Pro-Staffer of the Week


PRO-STAFFER OF THE WEEK: February 10, 2017

DAVID KENNEDY - VIRGINIA

This week’s profile features David Kennedy.  David is 38 years old, lives in Northern Virginia, and has been a fan of Zeko Shoes since 2010.  His favorite color Zekos are the digital blue camo.

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Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is David Kennedy.  I hail from West “By GOD” Virginia, but I now call Northern Virginia home.  I am a former U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist and a retired Intelligence Officer from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.  My grandfather, “Sneaky” Pete Honaker, started me out fishing when I was just 3 years old.  It wasn’t until I was discharged from the U.S. Navy that I started fishing at the competition level.   

What is your favorite fishing technique?

My favorite technique for fishing is top water.  There’s nothing more exciting than seeing an Ol moss back blowing up and a lure that you are working just right.   

What’s your best fishing memory?

My favorite memory of me fishing is right before my grandfather passed away.  When I first got into competitive bass fishing and received my first jersey, I traveled back to WV to take my grandfather fishing.  He had Alzheimer’s really bad.  I was the only one he remembered and even that was vague.  It was Father’s Day 2007 and I took him to Glenwood Park in Princeton, WV.  Needless to say he skunked me.  One fish to zero.  I took a picture of him with his last catfish.   

What’s your favorite piece of fishing equipment and why?

My favorite piece of fishing equipment would be my Cajun Custom Rods Heavy Savannah Series rod.  This is 7’ monstrosity is the best topwater rod available.  The rod is a fast action, heavy powered rod that allows the angler to fish top water, crankbaits and can even be used for jigging.  This is what an angler needs in his/her arsenal because when you’re out on the water, time is crucial.  The Heavy Savannah allows you to be versatile with just a lure tie.  Pair this with a Boing Lures Signature Elite G2 Popper or a Signature Elite Walking Bait, and you’re in for a good day.

What’s your biggest fishing dream?

My biggest fishing dream is to win the FLW Cup or the coveted Bassmaster’s Classic. 

What motivates you to be part of the Zeko ProStaff?

The best part of being on the staff are the people.  Everyone who represents the company from the sales associates, Pro Staff, to the CEO are a phenomenal group of individuals.  I feel that Zeko shoes are extended members of the family.  There is always someone there to talk to be it fishing, shoe science, or just someone to shoot the bull with.  I have been fishing competitively for over a decade and until getting in with Zeko in 2014, I have never been with a shoe company that treats everyone like family.  

Want to experience the world’s lightest most drainable shoes yourself?
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Every week Zeko Shoes profiles one of our ProStaff members.  To become a featured ProStaffer of the week, please contact susan@zekoshoes.com

 


PRO-STAFFER OF THE WEEK - February 3, 2017

DEREK CHAMBERS - LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, AL.

This week’s profile features Derek Chambers.  Derek is 37 years old, lives in Guntersville, AL, and has been a fan of Zeko Shoes since 2010.  His favorite color Zekos are the digital blue camo.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a medically retired US Army veteran due to injuries sustained during combat operations in Iraq. I was there from August 2003 until May 2004. I really loved what I did and would gladly do it all over again. I was in really bad shape when I got home. My neck was broken in 3 places and I had a traumatic brain injury as well as some other stuff that was a real challenge to deal with. The lake saved my life and also fulfilled my desire to compete. Once I noticed how therapeutic the lake was for me I decided to start my veterans program Rifles to Reels and help other veterans. I take disabled vets out fishing and with product that's donated by different sponsors we are able to outfit them with a tackle box full of tackle, Rod and reel, a wet weather suit and various other items from those companies.  

How has fishing impacted your life?

I grew up in a little town in north Alabama called Cullman. I think I was fishing before I was walking or talking.  I lived with my aunt and uncle at that time and my uncle’s belief was if you didn't kill it, catch it, grow it, or make it then you didn't need it. I grew up very poor and the best thing my uncle did for me was teach me to how to fish, hunt, and take care of myself. He also instilled values in me that have gotten me a long way in life.  The worst thing he probably ever did was take me to a bassmaster weigh inn down in Guntersville when I was 5. From that day forward I knew exactly what I wanted to be.   Cullman is the home of Lewis Smith Lake.  I left Cullman in 1998 after my father was murdered over drugs while playing poker. I left and went straight into the army where I would spend the next 6 years as a forward observer. Most of my time was spent with the 82nd Airborne Division. After being discharged I married the love of my life Ashley and we have 3 daughters. My family means everything to me.

What kind of fishing do you like to do?

I've done all kinds of fishing and hunting and I enjoy it all but bass fishing is where my heart and soul is. It challenges me and pushes me to be better everyday.  I also fish all kinds of different tours and tournaments. I fish The Alabama Bass Trail, Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Tour, BFL's, and various other tournaments.

Where’s your favorite spot to fish?

I live in the best fishing area in the United States, right here on beautiful Lake Guntersville.

What’s your best fishing memory?

My best fishing memory is the first time my wife went fishing with me,  I was so happy that I found someone that was proud of who I am and what I do. She motivates me to be better all the time and she and my kids support me while I chase my dreams. I love looking down from a stage and seeing her and my girls rooting for me


What’s your favorite piece of fishing equipment and why?

My favorite piece of fishing equipment is actually a couple combinations. I love a 7'6" extra heavy Duckett Rod with a Lews 7.1:1 reel spooled with vicious braid and yanking those green fat ladies out of mats and heavy cover. The other is a 7'6" heavy Duckett Rod with a 7.1:1 Lews reel spooled with Vicious braid and a frog tied on the business end. There's nothing like frogging and flipping.

What’s your biggest fishing dream?

My biggest fishing dream isn't too different from a lot of other guys. I'm sitting there in that tunnel and when my music hits I weigh my fish on that Bassmaster Classic stage and lift that giant trophy over my head while my family rides around the arena with me.

What do you like best about your Zekos?

I’ve really liked them since the first time I saw them.  I was Airborne, so my knees are shot and it takes a good shoe to keep me comfortable standing on the front deck all day in choppy water.  

What motivates you to be part of the Zeko ProStaff?

The thing that makes me most excited about being on the ProStaff is the the people that run Zeko.  Right away I felt like family, and being former military, loyalty is a big thing for me.  Plus I am excited to help design some stuff.  I really think we are gonna do great things!

Every week Zeko Shoes profiles one of our ProStaff members.  To become a featured ProStaffer of the week, please contact susan@zekoshoes.com