Meet Jeff Wagner | Fly Fishing Addict and Mayfly Group President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Wagner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The fly fishing industry is…quirky. We often see people fly fishing in advertisements, especially in the Rockies and even on many national ad campaigns for a variety of products. When people travel to the West they often see anglers along the rivers and streams. In general fly fishing gets a lot of attention. This gives the impression it is big industry. But, in reality fly fishing is less than 10% of the size of conventional fishing and is very small. It is a subset of the broader outdoor and fishing space. So, in many ways, that can make it a challenge to navigate and compete. However, on the other side it is small enough to build strong relationships with dealers, reps, and even customers. It is also a pastime of passion, almost obsession for many and that can make it a joy to work in and provide opportunities for people to pursue their passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It sounds cliche to say that if you are doing something you are passionate about it wont feel like work, but that is so true. I have a passion for fly fishing and the outdoors and each day at Mayfly feels like an opportunity to pursue that passion and make a difference. I know that sounds corny, but it is true. I have been fortunate to follow multiple paths in my life in parallel. On one hand I have been able to pursue fly fishing. I have been a fly casting field editor for Fly Fusion magazine for almost 10 years, I am a Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor with the Fly Fishing International, and regularly give classes, instruction and talks on fly fishing. I also have a deep passion for fish and conservation and have an undergrad in Biology from CSU with many classes in conservation biology. I worked for the National Park Service for a period of time as a Native Fisheries Restoration project manager and also worked on various “fish” projects when I was with Cabela’s and building out their massive aquariums in their real stores. I know, real nerd stuff, but I loved it. At the same time I was a buyer for Jax Outdoor gear in Colorado, spent almost 15 years in various roles with Cabela’s, worked at VF corp (Smartwool and Icebreaker), have spent a lot of time in leadership training, Lean Six Sigma (black belt) and have an MBA from CSU. Paralell paths that have been amazing opportunities. Never easy, lots of time and energy but it has been an awesome pursuit and journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Traveling is a passion, no question. But I can also be a home body and love to hang out with family. We have moved to Montrose because we love the town and the people and the proximity to the outdoors and I think the area has a lot to offer. We have people visit on a regular basis from all over the world and we use our backyard of Colorado to show them a good time. That usually entails a float on the Gunnison, fishing on the Uncomphagre, a hike near Ouray, Mountain Biking Buzzard Gulch and visiting the many breweries. Along with that taking in great food in Ridgway, Ouray and Montrose and probably a hop over to Silverton for some coffee and a drive over Red Mountain pass. With all of that within a few hours how could you go somewhere else!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a great question, no one succeeds on their own. For me, my greatest supporter is my wife, Kathleen and my daughters Maiya and Sari. They not only encourage me to succeed but help to keep me motivated when the going gets tough. They are a constant source of joy and pride and motivation. Along with that I was fortunate to have multiple strong mentors along the way. They always seem to enter into my life at the right time and have been in areas of fly fishing and business, there are probably too many to name specifically but they know who they are and I am in their debt for the time and energy they gave me. I can only hope to do the same.

Instagram: @wagnerflyfish

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwagner-mba/