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The story of Lauri Rapala tank-testing and hand-tuning each of his iconic lures to ensure they swam true with that unique wounded-minnow action is well documented — dating back nearly 90 years to the first lure he ever carved.
What many fishing enthusiasts may not realize is that Vexus® Boats takes a similar approach at their world-class facility in Flippin, Arkansas. There, team leader Bobby Wallace and his right-hand man, Jeff Chism, put every premium fishing vessel through its paces in a 9,000-gallon test tank that resembles an above-ground swimming pool.
Their mission? To ensure — without question — that every pump, switch, and piece of plumbing is working flawlessly and that there are zero leaks before the boat ever sees a delivery truck.
But the quality-control process doesn’t end at the tank. Each boat must pass a rigorous 100-point inspection covering the fuel system, electrical components, plumbing, hardware, finish, steering, engine controls, and upholstery. Only when Bobby signs off on the inspection card — his personal stamp of approval — can a boat officially leave the factory.
At Vexus, craftsmanship is personal. For Wallace, this is more than a job — it’s a calling. A 1989 graduate of Flippin High School, Bobby has spent his entire life working in and around premium fishing boats. His career began as a teenager doing odd jobs at the nearby Bull Shoals Boat Dock and Marina. Now, more than three decades later, his passion for the craft is stronger than ever.
“Bobby is a perfect example of what makes Vexus special,” says Lance Newton, longtime Vexus leader and VP of Operations. “His knowledge of the product, attention to detail, and love for the brand have a tremendous impact on our operation. We’re fortunate to have so many talented individuals like Bobby, who pour their heart and soul into every boat we build.”
Wallace’s love for boats began even earlier — at age seven — when his father took him to a boat show and ordered a new bass boat. Young Bobby was instantly captivated by the sleek, shiny fiberglass hulls, and that fascination never faded.
A lifelong angler, Bobby still enjoys dragging a green pumpkin lizard on a 1-ounce Carolina Rig across Bull Shoals Lake in May and June. But come summer, don’t be surprised if you spot him pulling his grandsons on an inner tube behind his Vexus DVX19 multispecies rig.
“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I’ve been able to make a living doing something that centers around my love for fishing and top-notch boats,” Wallace says. “What makes Vexus special is the way we celebrate teamwork. We all check our egos at the door. Everyone here is driven by the same goal—to make sure every boat that leaves this place is the absolute best it can be.”
He laughs and adds, “Heck, if we were building canoes, we’d tank-test those too—just to make sure they were the best in the business.”
And you can be sure: no matter what kind of boat it is, it won’t leave Flippin until it passes Bobby Wallace’s inspection.
