2019 CMA Winner: Ross Reels

Owned by Mayfly Outdoors, Montrose-based Ross Reels took home the hardware for Outstanding Outdoor Industry Brand at the 2019 Colorado Manufacturing Awards.

"These products were made by anglers and for anglers," says COO and Chief Engineer Tony Lugard. "What that means is the people behind the scenes driving the product know what it will look like, how it will act, what it will sound like, how it will feel. They all have a lot of understanding how the product will work."

The strategy results in reels that are functional works of art. It's also hooked big growth in sales, employees, and manufacturing footprint under Mayfly's ownership in recent years.

The Colorado Manufacturing Awards will take place virtually from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2020.