Conversations with Todd Fleury

Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Fleury

Hi Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I make hand crafted, custom muskie lures. I enjoy craftsmanship and I enjoy fishing. Creating custom muskie baits checks both boxes. (Teaser – If you don’t know what a muskie is – please keep scrolling and look for pics of big fish with sharp teeth.)

A few of my favorite muskie lures had seen better days and had been heavily used for years. I wanted to repaint and refinish them. Some YouTube research led me down a different trail, and I was fascinated with the idea of not only repainting old lures but actually making my very own! This process mesmerized me. It got me “hook, line and sinker”. In 2013, I officially launched Harvey Baits LLC. The goal from the beginning has been to give fishermen like me a unique, personalized experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, it has been relatively smooth sailing. I say “yes” simply because clear boundaries have been set and I am well aware of my time limitations. This has been and most likely will always be a side hustle or hobby. I’ve been asked multiple times but have no desire to sell in any retail stores. This mindset is very freeing. I don’t take custom orders and I have no deadlines to meet. So, if I’d rather watch football on Sunday afternoon, then I’ll watch football and not work on baits.

My desire is to keep Harvey Baits hobby-sized rather than go full-blown retail, this allows me to control the detail, creativity, and customer experience. My customers know me. They send me photos of the crazy big fish they catch. They tell me about their families. Keeping it small allows me to, yes, continue to enjoy the “process”, but also allows my customers to connect with me and my product in a way that “going retail” wouldn’t allow.

Some in the industry have asked me how long do I plan to do this? My response – “so long as it’s fun!” In essence I am playing with “house money” and I’ll stop doing what I’m doing when I no longer find joy in it. It is very therapeutic.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m very surprised and quite proud of the product I put out — especially in the beginning. I’m surprised because I never knew there was this “hidden, creative side” to me. I struggle drawing stick figures and you would never choose me to be your pictionary teammate. But I have learned, through trial, error, and repetition that there are ways to create depth, contrast, and layers through this medium. I have recently been exposed to the “Joy of Painting” series by Bob Ross. My biggest takeaway from Bob: I ENJOY how much he ENJOYS creating art. And the process of transforming rough lumber into a work of art brings me joy as well.

What matters most to you? Why?
Things I enjoy prioritize in this endeavor:

– All my work takes place either in my garage or in one room in the house designated for painting/finishing lures. I love that this hobby doesn’t take me away from the family.

– Two of my five kids have been able to work side by side with me. That is PRICELESS. Both kids are quick learners and have helped cut, shape, sand, weight, paint and finish these lures. My son, Drew, has his own line of baits. We have branded him as “Harvey’s Apprentice”. And Anika, my youngest daughter, creates custom keychains and sells them online and at our annual trade show in Minneapolis (The Minnesota Muskie Expo). My oldest daughter helped me create a reel that shows the “bait-making process” from start to finish. Here’s the link. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1453912238702468 To my shock and surprise, it has been viewed over 1.1 million times. Who’d have thought that would happen?!?

– Ten percent of all proceeds are donated back to our local church. I am a pastor on staff at Evangel Church. Often times we will run auctions or raffles and proceeds will be given towards humanitarian needs our kids’ department is supporting.

Pricing:

• This is a total “niche” product. Most of my clients are from the northern states where muskies thrive. Many may not pay the steep price but I do believe ALL will find an appreciation for the product and craftsmanship. I do make many styles and sizes of muskie lures ranging from $50-$95.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harveybaits.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harveybaits
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mMX00DzmvQ&t=58s