Gray Taxidermy Novemeber 2012 Newsletter

Gray Taxidermy Mate of the Month

Mario Lee Valladares - Mario was born and raised in South Florida and has been around boats and boating his entire life. “My father is an avid hunter and fisherman and has been an outboard mechanic since 1982 working at many marinas and boat yards in the area as well as doing some commercial fishing in the late 80’s. I spent countless hours working on motors with him. Also, my father took me fishing both offshore and inshore all over South Florida throughout my childhood and we made some awesome memories. It is to him that I owe my great love of fishing.”

“I was fortunate enough to get a call from Captain Nel Martinez of the “Top Gun” a 1986 41’ Hatteras Sportfish boat on the legendary Key Biscayne Charter Docks. He gave me the opportunity to ride-along and learn many other fishing techniques, such as Kite Fishing, Swordfishing, and also learning how to ensure that the “Top Gun” customers had a great time. When he thought I was ready to run the pit by myself, Nel gave me the full time, 1st Mate position on the “Top Gun,” where I've been for 3 years. Recently, I acquired my USCG 100 ton Master Captain license.”

“Mating on the “Top Gun” has placed me in the company of some of South Florida’s best Captains and mates. There is a lot of camaraderie on the dock and early on, another mate, Wes Stevens, who is now a good friend, taught me the right way to offer Gray’s Taxidermy services. Working with Gray’s has always been a pleasure. Our representative, Mango, always answers his phone and strives to go above and beyond to ensure the quality of the artwork and the customers’ satisfaction. The product that Gray’s produces is unsurpassed, and now that I have been in the business a number of years, I see the value of a partner like Gray Taxidermy. “
Congrats, Mario! Enjoy your new Costa Del Mar, Blue Mirror 580 Corbina sunglasses. As always, the Mate of the Month comes from a random drawing from all the previous month’s orders. Thanks to Costa Del Mar for sponsoring this monthly drawing for Gray Taxidermy Mates!!

The sponsor of this program, Costa Del Mar, is awarding Mario a pair of Blue Mirror 580 Corbina sunglasses as well as a plaque from Gray Taxidermy! Once again, Way to go Captain Jot!! Way to get those orders in! We truly appreciate everything you do!

The determination of Mate of the Month comes from a random drawing of all orders turned in during the previous month’s time.

Gray Taxidermy proudly welcomes our newest “Rock Star,” Craig Fitschen

Craig started his fishing career in 1989 as a mate on a drift boat, and then found his way to A Dock in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After several years as a mate, he moved to a private boat and obtained his Captain’s License. After you meet Craig, you will understand – this guy is passionate about whatever he does – and he loves fishing!

One of the little known facts about Craig is he was in the 1988 Olympics for the United States! (I thought that was cool and wanted to throw that in!) He offers a true fisherman’s knowledge and we thoroughly believe he is an asset to the Gray Team!

Craig handles the customers that call in with questions or concerns, and by the time he’s done expertly re-creating the adrenalin rush they experienced on your boat, they are ready to head back out on the water and they know they have made the right decision to commemorate that once-in-a-lifetime trip on your boat with a trophy mount from Gray Taxidermy.

Most of all Craig takes care of your repeat customer, which in-turn helps your bottom line. So if you get a chance to stop by the office or you’re here for the Christmas party, make sure and you stop by and say “hi”!

Hot of the Press

After months in the making, the new Gray Taxidermy Catalog is here!! Get it in your hands!! See your area representative or give us a call! Ashlee, our Captain Liaison, will be happy to make sure you have ALL the sales tools you need to insure your businesses mounting success!

Read more next month about the exciting programs we have available for you!

Captain of the Month

Julio Cesar Castro Verduzco - Captain Julio was born in the town of La Ribera in BCS Mexico, close to Cabo San Lucas. Captain Julio started his fishing career at 17 years old and has been in the business 30 years. He credits his mentor, Captain Plutarco Mackliz, from Rancho Beuna Vista fleet for getting him started in sport fishing, and how to be a good captain and how to take care of his customers.

Captain Julio moved to live and work in Cabo San Lucas and has spent 25 years working for the same fleet, “Pisces Sport Fishing.” During this time he has had the opportunity to fish with many clients and has also received great satisfaction in this work. His word of advice... Talk to your customers as soon as they arrive, ask questions, get to know them! If you know what the customer wants, and they know about getting their trophy mounted, the rest just falls in line.

In his many years as captain, he have won the local tournament “CATCH AND RELEASE” three times! His best catch was a big Blue Marlin at 746 lbs just last year. Captain Julio is one of the few captains who has caught two swordfish in a single season; 368 pounds and 270 pounds! A rare accomplishment for local fishermen to catch just one!

Congratulations Captain Julio and thank-you REACTOR Watches (The official watch company of Gray Taxidermy) for sponsoring Gray Taxidermy Captains in this project!! Each month, REACTOR awards a GRAVITON 2 watch to the Captain of the Month, an outstanding watch for an outstanding Captain!

The determination of Captain of the month comes from a random drawing. Each month, every order placed with Gray Taxidermy is entered in a drawing. At the end of the month, one name is randomly pulled from all entries. Along with the new watch, the captain will also be awarded a Trophy plaque with an engraved plate from Gray Taxidermy. The more orders turned in, the better your chances. Congratulations Captain Adam!

It’s Good to be a Gray Taxidermy Captain or Mate

We are always looking to team up with top-quality companies that have the drive and passion to look out for our Captains and Mates.

Thank-you so much for your support!

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