History / Formation

Sportsmen's Direct Inc (SDI) was formed in 2009 by John Bacarella and a small group of passionate sportsmen, in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. While the economy crashed, they saw innovative, high quality products dying in basements, garages, pole barns and small shops across our great country. As an inventor, John looked for a way to share these products with sportsmen across the country, without the risks and expense of the retail market.

John had extensive experience in manufacturing/engineering and a passion for hunting and fishing, especially tournament ice fishing. That, combined with John’s wife’s experience in Direct Sales, formed the foundation for SDI. They felt that Direct Sales would be the most natural way for sportsmen to promote products. Even when products are sold in retail stores, most are still promoted by "word of mouth". Why not pay the promoters? That’s exactly what we do.

SDI launched with many products geared toward the serious ice fisherman. We are humbled and thankful as we watch our Ice Hopper products becoming standard equipment for tournament ice fishermen and other hardcore hardwater anglers. We look forward to what the future will bring.