Pros visit bass club members at Toyota manufacturing facility

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Toyota pros Gerald Swindle, Mike Iaconelli and Terry Scroggins recently spent an entire day visiting the Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in Northern Mississippi where several avid anglers proudly work and have their own bass club at the plant.
Toyota pros Gerald Swindle, Mike Iaconelli and Terry Scroggins recently spent an entire day visiting the Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in Northern Mississippi where several avid anglers proudly work and have their own bass club at the plant.
Toyota Mississippi Bass Club members spent the day before videotaping and hanging out with Scroggins, VanDam and Swindle as VIP guests at the Basssmaster Elite Series event on Ross Barnett, three hours south of the manufacturing facility.
Toyota Mississippi Bass Club members spent the day before videotaping and hanging out with Scroggins, VanDam and Swindle as VIP guests at the Basssmaster Elite Series event on Ross Barnett, three hours south of the manufacturing facility.
The pros’ visit to the plant started with a Monday morning conference room meeting where plant leader and avid angler Mike Botkin talked proudly about the plant’s 2,000 American workers, and a company culture of continuous improvement, supported by traits such as humility, integrity and gratitude.
The pros’ visit to the plant started with a Monday morning conference room meeting where plant leader and avid angler Mike Botkin talked proudly about the plant’s 2,000 American workers, and a company culture of continuous improvement, supported by traits such as humility, integrity and gratitude.
Safety is an overwhelmingly prominent theme at the facility where more than 40 avid bass club members proudly build Toyota Corollas – and the pros were not immune to protective headwear, eyewear and clothing.
Safety is an overwhelmingly prominent theme at the facility where more than 40 avid bass club members proudly build Toyota Corollas – and the pros were not immune to protective headwear, eyewear and clothing.
Even steel toe slip-ons were provided. Can you guess which of the three Toyota pros this ‘steel toed tennis shoe’ belongs to? Hint: He’s the reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
Even steel toe slip-ons were provided. Can you guess which of the three Toyota pros this ‘steel toed tennis shoe’ belongs to? Hint: He’s the reigning Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
Each of the three pros tried their hand at proper fire extinguisher use in the safety training area.
Each of the three pros tried their hand at proper fire extinguisher use in the safety training area.
Before turning full-time pro, Terry “Big Show” Scroggins painted cars in the family auto body business, so he was particularly amazed by the precision and efficiency used to paint each Corolla.
Before turning full-time pro, Terry “Big Show” Scroggins painted cars in the family auto body business, so he was particularly amazed by the precision and efficiency used to paint each Corolla.
The three pros shared a proud smile with avid angler and full-time plant employee Mark Jordan, who also serves as the plant’s bass fishing club President.
The three pros shared a proud smile with avid angler and full-time plant employee Mark Jordan, who also serves as the plant’s bass fishing club President.
“One Team” is the central theme to success at the factory, and one longtime Team Toyota anglers can relate to. Kevin VanDam would have been in this photo too, but he had to stay behind at Ross Barnett to finish competing in the weather-delayed tournament where he finished second and won $25,000.
“One Team” is the central theme to success at the factory, and one longtime Team Toyota anglers can relate to. Kevin VanDam would have been in this photo too, but he had to stay behind at Ross Barnett to finish competing in the weather-delayed tournament where he finished second and won $25,000.
Following the plant tour, a range of fan interactions took place in the parking lot later in the afternoon including autograph signings and seminars.
Following the plant tour, a range of fan interactions took place in the parking lot later in the afternoon including autograph signings and seminars.
Approximately 200 fishing fans from the local community showed-up to meet the Team Toyota pros and see their Tundras and boats. A Camry that looks like the Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER BOATS Toyota driven by avid angler Martin Truex Jr. was also on display.
Approximately 200 fishing fans from the local community showed-up to meet the Team Toyota pros and see their Tundras and boats. A Camry that looks like the Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER BOATS Toyota driven by avid angler Martin Truex Jr. was also on display.
Gerald Swindle gave a fantastic and inspiring presentation about the importance of having a positive mental attitude, working hard and being a good person.
Gerald Swindle gave a fantastic and inspiring presentation about the importance of having a positive mental attitude, working hard and being a good person.
Young anglers from several local high schools, as well college anglers from Ole Miss and Mississippi State, helped make the day special.
Young anglers from several local high schools, as well college anglers from Ole Miss and Mississippi State, helped make the day special.
Gerald Swindle stayed late and took extra time to visit with the young anglers about everything from spinnerbaits to jigs, his beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the very affordable Quantum Vapor reel he loves.
Gerald Swindle stayed late and took extra time to visit with the young anglers about everything from spinnerbaits to jigs, his beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the very affordable Quantum Vapor reel he loves.
It was a great day at an amazing manufacturing facility where roughly 2,000 Americans proudly make a brand new Toyota Corolla every 71 seconds. And where more than 40 of the team members spend their free time pursuing their love of bass fishing when they’re not building Corollas.
It was a great day at an amazing manufacturing facility where roughly 2,000 Americans proudly make a brand new Toyota Corolla every 71 seconds. And where more than 40 of the team members spend their free time pursuing their love of bass fishing when they’re not building Corollas.