Defender Industries rewards employees

Waterford - Defender Industries had a record-breaking year in 2009, despite the lingering recession, so it decided to reward those who made it happen: its 100-plus employees.

On Tuesday morning, Defender's management gathered employees in the marine outfitter's cavernous warehouse off Great Neck Road to hand out an extra week's pay.

"I'm very pleased. And surprised," said Cheryl Gerfin, a 12-year veteran of the company. "I'll use it to pay my taxes," she quipped. Gerfin, who is a senior sales representative with the Waterford firm's call center, said she's grateful that the firm has handed out bonuses over the past several years and was especially thankful for the 2009 award, given last year's downturn.

Lyle Johnson, a nine-year veteran of the firm who is a maintenance supervisor, said the bonus amount is "always a surprise, and I'm always grateful." Defender officials said the 2009 profit-sharing amount is 25 percent higher than the previous record amount paid to employees.

The family-owned marine supply firm said its sales grew more than 10 percent in 2009. The firm, which doesn't disclose its financial figures, also said Tuesday's festive "Success & Profit Sharing Program" represented the fourth consecutive year that employees received bonuses.

Stephan Lance, Defender's vice president and co-owner, thanked employees for their hard work and dedication. He said the 71-year-old business, which is debt-free, marked its eighth consecutive year of significant growth in 2009.

"The average tenure of Defender's staff is nearing five years," said Lance. "Not only is that an indication that Defender is able to find the right people, and keep them ... it is a measure of real success."

Al Knupp, executive director of the company, said the firm's bonus program provides a significant additional reward to staff for their years of service, which can double the overall amount an employee receives. In addition to the cash, options include any combination of extra paid time off, pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan or health savings account, or as bonus pay.

Lance told employees that 2009 was a "fantastic" year for the Waterford-based company. "A year in which all estimates were exceeded. A year in which efficiencies were realized that might never have been attainable before."

Defender, founded in 1938, is a marine outfitter and supplier of boating equipment, marine supplies, accessories, apparel, inflatable boats and outboard motors. The firm sells its good worldwide via its extensive catalog as well as its Internet site at www.defender.com. The firm also operates a large warehouse outlet store at its headquarters complex off Great Neck Road.

"We're off to a very strong start (in 2010)," said Lance. "I'm confident we will make 2010 another great year."

a.cronin@theday.com