Introducing the Rucsac Supplies team...
Ballina HQ and Rucsac Team
IN 1988 Rucsac Supplies began as a small distribution company, headed by Jim and Merilyn Graham in a Sydney-based warehouse. After 18 successful years steadily growing the business, the couple decided to retire and Rucsac Supplies was snapped up by northern New South Wales outdoor enthusiasts Ray and Bronwyn Sargent. With son, Mitchell, and long-serving office guru Judy Savins, the duo began their odyssey into the world of adventure equipment in May 2004.
Ray, a passionate skier, former footballer (now strictly a sideline barracker) and fisherman and Bronwyn, a keen hiker, swimmer and traveller, have worked hard to expand the business, adding to the products carried by Rucsac Supplies, moving the warehouse to its river-side home in Ballina and hiring new, talented staff to cope with extra work.
The Rucsac Supplies team is excited about the recent expansion of Vaude, bringing you the latest in European, high-quality clothing and hardware to suit any of your pursuits in the great outdoors. Whilst remaining the exclusive distributor of high-quality Trangia stoves, high-tech New Zealand Socks, Torpeako clothing and accessories.
Since 2004, the Sargents' have travelled to trade shows in Germany and America, and more recently, China, in their quest to bring Australian outdoor adventurers new and exciting products. These include the tasty Chefsway food line, Masters Poles, the ingenious foldable culinary sets from Orikaso, must-have Dryzone products, Aloksak/Opsak bags, ESI silicone grips for bikes and Hebie bike accessories to help store your trusty transport more easily.
Australian athletes and adventurers continue to find support for their endeavours from Rucsac HQ, the team loves to be taken along the journey with them whilst helping individuals realise their dreams. Some of these sportspeople include cyclists Tillman Waldthaler, Martin and Nadine Lunz and Morgan Pilley, snowboarder Chumpy Pullin, rock climbers Ambia Scott, Joel Wilson and Maddy Melder and explorers Nathan Kukathas and Chris Fitzgerald.
There’s nothing the team at Rucsac Supplies enjoy more than getting involved in sports at a grass-roots level. That’s why they support so many events across the outdoor and cycle sports arena.
They have also had a taste of fame, after Vaude tents and packs, Torpeako beanies, New Zealand socks and Orikaso products were used by famous indigenous Australians Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman and actress Deborah Mailman (Rabbit Proof Fence, The Secret Life of Us) to film a series, called Going Bush, for Lonely Planet Television. The pair left their city lives to return to their roots in the red centre, participating in cultural ceremonies, hunting for food and surviving desert camping. The series was aired globally and to Australian audiences on SBS in 2007. Going Bush has since prompted a book and world-wide DVD release.
The Rucsac Supplies team look forward to more changes, developments and continuing to deliver great service, unbeatable products and a shared passion of all the adventures Australia has to offer!
Ray and Bronwyn Sargent (Owners/Directors): Ray and Bronwyn are the Directors/Owners of Rucsac Supplies; they decided to follow their dream and moved into the outdoor industry in May of 2004. They have been outdoor enthusiasts for many years, which shines through in their knowledge and passion for our products. Their fresh outlook on the industry and wealth of knowledge has been the essence of Rucsac Supplies' growth and success.
ray@rucsac.com.au / bronwyn@rucsac.com.au
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Mitchell Sargent (Corporate sales and Marketing Co-Coordinator): Mitchell joined the company in May 2004, having just returned from living abroad, working and travelling. Having worked in a range of retail industries, Mitchell offers a varied knowledge base to draw from. This combined with his enthusiasm and love of all things outdoors, sees him as a valued member of the Rucsac Team.
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Steve Hinchliffe (National Sales Coordinator & NSW Sales Representative): Steve was the first new hand to join Rucsac Supplies, coming on board in late 2004 and bringing with him more than 15 years experience in the outdoor industry. He is an invaluable member of Rucsac Supplies and we are very grateful for all his input and energy. Especially is absolute addiction to all things outdoors!
Jason Ramsay (Victoria and Tasmania Sales Representative): We welcomed Jason to our team in September 2007 and we were excited to find someone so passionate (even though he is originally from the wrong side of the ditch). Jason brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and has been involved with all levels of retail. He knows a good thing when he sees it after his experience as part of product development teams. Welcome to the team Jason!
Judy Savins (Office Manager): For 20 years Judy has brought her highly skilled and organised touch to Ray’s various offices and five years ago she made the move into the outdoor industry. With a caravan in Evans Head she visits annually with her family, Judy has enjoyed “product testing” while on holidays. With her knowledge of every aspect of the business, Judy is the nerve centre of Rucsac HQ.
judy@rucsac.com.au
Michelle McPherson (Administration): Michelle was recruited three years ago to assist Judy with the difficult task of coping with a rapidly growing business. Michelle’s versatility and experience were warmly welcomed to our head office team.
Paul Shepherd (Warehouse/Logistics Manager): The newest member, joining us in January 2010, Paul is the perfect fit to the Rucsac team; being an avid outdoor enthusiast, keen hiker, surf boat rower and recently working in the prestigious role of Australian Lifeguard. Paul also brings extensive retail experience to the Rucsac HQ, working both in and out of the outdoor industry. Welcome aboard Paul!
Ken Jackson (Western Australia Sales Agent): Ken has been representing Rucsac Supplies in our amazing western state for many years. His knowledge of the industry and of our products are extensive, as is the area he covers. He surely is a valued member of our sales team!