Tampa, Fla. – A modest front‑porch project in 1994 has become one of the most recognizable names in the fishing industry. John Oliverio, a Tampa‑area marine enthusiast, built the first Power‑Pole shallow‑water anchor on his own porch with the help of friend Robert Shamblin. Today, their company, JL Marine Systems, manufactures the anchors and a growing line of marine technology at a modern facility on Palm River Road.
From porch prototype to full‑scale production
Oliverio’s original design addressed a common problem for anglers: keeping a boat steady in shallow water without disturbing the fish. The simple, quiet anchor quickly earned praise from local fishermen, prompting Oliverio and Shamblin to formalize production in 2000. They moved the operation from the porch to a dedicated Tampa workshop, where they could refine the design and begin small‑scale manufacturing.
Over the past 30 years, JL Marine Systems has expanded the operation dramatically. The company now employs a skilled workforce that assembles, inspects, and packages each Power‑Pole anchor on site. All major manufacturing steps, including powder‑coating, are performed in‑house, ensuring consistent quality and rapid turnaround for customers worldwide.
Expanding the product lineup
Power‑Pole’s success with its signature shallow‑water anchor has paved the way for a broader portfolio of marine products. The company now offers GPS‑equipped trolling motors, marine electronics, and the Power‑Pole VISION series, which features 7‑inch and 12‑inch display options for advanced navigation and fish‑finding capabilities. These new offerings are also designed and built at the Tampa facility, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for marine innovation.
“Our goal has always been to give anglers reliable, quiet anchoring solutions and then to build on that foundation with technology that makes fishing more efficient and enjoyable,” said a JL Marine Systems spokesperson. “Being able to design and produce everything locally allows us to maintain strict quality standards and respond quickly to the needs of the fishing community.”
Impact on the local economy
JL Marine Systems contributes to Tampa’s economy by providing skilled manufacturing jobs and supporting local suppliers. The company’s growth reflects a broader trend of marine‑related businesses thriving in the region, leveraging the city’s access to the Gulf and its deep‑rooted fishing culture. By keeping production in Tampa, the firm helps retain talent and expertise within the community.
Customers from the United States, Europe, and Asia regularly receive shipments from the Palm River Road plant, underscoring the global reach of a business that began on a humble porch. The company’s success story highlights how local entrepreneurship can evolve into an international brand while staying rooted in its hometown.
Looking ahead
With ongoing research and development, JL Marine Systems plans to introduce additional marine technologies that integrate seamlessly with the Power‑Pole ecosystem. Future products may include advanced sonar systems, solar‑powered accessories, and enhanced digital interfaces, all designed to keep Tampa at the forefront of marine innovation.
For anglers seeking reliable anchoring and cutting‑edge marine gear, Power‑Pole remains a trusted name—a testament to the vision of two Tampa residents who turned a front‑porch experiment into a global fishing brand.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
