Meet the professionals
Excel partners with some of the best anglers and outdoorsmen in the country. Check back regularly for new content like industry tips & tricks, gear recommendations, and more.
Echo Calls
ROB ROBERTS
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THE GRIND
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J.J. Gustafson
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TURTLEBOX AUDIO
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Wide Open Outfitters
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Jake Terry
Jeff Earnhardt
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Rob Roberts
Rob Roberts, owner of Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works located in Batesville, AR, has been very prosperous in the hunting and outdoors industry. Within this corporation they offer a full line shop on all the custom gun work for shotguns and are even able to build custom rifles.
Being one of the only companies in the world that can perform all the work on a gun, including building a choke then proving its perfection by a computer analysis of the performance, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks is known to receive great satisfaction back a former competitive shooter, turned his passion for firearms and hunting into Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks.
By introducing computerized pattern analysis, his company fine-tunes guns for optimal performance with various loads and chokes. His expertise led to a partnership with Benelli Performance Shop, where he customizes guns for waterfowlers and turkey hunter across the country.
Featured on the pursuit channel
The Grind Waterfowl TV is a show comprised of a group of hunters from Lucky Duck, Dakota Decoy, well known guide services and passionate waterfowler’s. Together, they set out to provide you with a quality waterfowl hunting show that provides many hunting tips and conservations efforts to promote the sport of waterfowl.
Ryan Yarnell – currently holds the position of hunting marketing manager for Turtlebox Audio | Ryan spends most of his time out on the water hunting, and fishing in the great state of Montana, but is constantly on the road looking for his next hunting adventure.
TURTLEBOX AUDIO
Our mission is to make the LOUDEST, rugged, portable speaker in the Market that is specifically built for the outdoors.
The first Turtlebox was born out of necessity. After breaking every “loud” product on the market through routine outdoor use, the idea of the Turtlebox was born in our garage, not as a business but just for personal use. Nothing else could get the job done.
Most portable speakers aren’t actually meant for the outdoors and can’t withstand the elements, the ones that can aren’t loud enough to be heard. When you’re at the beach or on an ATV, you need sound to carry in order to hear it over the wind, waves, and boat engines, you need a Turtlebox.
We soon realized that there was a huge need for the Turtlebox among likeminded adventurers and our journey began to set out to make the world’s loudest most rugged outdoor portable speaker.
Zach Rutledge – brings his passion for waterfowl hunting and storytelling to the Excel Boats Pro Staff team. Through Split Reed, Zach has built a strong voice in the hunting community, sharing the lifestyle and culture that drive hunters every season. On the water or in the timber, he trusts Excel Boats to carry him where the ducks are and to represent the same grit and authenticity he brings to the field.
SPLIT REED
Split Reed is a media and lifestyle brand dedicated to the world of waterfowl hunting. Known for its striking photography, engaging articles, and authentic storytelling, Split Reed captures the passion, traditions, and community that make the sport so special. From the duck blind to the wider hunting culture, Split Reed celebrates the grit and camaraderie that define waterfowlers everywhere.
WIDE OPEN OUTFITTERS
Premier Bird Hunting in Mexico: Dove, Duck, & Quail Hunts
For world-class wing shooting, look no further than Wide Open Outfitters. American based company operating just south of the border, we showcase some of the most thrilling and scenic hunting lodges in North America. An unparalleled Duck, Quail and Dove hunting experience that will be sure to have you coming back!
Duck Calls by Echo Calls are American Made Game Calls for hunters who want to do some serious duck hunting and get their desired results. Echo was established by Rick Dunn in 1975. Rick started hunting at the age of twelve with his brother, Danny. Danny and Rick certainly had some great hunts. It wasn’t until years later that Rick decided to try to make his own Duck Call. Granted, Mr. Dunn’s first attempts were poor, to say the least. However, he didn’t give up.
Of course, Rick knew he could undoubtedly make a call that would suit him. Gradually, Rick hand-turned more and more duck calls as a hobby. The funny thing about Rick’s call was as soon as someone heard it, they thought it sounded great wanted to buy it. At that moment, Rick figured that he should give his calls a name and before long, maybe sell a few as a hobby. “Echo” was the first name he thought of and then stuck with it. After that, Echo Calls was born.
Over time Echo, unquestionably had become one of the most popular duck call companies around. Eventually, reaching to hunters all around the world. After many years of coming in second place, Rick finally won 1st place in 1997 at the World Championship Duck Calling Contest located in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rarely will you hear of a Serious Duck Hunter that hasn’t used, or at least heard of Echo Duck Calls.
J.J. Gustafson
J.J. Gustafson is an avid waterfowl hunter and outdoorsman who brings passion and experience to the Excel Boats Pro Staff team. Known for his dedication in the field and his ability to connect with hunters across the community, J.J. represents the true spirit of Excel—rugged, reliable, and built for the hunt. Whether it’s long mornings in the duck blind or navigating tough waters, he relies on Excel Boats to get the job done.
Jeffrey Earnhardt
A professional NASCAR driver and member of the legendary Earnhardt racing family, brings his competitive spirit and love for the outdoors to the Excel Boats Pro Staff team. Away from the track, Jeffrey is an avid outdoorsman who values time on the water and in the field. His partnership with Excel reflects his passion for rugged performance, whether it’s in a race car or an Excel boat built for adventure.
Jake Terry
Jake Terry, founder of Arterra Media, is a creative force in the outdoor industry, telling powerful stories through film and photography. With a passion for waterfowl hunting and a talent for capturing the lifestyle that surrounds it, Jake has built Arterra into a respected name in outdoor media. As part of the Excel Boats Pro Staff, he brings his eye for detail and his love for the hunt, showcasing how Excel boats are built for both adventure and storytelling.