FishBait Solutions launches new American Heritage Division; Sponsorship industry veteran Bob Heussner to lead

January 27, 2021

FishBait Solutions, a multi-tiered sponsorship creation and activation company focused on athletics, entertainment and experiential events, has launched a new division.

The American Heritage Division will focus on celebrating the people, places, events and stories of U.S. history, leading up to and beyond the 2026 celebrations of 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. In creating the division, FishBait is aligning its diverse resources with clients including the American Battlefield Trust, South Carolina Liberty Trail and Medal of Honor, among others.

Heading the division will be Bob Heussner, a veteran of advertising, marketing and sponsorship agencies whose career highlights include negotiating more than $400 million in Olympic sponsorship contracts over the course of 12 Games on six continents. Currently based in Fredericksburg, VA, Heussner is known for his creative acumen and strategic planning skills during tenure at agencies including Octagon, Ammirati & Puris and most recently his own firm, StrongBridge. Heussner will be Senior Vice President and General Manager of FishBait’s new division.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bob,” said Rob Temple, FishBait CEO. “He has tremendous experience in all phases of strategy, corporate sponsorship, experiential marketing and cause marketing. His leadership will be an extraordinary asset to us.”

Added FishBait founder and Creative Director, Rick Jones: “Bob is the very best strategist I have ever known and will bring great value to everything we are doing at FishBait Solutions.”

 

About FishBait Solutions, LLC

Founded by Rick Jones in 2003, FishBait Solutions will operate with three divisions:
• FishBait Marketing will continue representing various lifestyle, event and media property clients, including ESPN Events, the Country Music Association, Opry Entertainment Group, BMI, the World Food Championships, various Outdoor Channel personalities and television shows, and the American Battlefield Trust’s Liberty Trail.
• FishBait Consulting will work with various properties and corporate sponsors, including current clients Anheuser Busch, Capital One, Dollar General, TicketSmarter and Werner Ladder.
• FishBait Ventures will develop assets with third parties. Currently FishBait is an equity partner with EngageMint.
FishBait sells and activates in five unique verticals:
• American Heritage will develop sponsorship programming up to and through the U.S. celebration of its 250th anniversary in 2026.
• Collegiate Sports working with ESPN Events and other collegiate properties and corporate sponsors.
• Country Music working with some of Nashville’s biggest events.
• Food Festivals anchored by the World Food Championships.
• Outdoor Sports with programs and personalities on the Outdoor Channel.