The story of Lauri Rapala tank testing and hand tuning every single one of his iconic lures to make sure they swam true with a unique wounded minnow action has been well documented, dating back to the first one he carved 89 years ago.
However, fishing fans may not be aware that Vexus® Boats does much the same at their world class facility in Flippin, AR where Bobby Wallace and his right-hand man Jeff Chism place every premium fishing vessel in a 9,000 gallon ‘test tank’ that resembles an above ground swimming pool.
The goal is to make triple-dog sure there are no leaks, and that every pump, switch, and piece of plumbing is working perfectly before they’re loaded on delivery trucks and shipped to treasured dealers and customers.
In reality, the inspection process of each best-in-the business boat goes far beyond the pool. A round paper card containing a 100-point inspection of the fuel system, electrical system, plumbing, hardware, finish, steering, engine controls, and upholstery is checked – and only after Bobby signs his name on the card, indicating it passed his test, can it leave the factory.
Like so many folks at Vexus, their vocation is not just a job, but a prideful source of their personal identity -- and that’s certainly the case for team leader, Bobby Wallace. The Flippin High School Class of 1989 member has never known a way to make a living that didn’t involve water and premium fishing boats.
His very first job as a teen involved doing anything that was asked of him at nearby Bull Shoals Boat Dock and Marina, and for 34 years since then, he’s poured his heart and soul into making sure every boat that rolled out of his hometown was the best it could possibly be.
Longtime Vexus leader and VP of Operations, Lance Newton says, “Bobby is a perfect example of what makes Vexus special. His knowledge of the product, attention to detail and love for the brand has a tremendous impact on our operation.”
“We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals, like Bobby, that have a passion for taking care of our customers and pouring their heart and soul into the product. It is a true honor to work alongside Bobby and his remarkable team!” adds Newton.
Wallace’s passion actually dates back to age seven when his dad took him to a boat show and ordered a new bass boat, and a young Bobby became infatuated with their shiny new fiberglass bass chaser.
A lifetime angler, Wallace still loves to drag a green pumpkin lizard behind a 1-ounce Carolina Rig on Bull Shoals in May and June, but as summer progresses don’t be surprised if you see him pulling his grandsons on an innertube behind his Vexus DVX19 fiberglass multispecies rig.
The story of Lauri Rapala tank testing and hand tuning every single one of his iconic lures to make sure they swam true with a unique wounded minnow action has been well documented, dating back to the first one he carved 89 years ago.
However, fishing fans may not be aware that Vexus® Boats does much the same at their world class facility in Flippin, AR where Bobby Wallace and his right-hand man Jeff Chism place every premium fishing vessel in a 9,000 gallon ‘test tank’ that resembles an above ground swimming pool.
The goal is to make triple-dog sure there are no leaks, and that every pump, switch, and piece of plumbing is working perfectly before they’re loaded on delivery trucks and shipped to treasured dealers and customers.
In reality, the inspection process of each best-in-the business boat goes far beyond the pool. A round paper card containing a 100-point inspection of the fuel system, electrical system, plumbing, hardware, finish, steering, engine controls, and upholstery is checked – and only after Bobby signs his name on the card, indicating it passed his test, can it leave the factory.
Like so many folks at Vexus, their vocation is not just a job, but a prideful source of their personal identity -- and that’s certainly the case for team leader, Bobby Wallace. The Flippin High School Class of 1989 member has never known a way to make a living that didn’t involve water and premium fishing boats.
His very first job as a teen involved doing anything that was asked of him at nearby Bull Shoals Boat Dock and Marina, and for 34 years since then, he’s poured his heart and soul into making sure every boat that rolled out of his hometown was the best it could possibly be.
Longtime Vexus leader and VP of Operations, Lance Newton says, “Bobby is a perfect example of what makes Vexus special. His knowledge of the product, attention to detail and love for the brand has a tremendous impact on our operation.”
“We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals, like Bobby, that have a passion for taking care of our customers and pouring their heart and soul into the product. It is a true honor to work alongside Bobby and his remarkable team!” adds Newton.
Wallace’s passion actually dates back to age seven when his dad took him to a boat show and ordered a new bass boat, and a young Bobby became infatuated with their shiny new fiberglass bass chaser.
A lifetime angler, Wallace still loves to drag a green pumpkin lizard behind a 1-ounce Carolina Rig on Bull Shoals in May and June, but as summer progresses don’t be surprised if you see him pulling his grandsons on an innertube behind his Vexus DVX19 fiberglass multispecies rig.
“I just take a lot of pride in the fact I’ve been able to make a living my entire life doing something that centers on my love of fishing and top-notch boats. And Vexus is special because teamwork is so celebrated here. We all check our egos at the door and share the same focus and drive to make sure every boat that leaves here is the best it can possibly be,” says Wallace.
“Heck, if we were building canoes, we’d tank test them to make sure they were the best in the business too,” he smiles in conclusion.
And you can bet they’d have to pass Bobby’s inspection before they were allowed to leave Flippin.