Waterford, CT – It was like Christmas in March for Employees of Defender Industries Thursday morning. Thousands of dollars in cash were stacked up in the middle of the warehouse waiting to be handed out. One by one, Employees of the boating equipment supplier received their individual share as an extra reward for the results achieved in the previous year.

“Defender’s SHARE the SUCCESS program rewards all our Employees proportionately for their individual & collective contributions to our success,” explained President & Co-owner Stephan Lance. “Defender’s 2011 sales were the best in its 73 year history, marking the 10th consecutive year of significant growth, & a new record for the 8th year in a row. Our people make this happen – they deserve to be rewarded & have their accomplishments recognized.”

Executive Director Al Knupp stated, “Unlike typical profit share programs, our SHARE the SUCCESS plan is unique in that it also provides a significant additional monetary reward to our Staff for their years of service to Defender, which can double the amount an Employee receives. Each Employee also gets to choose how they would like to receive their individual share. In addition to the cash, options include any combination of extra Paid Time Off, pre-tax contributions to either their 401(k) retirement account or Health Savings Account, or as bonus pay.

“We’re just days from the 16th annual Defender Warehouse Sale which begins Thursday March 29th. This all-hands-on-deck event is our biggest sale of the year. We’ve got more inventory & better deals than we’ve ever had before. But having the absolute best Employees is what makes it all work,” Lance added.

“Sales are already off to a great start so far this year. I’m confident 2012 will be another great year for our Staff, our Customers, our Suppliers, & our company,” Knupp said.

This is the 6th year running that Defender has shared profits with their Staff, & is the largest amount paid out to date. On average, Employees received nearly an extra week’s pay.

Founded in 1938, Defender Industries is a family-owned marine outfitter & supplier of quality boating equipment, supplies, accessories, apparel, inflatable boats & outboard motors for serious boaters worldwide via catalog, the internet at www.defender.com & throughout the Northeastern U.S. at the Defender Warehouse Outlet Store located at their headquarters in Waterford, Connecticut.