Billiards Giant Viking Cue Reopens Under New
Leadership
Pool cue manufacturing leader Viking Cue Manufacturing,
LLC reopens under the new ownership of Wisconsin businessman Mark Larson. Nearly
all of the same employees were rehired, though executive team has innovative
plans for new direction.
MADISON, WI - May 14, 2011 - After closing doors on
pool cue manufacturing in 2010, billiards leader Viking Cue has reopened under
the leadership of local businessman Mark Larson.
Larson, a longtime friend of Viking's 27-year veteran
VP of Manufacturing, Rick Rolli, placed a bid on the business after a visit to
the company's facilities. "I really fell in love with the operation and the rich
history of Viking. I knew that there was another chapter just waiting to be
written," said Larson, who purchased the company on May 9.
Founded in 1965 by Gordon Hart, who remains with the
company as a consultant, Viking has a worldwide reputation for craftsmanship and
excellence. "Viking has always had a superior product line and an incredibly
loyal following in the billiards industry," said industry veteran Rolli. "We're
going to breathe life back into this company. We've got the same facility, a
great inventory of product, state of the art equipment and the same artisans,
many who have been here for over 25 years."
Since the company has rehired nearly all of the same
employees, little will change within its basic infrastructure, though the
company has plans for new initiatives. "We're bringing back the family and the
employees, and we'll never lose sight of the quality Viking is known for. But
we're about to make big pushes in marketing and product offerings. It's what
this company needs to thrive."
One of Viking's main goals is to create a top-notch
interactive website so that dealers and individual customers alike have easy
access to Viking products. "In the past, Viking didn't have a strong web
presence. Dealers couldn't just go online and buy cues. We want to make ordering
easy for everyone, and create an online image that reflects Viking's unmatched
craftsmanship," said Rolli.
The company also plans to reach out to new markets, and
make the company's products accessible to more people: plans for additional
product and accessory lines with multiple price points to appeal to a broader
audience. Though the goals are largely customer-focused, another main concern is
giving dealers the tools they need to succeed.
Reflecting on his plans for the company, Larson
stressed his interest in the company's history and tradition. "The main thing we
want to let Viking fans know is that the core product isn't changing. The
quality remains the same. But let's put it this way - we're racking up for a
fresh new break. Our game is about to get a lot more interesting, and we're more
than excited to share what we've got."
About: Since 1965, Viking Cue Manufacturing, Inc. has
been an industry leader in two-piece pool cue production. With headquarters in
Madison, Wisconsin, Viking products are proudly made in the USA with commitment
to quality, craftsmanship and time-honored tradition.