My name is Andy Royer. Since 1997 I've run a company called The Bamboo Broker in which I have supplied the highest possible quality bamboo poles to makers of split-cane fly-rods around the world.

Each year, I travel to the source of this material and sort through thousands of poles looking for individual pieces to fit the needs of this demanding craft. Since about 2002 some people have asked that I apply a similar business model to cork rings. "The prices are going way up and the quality is inconsistent to bad" I was told over and over again. By the summer of 2008 I'd heard the same story enough and I started looking for suppliers of the best quality cork rings. Now, I have purchased the best quality rings I could find; rings that are optically scanned twice overseas then sorted by hand. I take these rings and sort through them one at a time on my own looking for voids, cracks, discolorations and any other marks that may appear on a cork disc. I put each ring into one of four categories; A, B, C & D.

My goal is to employ similar sorting strategies with cork as with bamboo. I start by working with suppliers that I have gotten to know and trust. I meet with the suppliers in person to ensure that I feel good about doing business with them. This helps ensure that I start from a platform of high-graded material. Step two is to work closely with the end-customer so that I have a clear idea of what YOU are after. Then I try to find material to fit the needs of the customer.

I run a small business. I am completely dependent on the feedback and word-of-mouth of my customers. I only succeed by working hard to select the best material possible and working closely with the customers to ensure that they are satisfied (including the orders in which the product does not meet expectations; I'll work with you). Once we have set a standard for my cork grading, which all customers will help me determine; I will adhere to those criteria. I know that every time I send out a bag of cork I am backing up that order with my name and I will do all I can to support our orders.

With me in the office is Julie Adberg who helps run things and get orders out the door. She's the voice you'll often talk to when making orders (but Andy is usually available if you want him). Write or call anytime to connect and we'll see what we can do for you.

Thank you!

-Andy