In this episode, we explore the journey of Brad Babich, who went from flipping auto parts to owning Togens Fly Shop almost overnight. We learn how he made the leap from corporate life to fly fishing and what sets Togens apart for its customers.
Brad also takes us through the history of the shop, including his weekend trip from British Columbia to Colorado with thousands of products in tow and how he assist guests with the best fly tying materials even from a distance.
Show Notes with Brad Babich on Togens Fly Shop Hit play below! 👇🏻
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(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
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Episode Chapters with Brad Babich on Togens Fly Shop
1:26 – Brad shares how he got into fly fishing. He started young, fishing with his dad using an antique fly rod. He describes his early experiences in Wisconsin and later, in Colorado, where he developed a deeper passion for fly fishing.
4:46 – He then explains how he and his business partner came to own Togens Fly Shop. Initially, Brad worked in sales and marketing, but his partner found Togens for sale. After some quick decisions, they acquired the business and moved it from Canada to Colorado.
7:05 – Brad discusses what sets Togens apart, focusing on their wide range of fly tying materials and fly pattern-specific kits.
10:28 – He emphasizes the importance of personal customer service. Unlike many e-commerce businesses, Togens maintains a phone line, allowing customers, especially older ones, to place orders directly.
20:00 – Brad discusses the variety of fly tying materials at Togens, like precut anesthetic bags and numerous bead options.
28:58 – He also talks about expanding their reach by incorporating diverse fly patterns tied by their East Coast representative, Aiden, to cater to different regional fishing needs.
33:45 – Brad discusses the logistics of running an online shop, focusing on shipping challenges. He mentions how Togens Fly Shop works hard to ensure fast and reliable shipping, even though it can sometimes be tough.
41:32-45:00 Brad discusses the critical role that customer feedback to lead improvements in their product offerings and customer service.
47:18 – 49:38 He then emphasizes that being open to criticism and willing to make changes has been essential to their success.
50:12 – 55:17 Brad recounts his trips that have led to some of the best ideas for new products and services. He values the face-to-face interactions and the chance to hear firsthand what customers love about Togens Fly Shop.
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@togensfly
Visit them at Togens Fly Shop
Related Podcast Episodes
WFS 317 – Fly Tying Patterns for Stillwater with Brandon Molzahn – Togens Fly Shop
Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion with Brad Babich on Togens Fly Shop
Brad and Dave talked about how Togens Fly Shop stays on top of the ever-changing world of outsourced customer service. As the new owner, Brad explained how he stepped up to tackle the shop’s biggest challenge: keeping customers happy and engaged, even from a distance and how he hand picked the best fly tying materials for their satisfaction.
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