associates we could not provide the level of customer service that becomes legendary,” he added.
Jim will head up a group of 250-300 associates from the Mesa area that have a passion for and expert knowledge in the outdoors so customers will be assured of getting the best outdoors experience.
Those interested in applying for positions at Bass Pro Shops can go online at the Bass Pro Website and click on Career Opportunities for more information.
About Bass Pro Shops:
Award winning in their concept and design, Bass Pro Shops retail stores are rated high as tourist-destination picks. They were recently selected by Sporting Goods Business Magazine as the #1 outdoor retailer in America. Some 85 million people visit the stores annually. Widely recognized for their efforts in conservation and outdoor education, Bass Pro Shops stores also offer Outdoor Skills Workshops for adults, kids and families. Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops currently has 40 retail locations in 23 states and Canada. In addition, Bass Pro Shops also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit Bass Pro Shops . To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
By: Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops
