Big Rock Sports, LLC
Big Rock Sports, LLC is an outdoor sporting goods distributor headquartered in Graham, NC. The company services more than 15,000 fishing, ice fishing, hunting, shooting, camping, marine and taxidermy retailers in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and eight other countries, making it one of the largest distributors of outdoor sporting goods in North America. History
Big Rock Sports was founded in 1996 by businessman and avid outdoorsman Adrian Holler. Holler bought and consolidated three sporting goods distributors—All Sports, Carlson Sports and Henry’s—to form Big Rock.
Company Timeline
1950s–1970s
- In 1955, All Sports was founded by Arlo Elliott in Portland, OR.
- Tom and Annette Carlson began a fishing tackle wagon jobber business out of their house in 1965 in Brainerd, MN. In 1973, they moved the business to Sauk Rapids, MN and started operating as Carlson Sports.
- Henry’s Tackle Company was founded by [...] Henry in 1969 in Selma, NC. Two years later, Henry moved the company to Morehead City, NC and changed the name of the manufacturing division to Sea Striker.
- Autry’s Worm Ranch was established in San Diego in 1979 to help meet the needs of the West Coast’s growing fishing industry.
1980s–1990s
- By 1986, Warren Avis had incorporated All Sports, Carlson Sports and Henry’s together to become part of the Avis family.
- When a group of investors led by Adrian Holler acquired All Sports, Carlson Sports and Henry’s from Avis in 1996, Big Rock Sports was born. Soon thereafter Autry’s Worm Ranch was brought into the fold.
2000s
- Big Rock purchased Calcutta in 2003 and expanded into a variety of product categories, including tackle bags, fishing tools, rainwear, sunglasses and technical fishing apparel.
- In 2009, Big Rock opened a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Hamlet, NC. The warehouse distributes a full range of rods, reels and firearms, in addition to camping, electronics and boating supplies.
2010–Present
- In 2011, Big Rock Sports expanded its North American operations into Canada by acquiring the Canadian sporting goods distributor Inland Pacific Distributors, Ltd.
- Also in 2011, Big Rock began a partnership with Jarvis Walker, Australia’s largest distributor of boating accessories and fishing tackle.
- Big Rock Sports entered the taxidermy business in 2012 with the acquisition of Head Quarters Taxidermy Supply, which is based out of Raleigh, NC.
- In 2013, in order to manage accelerated growth, Big Rock was divided into a Shooting Sports Division and a Fishing/Camping/Marine Division.
- In early 2014, to enhance the restructuring process, Big Rock launched a new brand that consisted of a redesigned website, an updated logo and all-new digital services.
Dealer ACCESS
In 2011, Big Rock Sports launched Dealer ACCESS, which offers retailers a variety of tools and resources, including the ability to create or enhance a website, marketing opportunities and up-to-date information about the outdoor sporting goods industry.
Outdoor Advocacy
In addition to being a sporting goods distributor, Big Rock Sports is also an active advocate for outdoor enthusiasts. Company representatives frequently participate in meetings in Washington, DC concerning legislation that could affect the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen.
Origin of Company Name
Big Rock Sports is named after a series of underwater peaks and plateaus about 40 miles off the coast of Morehead City, NC. The area is considered to be one of the best spots for marlin fishing on the East Coast and is the location of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Big Rock Sports does not have a direct affiliation with the tournament, but their private label brand Calcutta is a Major Sponsor.
Private Label Brands
Big Rock Sports has several brands in multiple categories that are exclusive to Big Rock.
Fishing
- Calcutta
- Sea Striker
- Star Rods
- Billfisher
- Kunnan
- Krok
- Shur Strike
- Got-Cha
- Beach Runner
Boating/Marine
- BlackWatch
- Watersnake
- Invincible Marine
Corporate Information
Big Rock Sports is composed of over 650 employees who make up the outside sales and inside support teams. The company has offices and distribution centers in seven US states and three Canadian provinces.
US Distribution Centers
- Hamlet, NC
- Sauk Rapids, MN
- Billings, MT
- Clackamas, OR
- Fresno, CA
Canada Distribution Centers
- Langley, BC
- Winnipeg, MB