History

This story begins in 1987, when Steve Johnson, a machinist and extremely enthusiastic archer, was approached at a local archery shoot by Ron Miller to help develop a "relax release aid". A year and a half and many prototypes later, the "Cascade Release" was ready to be introduced to archers. Steve took the Cascade Release to the famous Vegas Indoor Shoot in 1989, along with an arrow rest he had developed called the Golden Premier. There, he showed the products to Freddie Troncoso who then owned Golden Key Futura. Mr. Troncoso was interested in distributing both products. The reception was overwhelming. At the time, Steve was working as a machinist and was allowed to use the machines after work hours to make Cascade Releases.

Gloria, Steve's wife, an impeccable housewife and mother of three boys with another one on the way, was now responsible for assembly and shipping which took place on the kitchen table, counters and other available flat surfaces throughout the house. By early 1991, it was time to make some serious decisions. Steve needed to devote all of his time to production to keep up with the demand, (well, to try too keep up with the demand). A new location was necessary. This meant that Steve had to resign from his full time job, form a company of his own and at the same time move into a new facility. The decision was made, and the new facility was purchased with help from family members. The facility, a 70-acre parcel with a 4-bedroom farmhouse and two large shops located in Harrisburg, Oregon was now the new home of Center Spot, Inc.

Hold on now! I fear you're going to get the idea that this all happened very quickly and easily. So, let me tell you a small part of what life was like for the Johnson's with their new business, new home, new shop and one very used CNC machine. A Ma & Pa business? In this case, Ma & Pa were Steve and Gloria, and they were the only ones available to do the work. Now, picture this: Gloria now with Cabe 15, Josh 13, Logan 3 and Quinn 1 month, assembling Cascade Releases & Golden Premier rests with Logan on one knee and Quinn on the other eating dinner (one month old, dinner- go figure). At the same time, Steve kindly inquiring; "Sweetheart, those were supposed to be shipped this afternoon, weren't they?" Get the picture? I share this with you, so that when we get to the good part, we won't forget that it all happened because Steve and Gloria spent the next five years of their lives working 17 to 18 hours a day seven days a week. Now the Good Part!

Over the next 5 years, Center Spot, Inc. grew with the success of the Cascade Release and the Golden Premier rest. The relationship with Golden Key also grew. Golden Key became the exclusive distributor for Center Spot's entire product line with the exception of the Cascade Release whose distribution was controlled by Ron Miller.

In 1992, the sales of the Golden Premier rest were projected to be 500. By the end of 1992, 7000 had been sold. The demand for Cascade Releases was beyond production capabilities. Machines were added and full-time personnel came aboard.

Arlin Brewer, a kindly man, was the first full time machinist hired and is still an employee today. Of course, Arlin is a story in himself. He's been an archer since before recorded history, builds his own bows and could teach us all some of the finer points of bow hunting. However, we won't tell Arlin's story now. Maybe later. For now, let's just say we're sure glad that Arlin is a part of the team.

Now, I don't want you to feel sorry for Steve (Gloria maybe, but not Steve) because it's Steve's fault they had to work so hard. He has a bad habit of creating new products. New products mean more work. New products flowed out of Center Spot. The Spring Master, Super Star, Long Overdraw, Short Overdraw, Ultra Track, 3-D Rover, Platinum Premier, The Answer Release, Auto-X release, Adjustable Overdraw, Top Gun Release and the Ultimate. Rumor has that he is still creating more.

By 1994, the shop was wall-to-wall machines and the assembly room was wall-to-wall people. It was a very cozy place to work. The little shop was alive 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Center Spot, Inc. grew to employ 35 people, and as an interesting side note, Steve and Gloria stopped making babies. Imagine that!

Ah yes, 1994. The little 3000 square foot shop was popping at the seams. Golden Key was doing an outstanding job with distribution, and the demand for more products was increasing constantly. It was time to expand. Toward the end of 1994, Center Spot had closed escrow on the location, which was to become their new home, one of the oldest historical sites in Harrisburg. The challenge was to renovate this historical building, which had sat vacant for many years into a state-of-the-art production facility. Well… let's just say that a year later and few more dollars than expected a new facility had been built inside the old walls which are held in place as a façade by the new walls. November 1995, Center Spot, Inc. moved into their pristine new 20,000-sq. ft. home.

By now Cabe, the oldest of the boys and Josh the second oldest were working as a full time employee's. Tina Naylor, Cabe's high school sweetheart, also began working that year, and a year and a half later they were married. Now, maybe your wondering what all this has to do with Spot~Hogg Archery Products? Well, you remember I mentioned the rumor about Steve still creating more products. Turns out it wasn't a rumor after all.

May of 1997 was the birth of Spot~Hogg Archery Products, Center Spot's own marketing company. The world wide rights to Cascade Releases was purchased back from Ron Miller Spot~Hogg Archery Products was beginning with the same product that Center Spot, Inc. began with back in 1991.

January 1998, at the AMO show in Columbus, Ohio, Spot~Hogg Archery Products introduced Steve's latest creations. Rumor has it that he is still creating more. Fact is I know he's at it again. Can't wait to share with you new products as they develop. In the mean time, have a look around the rest of our web site and enjoy.

Somehow I think there is going to be more to this story!