If you're watching the web, or BassFan, for information about the Genmar bankruptcy auction to be held this Thursday, you've likely noticed the barren and parched information landscape.
It's absolutely silent out there.
Platinum's not talking. Irwin Jacobs hasn't given a quote to a news source in what seems like months. Even local news outfits near the Genmar boat plants have seemingly given up and decided to wait.
The industry and the public at large simply have no idea what's going to happen this Thursday when Ranger Boats – a keystone in the foundation of modern bass fishing, and the reason for the existence of FLW Outdoors as we know it – will be sold to the highest bidder.
I say that with certainty because I'm in daily communication with industry leaders, and we're all asking the same question: Who's going to get Ranger?
Bids are due today by 3:00 CST, and if I were a betting man, I'd still put my money on Irwin Jacobs. He got into the boat business for the long haul, and built a sizable empire through savvy moves in and around bankruptcy courts.
Plus, I think there's something more at play.
Jacobs has always struck me as a man concerned with his legacy. Even though he'll be inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame this February at the Classic, he's still not an immediate part of the founder crowd that includes names like Ray Scott, Bob Cobb, Forrest Wood, the Lindners or even Mike Whitaker.
Jacobs, I think, is still chasing his legacy – still wanting that first $1 million payout to be more of a milestone than it seems right now.
So despite the worst boating market ever, and despite an economic climate where sponsor revenue's down probably 50% if not more in his tournament business, I still see Jacobs rising from the silence to get those parts of Genmar he covets.
A lot of products and companies have moved through Jacobs' hands. He probably could have chosen to pursue a legacy as owner of the Minnesota Vikings. Or somehow positioned Jacobs Trading Company as a community reinvestment icon. Or boldly patronized the arts. Instead, he sought to leave his mark within the outdoors and bass fishing.
His legacy grew significantly over the last decade. Come Thursday, we'll see if it can grow even more.
