Hagale joins Bass Pro Shops

Long-time Ozarks businessman Jim Hagale is now Bass Pro Shops' executive vice president. He was appointed June 3.

Hagale founded Hagale Industries, an apparel manufacturing company based in Ozark that operated from 1969 until 2001. The Ozark plant, which was the company headquarters, closed in August.

Hagale will be responsible for merchandise, distribution, finance, human resources and information services for Bass Pro Shops.

Hagale Industries peaked with 11 manufacturing plants, eight in Missouri, two in Oklahoma and one in North Carolina. The majority of plants in Missouri were in the southwest.

Hagale Industries was a supplier in the direct label business for retailers and catalogers like Lands End, Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, Joseph Banks, Huntington Clothiers and J.C. Penny. It was named State of Missouri Exporter of the Year in 1998.

Hagale cites an ongoing court case with a national cataloger that led to the demise of the company. He would not say whom the litigation is with. A court date is set for December.

"There was a particular event with our largest and primary customer," he said.

He said the company had been experiencing difficulty for about two years prior to closing.