PEETZcanada
Well-Known Member
Here's my story...then and now.
Many, many moons ago, in a beautiful Island fishing community of Vancouver Island, there was an angler named Robert Van Pelt. Well-known and respected among the locals, Robert had dedicated his life to the art of fishing, immersing himself in every aspect of the trade. From a young age, he had a passion for creating fishing lures and tackle that would make a difference in the fishing world.
Growing up in Victoria, Robert had the privilege of meeting and learning from experienced lure and tackle makers in the area. Inspired by their expertise and wisdom, he found his true calling and pursued a career centered around his love for fishing. Robert introduced his very first product to local independent retailers at the early age of 13. He created many more products and inventions over the years, such as the glow UV coated cannonballs and other coated products. He helped numerous manufactures with product testing and development, everything from lures to rods and reels.
For many dedicated years, Robert worked as a retail sales manager for Pacific Net & Twine in Parksville. Customers sought him out for advice, knowing that his enthusiasm and genuine interest would help them find the perfect gear for their fishing adventures. He became a familiar face in the fishing community, leaving a lasting impact everywhere he went. Robert is also known for helping local Vancouver Island community volunteer salmon enhancement projects and hatcheries, as well as other non-profit fishing focused groups and initiatives by his fundraising efforts with the help of the members from his group FISH ARMY CANADA.
Now, destiny has led Robert to a new opportunity. He has taken on the role of President of a company that manufactures the iconic PEETZ Brand of fishing products, a long-standing company with a rich history spanning nearly a century. As the new face of Peetz, Robert understands the responsibility he has to honor the company's traditions while embracing innovation.
The PEETZ Brand, rooted in Victoria's Rock Bay neighbourhood, is not just a company but a symbol of dedication to craftsmanship. Stepping through its doors feels like walking into a comprehensive high school, where art, science, woodworking, and metalwork converge in a compact workspace steeped in history. The handcrafted fishing reels, spanning nearly a century, hang on the walls, tracing the journey of Boris Peetz, the founder, and showcasing his honed skills in creating timeless fishing gear.
The PEETZ Brand, founded in 1925 by Boris Peetz, recently experienced a revitalization thanks to new investment, ideas, and energy from a former group of partners led by Art and Shawn Aylesworth and Marc Hoelscher. Now with the PEETZ Brand new owner Robert Van Pelt at the helm, PEETZ embraces this new life and prepares to embark on a journey into the future.
Robert and his business partner both recognize the great potential in the PEETZ brand and the exceptional craftsmanship behind its gear. They are eager to infuse new energy, invigorating the PEETZ legacy and ensuring that the gear is produced for generations to come. They are committed to preserving the tradition of handcrafting each reel, paying attention to every intricate detail, just as Ivan Peetz, Boris Peetz son emphasized to Bill Hooson when he acquired the business in 1977.
As Robert takes on the role of President, he embraces the challenge to bring forth new ideas that will captivate anglers far and wide. With his passion and dedication to the fishing community, he aims to carry the legacy of this beloved brand into the future, staying true to the values that have made PEETZ Brand so cherished over the years. Robert will merry in PAL, KIKO, Fish Stalker, BETO, Magic Lure Jigs and many more numerous exciting products under the PEETZ House.
Together, Robert and his business partner, with the iconic PEETZ Brand will embark on an exciting and fulfilling journey. They strive to be at the forefront of innovation while honoring the rich history and craftsmanship that define the brand. Anglers everywhere eagerly await the remarkable things that Robert's passion and dedication will bring to their favorite pastime. As the story continues, Pthe PEETZ Brand, with Robert as their new face, we promise that we will create waves in the fishing world for years to come.
2025 will mark 100 years for the PEETZ Brand and business. We are committed to going for as many years into the future as we fiscally can.
