Iconic Brand Partnership Couldn’t Have Come at a Better ‘Time’


BEATRICE, NE (January 23, 2015) — Exmark Manufacturing is excited to announce their sponsor partnership with professional bass fishing superstar, Mike Iaconelli of the hit original fishing talk show, Ike Live. A live, digital experience, Ike Live airs twice a month at MikeIaconelli.com. Guests range from the stars of professional fishing, to national sports and entertainment celebrities who love the outdoors. The partnership will be announced during the next show airing on January 26, 2015.

“Mike’s ‘Never Give Up’ mantra, coupled with his charismatic brand essence and strong work ethic, are a perfect match for Exmark in demonstrating our commitment to quality workmanship, durability, and desire to create more free time for our customers,” remarks John Cloutier, Senior Marketing Manager at Exmark. “As evidenced by Mike’s 
recent win on the Delaware River, it’s clear that he has an extremely passionate fan base who embraces his unique approach to professional fishing and enjoyment of the sport. We are thrilled to tap into Mike’s enthusiasm to help Exmark continue becoming the preferred mower brand among fishing and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Exmark will utilize the Ike Live digital platform to further its commitment to solidifying their brand with the nation’s most active outdoor enthusiasts, as 75% of Exmark’s existing customers consider themselves to be avid fishermen. 

"I'm extremely excited to be working with Exmark in 2015, and am proud to help bring awareness of this superior brand of mowers to the sport fishing world,” states Iaconelli. “As a father of four who is always on the road, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend all day mowing the lawn. Thanks to my Exmark, I can spend more time doing the things I love knowing my yard looks great!”

Exmark will be unveiling a Take Back Your Weekends-branded content campaign and associated video submission contest (open for entries April 1 – June 30) that will include an all-expense-paid fishing trip with Mike in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. Exmark will also be distributing original Iaconelli video content through a network of national Websites and publisher exchanges, as well as driving endemic and mainstream awareness of this initiative through a far-reaching broadcast, digital and print advertising campaign.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Jeff Espy with Adventure Advertising at (678) 730-4770, or by e-mail at jeff@adventureadv.com.

ABOUT EXMARK:
Exmark Manufacturing was incorporated in May 1982 as an independent manufacturer of professional turf care equipment. Today, it is the leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for the landscape professional, purchased 2-to-1 over the next best-selling brand. In addition to designing, building and marketing quality turf care equipment; Exmark’s goal is total customer satisfaction. All Exmark products are designed to help customers increase productivity while delivering unmatched quality. Products are sold to distributors and dealers who share the company’s commitment to customer service and quality products. For more information, visit www.exmark.com.

ABOUT MIKE IACONELLI:
A South Philadelphia native now living in New Jersey, Mike Iaconelli fell in love with fishing at his grandfather’s side in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  Mike began fishing in tournaments after high school, joined the pro-am circuit in 1993 and turned pro in 1999.  As one of the most prolific professional anglers the sport has seen, he has won six Bassmaster major titles (most recently, the Bassmaster Elite on the Delaware River in August 2014), the 2003 Bassmaster Classic, AOY in 2006, and has earned over $2,000,000 in prize money.  Mike also runs The Bass University educational programs (www.thebassuniversity.com), hosts the live Web fishing variety talk show, Ike Live, and created the Ike Foundation in an effort to get more kids fishing. For more information, visit www.mikeiaconelli.com.