OUR STORY
Stout Stuff was founded by two former retail executives with the ultimate
goal of providing innovation and quality at a value. Delivering on that
objective has enabled our company to grow a strong team and continually
expand the product portfolio for almost twenty years.
2005
Founders launched Stout Stuff with focus on Direct Import
2006
Entered Pet Care market via Dog Accessories category
2007
Strategic Asian headquarters established in Ningbo, China
2009
Expanded into Cat Accessories category; launching Pet Champion® brand
2010
Five-year anniversary;
over 20 million units shipped
2011
Entered into Housewares with Cleaning and Home Organization products
Entered into Sports & Outdoors market with STRATEGY® hunting goods
2012
2015
Ten-year anniversary;
over 100 million units shipped
2018
Expanded Sports & Outdoors with bike accessories; added Small Animal products
2020
Fifteen-year anniversary;
over 250 million units shipped
2021
Expanded manufacturing with offices in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and Mumbai, India
2023
Partnered on new manufacturing and assembly facility in Tiajuana, Mexico
GLOBAL REACH
With offices in four countries and manufacturing operations in six countries, Stout Stuff has the capabilities that fit your requirements- no matter the complexity.
Bentonville, AR, USA
US Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Distribution Center
Mumbai, India
Satellite Office
Ningbo, Zhejian, China
Asian Headquarters
Villa Nueva, Guatemala
Manufacturing Facility
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Manufacturing Facility
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Satellite Office
Tiajuana, Mexico
Manufacturing Facility
FOUNDING TEAM
Co-founders Norm and Kent bring decades of experience in retail operations, merchandising, and finance to Stout Stuff. Their shared vision established the company’s foundation, and they continue to provide guidance and perspective as its next generation of leaders shapes the future.
Co-Founder
Norm Banwarth
Before co-founding Stout Stuff, Norm spent 20 years at Walmart in operations and merchandising, ultimately leading its U.S. sporting goods business. His experience also includes operations at Safeway and consulting in import operations.
Co-Founder
Kent Webb
Before co-founding Stout Stuff, Kent spent more than 10 years at Walmart in merchandising and international finance. Earlier in his career, he worked in commercial real estate and taught accounting in the University of Arkansas System.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our management team guide daily operations and drive Stout Stuff’s continued growth. With expertise across the business, they support our associates, strengthen collaboration, and turn the company’s vision into action.
Vice President
Sales & Inventory
Hunter Banwarth
Hunter holds a degree in Finance from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from Duke University. Before joining Stout Stuff, he spent three years on Walmart’s merchandising team. He joined Stout Stuff in 2016 and now serves as VP of Sales & Inventory. He is especially passionate about developing everyday products that offer consumers a quality, value-priced alternative.
Sr Director
Creative, Compliance & Sourcing
Chris Bodine
Chris studied law enforcement at Missouri Southern State University. Before joining Stout Stuff, he spent 24 years at Walmart in store operations, information systems, supply chain, replenishment, and sourcing. He joined Stout Stuff in 2007 and now serves as Senior Sourcing, Creative & Compliance Director. Chris is committed to driving excellence across all departments and enjoys spending time with his family outside of work.
Sr Director
Accounting & Information Technology
Lawson Vassar
Lawson earned a BSBA in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Arkansas. Before joining Stout Stuff in 2023, he spent three years at Ernst & Young and three years in Walmart merchandising. He now serves as Senior Director of Accounting and Information Technology. Outside of work, he enjoys Razorbacks sports, golf, travel, and time with his wife and young child.
Chief Operating Officer
Asia Operations
Mandy Hu
Mandy was one of the first hires at Stout Stuff in 2006. She has been instrumental in building our our Asia operations and leading a growing team of associates across three international offices. Prior to Stout Stuff she worked in textile exports for the European market.
NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Get to know the newest members of the Stout Stuff team and the experience and perspectives they bring to our work.
Associate Quality Manager
Taylor Domineck
Taylor Domineck joined our team as an Associate Quality Manager. Taylor graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Agribusiness and brings resourcefulness and a growth mindset to the team.
Account Manager
Kate Wood
Kate Wood joined our team as an intern in the summer of 2026 and now serves as an Account Manager. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Kate brings a problem-solving mindset and a drive to develop thoughtful solutions and identify new opportunities.
Logistics & Information
Systems Manager
Matt Templeton
Matt joined our IT & Logistics Team in September 2026 as a Logistics & Information Systems Manager. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Masters of Information Systems, and brings with himself experience in process automation & improvement.