Many, many moons ago, in a beautiful Island fishing community of Vancouver Island, there was an angler named Robert Van Pelt. Well-known and respected among the locals, Robert had dedicated his life to the art of fishing, immersing himself in every aspect of the trade. From a young age, he had a passion for creating fishing lures and tackle that would make a difference in the fishing world.
Growing up in Victoria, Robert had the privilege of meeting and learning from experienced lure and tackle makers in the area. Inspired by their expertise and wisdom, he found his true calling and pursued a career centered around his love for fishing. Robert introduced his very first product to local independent retailers at the early age of 13. He created many more products and inventions over the years, such as the glow UV coated cannonballs and other coated products. He helped numerous manufactures with product testing and development, everything from lures to rods and reels.
For many dedicated years, Robert worked as a retail sales manager for Pacific Net & Twine in Parksville. Customers sought him out for advice, knowing that his enthusiasm and genuine interest would help them find the perfect gear for their fishing adventures. He became a familiar face in the fishing community, leaving a lasting impact everywhere he went. Robert is also known for helping local Vancouver Island community volunteer salmon enhancement projects and hatcheries, as well as other non-profit fishing focused groups and initiatives by his fundraising efforts with the help of the members from his group FISH ARMY CANADA.
Now, destiny has led Robert to a new opportunity. He has taken on the role of President of a company that manufactures the iconic PEETZ Brand of fishing products, a long-standing company with a rich history spanning nearly a century. As the new face of Peetz, Robert understands the responsibility he has to honor the company's traditions while embracing innovation.
The PEETZ Brand, rooted in Victoria's Rock Bay neighbourhood, is not just a company but a symbol of dedication to craftsmanship. Stepping through its doors feels like walking into a comprehensive high school, where art, science, woodworking, and metalwork converge in a compact workspace steeped in history. The handcrafted fishing reels, spanning nearly a century, hang on the walls, tracing the journey of Boris Peetz, the founder, and showcasing his honed skills in creating timeless fishing gear.
The PEETZ Brand, founded in 1925 by Boris Peetz, recently experienced a revitalization thanks to new investment, ideas, and energy from a former group of partners led by Art and Shawn Aylesworth and Marc Hoelscher. Now with the PEETZ Brand new owner Robert Van Pelt at the helm, PEETZ embraces this new life and prepares to embark on a journey into the future.
Robert and his business partner both recognize the great potential in the PEETZ brand and the exceptional craftsmanship behind its gear. They are eager to infuse new energy, invigorating the PEETZ legacy and ensuring that the gear is produced for generations to come. They are committed to preserving the tradition of handcrafting each reel, paying attention to every intricate detail, just as Ivan Peetz, Boris Peetz son emphasized to Bill Hooson when he acquired the business in 1977.
As Robert takes on the role of President, he embraces the challenge to bring forth new ideas that will captivate anglers far and wide. With his passion and dedication to the fishing community, he aims to carry the legacy of this beloved brand into the future, staying true to the values that have made PEETZ Brand so cherished over the years. Robert will merry in PAL, KIKO, Fish Stalker, BETO, Magic Lure Jigs and many more numerous exciting products under the PEETZ House.
Together, Robert and his business partner, with the iconic PEETZ Brand will embark on an exciting and fulfilling journey. They strive to be at the forefront of innovation while honoring the rich history and craftsmanship that define the brand. Anglers everywhere eagerly await the remarkable things that Robert's passion and dedication will bring to their favorite pastime. As the story continues, Pthe PEETZ Brand, with Robert as their new face, we promise that we will create waves in the fishing world for years to come.
2025 will mark 100 years for the PEETZ Brand and business. We are committed to going for as many years into the future as we fiscally can.
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it was long overdue. I like the new sign better and the new look on the inside of the building. I check in on them almost every Saturday up there. A good chunk of my life is embedded into that store. It has a special space dedicated in my heart. 
) to even out the bumps. Now I think a 20 footer is too small for comfortable crossing. Boy I'm either getting soft, or cautious.
