The Team
Get to know our team of experienced professionals ready to move forward with you.
At Woods to Water Outdoors, our mission is to serve as the trusted bridge between outdoor manufacturers, dealers, and the outdoor enthusiasts they aim to delight. Meet our team of experienced professionals.
paul benson
experience
Vice President of Sales & Management for Woods to Water • Vice President and & Ownership for The National Professional Fishing League | Paul brings a depth of knowledge and experience through a proven tracker record with sales & growth spanning 25+ years and multiple industries, with the last 13 focusing on the fishing industry directly.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bernard Newton
experience
Bernard “Fat Cat” Newton is the Chief Marketing Officer at Woods to Water Outdoor Co, a commentator for the National Professional Fishing League, an expert social media manager, brand strategist, and content creator for the fishing and outdoors industry | Fat Cat is responsible for creating viral content that has resulted in a quarter million followers across social media platforms over the last decade.
HIGHLIGHTS
Steve Sumner
experience
Steve was born in Charlotte, NC and has lived in the Southeastern USA his entire life.
After graduating college and attending USC for graduate school,
he became a manufacturer’s sales rep in 1988. During this time, Steve worked in a diversified market with OEMS and their engineered components.
Along with this entity, he has built several other businesses in the construction, logistics, and outdoors industries with his long-term business partner.
Steve has been married for 27 years to Denise and has 3 children (Kathleen, Steven, and Caroline) and currently resides in Rock Hill, SC.
Todd Hammond
experience
Todd is a skilled entrepreneur that brings 30+ years experience specializing in business development, marketing strategy, client relations and strategic planning. Alongside his long term business partner, they have a proven track record of building successful businesses from the ground up.
Todd believes in building a partnership with manufacturers, dealers and end consumers.
Passionate about the outdoors from the woods to the water, Todd enjoys introducing all ages to the outdoors. You can always count on Todd to be inshore or offshore fishing and hunting of all types.
Todd resides in Rowan County, NC with his family. He and his wife (Kelly) of 20 years have two children. You can find him in is free time traveling with their son (Hayden) who fishes with The National Professional Fishing League or on the rail cheering on their daughter (Hensley) who shows Tennessee Walking horses competitively. The love for the outdoors is definitely a family affair.
Nick Hardin
experience
Born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. Nick Hardin has fished for bass and trout for as long as he can remember. Nick has over a decade experience managing high-volume restaurants and cultivating relationships with food and beverage vendors and patrons alike. Nick is a self-motivated contractor and entrepreneur since leaving the restaurant industry. The customer’s happiness has always been his highest priority.