We’re starting a new series here at AFFTA: the Member of the Month. Each month we’ll talk with a new manufacturer, dealer, rep, guide, fly shop owner, or AFFTA general member. We’re kicking off with Ben Freeman of Trident Fly Fishing, a brick-and-mortar fly shop with a significant e-commerce business.
Explain your business — the who, what, why.
Trident Fly Fishing is an e-commerce-focused fly shop. Our goal is to bring the highest quality customer service together with great advice.
How did your business start?
I started Trident back in 2012. Being an avid fly angler and having spent some time working for Amazon.com, I quickly realized that while there are many great ‘bricks & mortar’ shops, not many were focused on building a great web experience. I partnered with a friend from school, and a few months later, we launched Trident.
How has AFFTA membership benefited you?
The best thing about AFFTA is the IFTD show. It’s a great opportunity to network with others in the industry as well as get really well informed about new products that come out.
What’s one thing you wish AFFTA members knew about your business?
We’re way more than just another shop that sells online. We’re about making the fly fishing community better and providing the best knowledge and advice we can. A great example of this is our Fly Line Shootout where we measured, weighed and tested almost 50 different 5-weight fly lines!
We’re also constantly looking for great new content to help our customers. We’re very open to high quality ‘guest posts’ from AFFTA members – it’s a great way to get your name out there and ‘rep your water’.
When you’re not in the office, what are you most likely to be found doing?
Out fishing of course! But really, I like to combine world travel to exotic destinations with great fishing. My ‘farthest from home’ experience to date was a trip to India that included a friend’s wedding, getting stuck on a houseboat due to a strike in Kerala, a visit to the Taj Mahal, and of course a nice Golden Mahseer. I’m also an avid golfer and kitesurfer.
Thanks, Ben, for being our first interview! If you’d like to be featured, email Jess at jess@affta.org.
Photos courtesy of Ben Freeman.
