“It is really nice to have the people at TDJ standing behind me in support as I move into a new part of my career,” says Ponds, who joins the Walmart FLW Tour this year after competing in the Bassmaster Tournament Trail for 18 years. “I’ve spent a long time fishing Bassmaster events, and while I felt it was time to try something new, I’m grateful for the platform I’ve had. Having people come into my life and career and commit themselves to being a support in this is so comforting.”

Thomas Moore, sales manager for TDJ Oilfield Services, says the company knew early on that Ponds was the guy for them. “A mutual friend, Chuck Cole, told us about Pete and his career, so we decided to meet him,” says Moore. “I went fishing with him and caught an 8-pound largemouth, but more importantly had a great day with him and getting to know him — it made the decision to sponsor him fairly simple.”

Moore adds that Ponds’ nature was what made the partnership work. “Like us, Pete is a good ol’ country boy with a lot of passion for what he does,” says Moore. “He fits us, and has become like family in a short time. He is the perfect person to represent our company; I think we might be more excited about the year ahead than he is.”

In addition to representing the company with his boat and truck wrap on tour in 2015, Ponds will also spend some of his time away from tournaments entertaining TDJ Oilfield Services clients and taking them fishing as he travels between events.