Newton call maker expands business

Iowa Hunting Products is expanding its lineup to now offer Mans Best Friend Custom Calls, previously owned by Deadshot Call Company. Now those calls will be available right here in Jasper County.

The Newton Daily News previously reported when Iowa Hunting Products expanded the company in February after it moved into Legacy Plaza after owner Brandon Knopf purchased his computer numerical control (CNC) router.

Now Knopf is expanding his product line further by acquiring Mans Best Friend Custom Calls, which will allow him to make special calls that include the ashes of family members or pets.

“A lot of people make duck calls but I’m the only one that can make a call with your dog’s ashes,” Knopf said.

That’s the mission behind what Mans Best Friend Custom Calls does. It gives people the opportunity to take those memories with them while they go hunting, whether that be your hunting dog or others. Knopf said he can also use human ashes, too.

“When you look at, what it is for the person to have that call with them every time they go hunting it means a lot to them ... It becomes a pretty personal deal,” Knopf said.

This isn’t just a new business venture for Knopf as he has experience with how important dogs can be to hunters and the amount of time they spend together. He will bring that personal experience to these custom calls.

“I get it. I lost my dog not too long ago and it was heart-wrenching. I lived on my own and she lived with me, and it’s tough,” Knopf said. “There is a huge drive for me to get them what they want and make them happy, and that’s why I took it over.”

With incorporating another avenue for his business Knopf knows he wants to get the word out as much as he can. He wants customers to know he can make these special calls for those who want a more personal touch.

“They really haven’t done any marketing. They didn’t need to,” Knopf said. “I’m developing some sales channels. I already got a couple things going.”

For those customers who have already done business with Knopf, there is no need to worry. Iowa Hunting Products is keeping the name, just adding a new product line called Mans Best Friend Custom Calls.

“So basically I am just absorbing that business. I am just absorbing that name,” Knopf said.

This will open up other avenues for the Newton native as he continues his business making calls for avid hunters who want a custom call and the ability to grow inside of the market.

“I basically bought a niche in the market. I’m not just a call maker now, because there are thousands of call makers ... Bringing that in is a huge benefit to me,” Knopf said.

For more information, find the Iowa Hunting Products Facebook page or visit iowahuntingproducts.com.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com