Z-Man has announced the appointment of Cory Schmidt as its media relations and marketing manager.
Schmidt has served in diverse roles over a 30-plus-year career in the fishing industry, including fisheries and natural resources management, fishing guide and writer. A Colorado native, he launched his career as an enthusiastic bait-tank cleaner, commercial fly-tyer and part-time manager for an independent outdoor retailer. At age 16, Schmidt also authored his first national article for In-Fisherman magazine, where he has served as field editor for close to two decades. He has since authored hundreds of articles for In-Fisherman, as well as contributing to Fishing Tackle Retailer, Bassmaster, North American Fisherman, Field & Stream and numerous regional publications.
In recent years, he has spearheaded public relations and marketing campaigns for several notable companies in the fishing industry.
Schmidt will lead Z-Man’s communications efforts and will be charged with drafting and distributing press releases, serving as Z-Man’s primary media contact and coordinating participation in media events. He will also run point on Z-Man’s media-buying efforts and will assist with marketing strategy and new product development.
“I’ve always believed that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” said Z-Man president Daniel Nussbaum. “Cory is a smart, solid guy who fits right in with the Z-Man culture. He just ‘gets it’ when it comes to the fishing industry and the benefits of Z-Man’s products, namely our ElaZtech softbaits.
"I’ve worked closely with Cory for the last several years as he’s expertly crafted all of Z-Man’s press releases. He’s a skillful writer, but brings a whole lot more to the table in terms of fishing knowledge, industry know-how and marketing savvy.”
Now a twenty-five year Minnesota resident, the lifelong angler adds an important regional and multi-species perspective to the South Carolina-based company that will greatly enhance its marketing and product development efforts.
“My friend and colleague Ned Kehde introduced me to the Z-Man folks and their baits a number of years ago,” recalled Schmidt. “Right away, I liked Z-Man’s people and its culture. They were doing things differently, approaching the lure business with a refreshing perspective. Of course, the baits caught fish.
"Now, having worked with them for the past several years, I can say Z-Man is unquestionably one of the most positive, innovative groups of fishing individuals I’ve met. It’s a fast-growing company, no doubt, but they still feel like a close-knit crew, most all of them folks who fish on their days off. That speaks volumes."
