Behind the scenes at Power-Pole

Learn how the Power-Pole product came to be, and find out how it became one of the industry’s most respected brands.

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One of the more creative and functional boating accessories available to anglers today is the Power-Pole — the only hydraulically controlled shallow water anchoring system.<p> Developed by JL Marine more than 15 years ago, the concept is simple: Maximize boat control in shallow water situations, quietly and efficiently. Elite Series pro Bernie Schultz put together this photo gallery.
One of the more creative and functional boating accessories available to anglers today is the Power-Pole — the only hydraulically controlled shallow water anchoring system.

Developed by JL Marine more than 15 years ago, the concept is simple: Maximize boat control in shallow water situations, quietly and efficiently. Elite Series pro Bernie Schultz put together this photo gallery.

They say necessity is the mother of invention. In the case of the Power-Pole, that statement certainly holds true. Here’s a photo of inventor, John Oliverio with his first, full-scale prototype. Back in 1997, while fishing the shallow flats of his native Florida waters, John realized the need for improved boat control. Determined, he began the odyssey to build the ultimate shallow water anchoring system. When the first working prototype was completed, he named it the Power-Pole.<p>
They say necessity is the mother of invention. In the case of the Power-Pole, that statement certainly holds true. Here’s a photo of inventor, John Oliverio with his first, full-scale prototype.

Back in 1997, while fishing the shallow flats of his native Florida waters, John realized the need for improved boat control. Determined, he began the odyssey to build the ultimate shallow water anchoring system. When the first working prototype was completed, he named it the Power-Pole.

John fashioned his first articulating model from a set of LEGOs. Once he was satisfied with the correct, basic movements, he then took the concept to a larger scale.
John fashioned his first articulating model from a set of LEGOs. Once he was satisfied with the correct, basic movements, he then took the concept to a larger scale.
With a fully functioning production model in hand, John was anxious to test the market. Initially he targeted the pro redfish tour. Among the first to embrace the Power-Pole concept were sibling pros, Bryan and Greg Watts. That was back in 2000.
With a fully functioning production model in hand, John was anxious to test the market. Initially he targeted the pro redfish tour. Among the first to embrace the Power-Pole concept were sibling pros, Bryan and Greg Watts. That was back in 2000.
It wasn’t long before a few bass pros noticed the odd looking contraptions. Among the first to take the idea seriously was Chris Lane, who later signed an endorsement contract with Power-Pole and went on to win bass fishing’s most prestigious event — the Bassmaster Classic.
It wasn’t long before a few bass pros noticed the odd looking contraptions. Among the first to take the idea seriously was Chris Lane, who later signed an endorsement contract with Power-Pole and went on to win bass fishing’s most prestigious event — the Bassmaster Classic.
One of the first steps in production is to prep the components for powder coating. Here, all poles, brackets and joints are dipped in an acid solution, then thoroughly rinsed. This not only removes impurities, it’s essential to making the paint bond permanently to all metal surfaces.
One of the first steps in production is to prep the components for powder coating. Here, all poles, brackets and joints are dipped in an acid solution, then thoroughly rinsed. This not only removes impurities, it’s essential to making the paint bond permanently to all metal surfaces.
Once the bathing process is complete, the components then enter a large oven for drying and curing. And talk about hot! Even temperatures outside the oven can get pretty toasty.
Once the bathing process is complete, the components then enter a large oven for drying and curing. And talk about hot! Even temperatures outside the oven can get pretty toasty.
Once cured, the components then begin the powder coating process. This is a line of Power-Pole U-channels entering the spray booth.
Once cured, the components then begin the powder coating process. This is a line of Power-Pole U-channels entering the spray booth.
After the powder coating application is complete, components then enter a drying oven.
After the powder coating application is complete, components then enter a drying oven.
While some components are receiving paint, others enter testing and assembly. Here a technician makes sure the pumps adhere to the company’s performance standards.
While some components are receiving paint, others enter testing and assembly. Here a technician makes sure the pumps adhere to the company’s performance standards.
This worker is testing and attaching the fittings to the hydraulic cylinders that help the Power-Pole to extend and retract, in and out of the water.
This worker is testing and attaching the fittings to the hydraulic cylinders that help the Power-Pole to extend and retract, in and out of the water.
Here technicians assemble the components that make up the company’s signature model — the Blade.
Here technicians assemble the components that make up the company’s signature model — the Blade.
Power-Poles aren’t just for shallow water. Here, an assembly technician packages a set of Power-Pole Drift Paddles, specifically designed to control a boat’s drift speed and direction in deeper water.
Power-Poles aren’t just for shallow water. Here, an assembly technician packages a set of Power-Pole Drift Paddles, specifically designed to control a boat’s drift speed and direction in deeper water.
Power-Poles are individually inspected and packaged, then stored in the warehouse until shipping.
Power-Poles are individually inspected and packaged, then stored in the warehouse until shipping.
This is JL Marine’s massive warehouse.
This is JL Marine’s massive warehouse.
At JL Marine, company morale is important. Throughout the building are 8 x 10 posters offering hints to the identities of specific employees. It’s their way of getting to know each other more closely.
At JL Marine, company morale is important. Throughout the building are 8 x 10 posters offering hints to the identities of specific employees. It’s their way of getting to know each other more closely.
Mystery employee No. 42 obviously has a story to tell. He or she played soccer with the fastest man on the planet!
Mystery employee No. 42 obviously has a story to tell. He or she played soccer with the fastest man on the planet!
Behind this glass partition is where company personnel, reps, pros and media types learn about the mechanics of the Power-Pole.
Behind this glass partition is where company personnel, reps, pros and media types learn about the mechanics of the Power-Pole.
JL Marine offers guided tours through its production facility. Here, company personnel, along with Elite Series pro Shaw Grigsby, greet a visiting group of students from Crystal River, Fla.
JL Marine offers guided tours through its production facility. Here, company personnel, along with Elite Series pro Shaw Grigsby, greet a visiting group of students from Crystal River, Fla.
This huge saltwater fish tank display is set up in the facility’s main lobby. For a more natural effect, Oliverio added live mangroves beneath grow lights — further connecting the brand to its saltwater roots.
This huge saltwater fish tank display is set up in the facility’s main lobby. For a more natural effect, Oliverio added live mangroves beneath grow lights — further connecting the brand to its saltwater roots.
Also in the lobby hangs the iconic image of Chris Lane winning the 42nd Bassmaster Classic. His trophy rests on a table below the banner for all of the employees to share.
Also in the lobby hangs the iconic image of Chris Lane winning the 42nd Bassmaster Classic. His trophy rests on a table below the banner for all of the employees to share.
Standing outside JL Marine’s new facility is the company brain trust: Founder and inventor, John Oliverio (center), company VP, Robert Shamblin (right), and third in command, Branden Franklin (left). Together, they built Power-Pole into one of the industry’s most dynamic and respected brands.
Standing outside JL Marine’s new facility is the company brain trust: Founder and inventor, John Oliverio (center), company VP, Robert Shamblin (right), and third in command, Branden Franklin (left). Together, they built Power-Pole into one of the industry’s most dynamic and respected brands.