In 2018, Thundercat Marketing and Bruce Brown & Associates formed a strategic alliance. This strategic alliance brings even more experience and bandwidth to the agency and affords both agencies over 60+ years of experience in the commercial and recreational markets and marine safety. Aligned with Bruce Brown & Associates, Thundercat Marketing brings laser-sharp focus and experience giving our principals maximum market exposure, creative marketing platforms, effective new product launches, and experience professionals that are passionate about the products our principals offer. Read more below about our team.
Jim Cermak | Managing Member
Jim has over 25 years of experience in the marine industry. Jim joined the marine industry retail ranks after serving 9 years in the USCG as a SAR coxswain and Law enforcement boarding officer and trainer. He began his career at West Marine as an assistant manager in Anchorage, AK and has held various regional sales and executive roles with some of the largest manufacturers in the marine business including ICOM, Survitec Group, Stearns, and Absolute Outdoor. Jim has also served 2 consecutive terms on the United States Marine Safety Association board of directors.
Michelle Cermak | Co-Founder
Although Michelle is new to the marine industry, she grew up around the shooting sports and outdoor business and her knowledge on how things work is instrumental in making Thundercat Marketing go. Michelle is our “CFO” and keeps our books in order and our expenses under control. Michelle is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Portland and has her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and holds a Certified Financial Planner™(CFP®) designation. Michelle has held executive level roles in the finance world with U.S. Bank and Les Schwab Tire Centers.
Bruce Brown | Acting Partner
Bruce is a second generation son of California, and has been an independent manufacturer’s representative for over 40 years covering the Pacific South West. His reputation as an expert in many fields related to his work has taken him across the globe. Bruce continues to train recreational and commercial mariners in on the water safety elements and is one of the co-authors of the US Sailing Safety at Sea Manual. He is a US Sailing Safety at Sea Moderator and lectures at clubs and organizations on various topics of his expertise. Bruce’s wife Linda retired after 28 years as an elementary school educator and they spend leisure time working on their home and gardens.
Kirk Brown | Acting Partner
Kirk was born and raised in Southern California. The older of the Brown brothers, Kirk continues to travel his territory with a wealth of knowledge. He serves as an Umpire and Judge for World Sailing Match Racing events and has tutored many upcoming umpires and judges in the sport of sailing. Kirk is an active member of his church with his wife, Sue, a retired education administrator.
Kim Hevia | Territory Manager
Kim is the newest member of the Thundercat Marketing team. Kim comes to us with an extremely accomplished sales history in the highly regulated and competitive school bus industry. Her strong ability to navigate highly regulated industries and strong sales acumen are just two of the many attributes that she brings to the Thundercat Marketing team. In her downtime, Kim enjoys spending as much time as she can with her family and partaking in as much skiing and tennis as she can.
The Thundercat Marketing U.S. Sales Territory
Thundercat Marketing currently serves the following states: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Arizona, Montana and Nevada.
