Legend Biography

Charles Dunkin began his career in the outdoor industry in 1956 as a Sporting Goods Buyer and
Merchandise Manager for Moore-Handley in Birmingham.  Four years later he joined Joe Lewis
and Associates as a Manufacturer's Representative covering several southern states.  His
influence and success in the agency grew in those early years and eventually resulted in the
1970 formation of Dunkin Lewis, Inc.
 
Currently, Charles actively oversees the operation of the agency as Chairman and CEO,
employing 43 and representing approximately 40 manufacturers across four distinct industry
categories: Hunting, Fishing, Marine and Outdoor/Paddle Sports. His consistent leadership over
the past 53 years has expanded the agency from the original Southeastern territory of 10 states
to five additional territories and a total of 36 states across the U.S.  Several of the
manufacturers the agency represents have been business partners for over 3 decades attesting
to his ability to direct successful companies over the course of many changing channels of trade
as well as consumer and economic markets.  His expansive experience in these markets has
provided the manufacturers the agency represents invaluable insight into new product
development and successful sales programs all while continuing to focus on the importance of
the relationships his team builds between vendor and customer.
 
Charles served in the Armed Services from 1956-1959 and holds a degree from the University of
Alabama – Birmingham.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Marion Bank & Trust
Company, Marion, AL (since 2004), Judson College, Marion, AL (since 1991) and The Haggai
Institute, Atlanta, GA (since 1975), sits on the Auburn University Athletic Department Advisory
Council (since 2010) and is an active Member & Deacon at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in
Birmingham, AL.  In addition, Charles and his wife of 59 years, Gladys, own and operate Dunkin
Farms, a cattle operation with a 650 head herd in Marion Junction, Alabama