Bass Pro Shops Tacoma Store Manager Looks Forward to Passing on Outdoor Traditions to Future Generations
OutdoorHub 09.03.14
Born and raised in the Puget Sound area, Ken Bruhn remembers the outdoor adventures he had growing up. He fished for trout and sunfish in area lakes, streams, and rivers before graduating to salmon and steelhead. In addition, he hunted the eastern slopes for deer and elk, and in the fall he went pheasant hunting at his uncle’s farm near the Yakima valley. Those skills and experiences will serve him well as the general manager for the new Tacoma Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opening in October.
“I’m excited about returning to the area where I grew up and where my wife and I raised our family,” said Bruhn. “I’m looking forward to sharing the experiences of digging for clams, setting a crab pot, and catching the first fish with my grandkids. I want to instill in them and their generation a respect for nature and a focus on conservation.”
These are the same experiences and interests Bruhn wants to share with customers and visitors to the Bass Pro Shops store.
“The new Tacoma Bass Pro Shops store is just minutes from the Northwest’s world-class angling, hunting, hiking and spectacular scenery. Knowing that I’ll play a big part in outfitting people to enjoy this area’s amazing natural resources will be the most fulfilling part of my job,” he said.
With a 40-year career at Sears, Roebuck and Company, Bruhn is experienced in retail and fulfilling customer needs. For the past three and half years he has been the operations manager at the Bass Pro Shops Las Vegas store.
“Bass Pro Shops offers all types of apparel and equipment for all types of outdoors people — technical and beginner — we understand their needs. Our goal is to inspire each person to try the many recreational activities that Washington has to offer because there is no better place to learn,” said Bruhn.
“For those who aspire to take their passion to a new level, Bass Pro Shops provides the gear and expertise to ensure success. Plus, we offer free weekly interactive outdoor skills workshops to bring our guests one step closer to realizing their dreams,” he said.
Bass Pro Shops Tacoma store has hired approximately 275 – 300 associates from the area who have a passion for and expert knowledge of the outdoors.
“These new team members are dedicated to bringing the Bass Pro Shops culture of world class customer service to the greater Seattle-Tacoma area,” said Bruhn.“They all love the outdoors, possess a great knowledge of the area, and have a true passion for helping our customers. We can’t wait to exceed our guests’ expectations.”
The new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Tacoma is located at 7905 S. Hosmer Street and is the company’s first store in the Pacific Northwest. The retail attraction sits near the highly visible intersection of Interstate 5 and 72nd Street—a main north/south corridor through the Seattle area and the gateway to Mount Ranier.
The 142,000-square-foot store, scheduled to open in October, will offer the popular Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill. This one-of-a-kind concept, developed by Johnny Morris and named after his uncle, is a nautical-themed entity located within the store. It features an atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Twelve lanes will offer customers the chance to feel like they’re bowling in the ocean. Casual family dining will be available in the grill where customers can select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and burgers. To see the popular Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill, visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwMxwQuaz1w&feature=youtu.be.
In addition, the store will feature an expansive boat showroom displaying boats from Nitro, Sun Tracker, Mako, and Tahoe as well as Arctic Cat ATVs and accessories. A full marine and a Power Pros service center will round out the experience.
Contact:
Katie Mitchell, Communications Manager, 417-873-5618, kamitchell@basspro.com
