UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant  x

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:

Rocky Brands, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

April 8, 2013

Dear Shareholder:

I am pleased to invite you to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., at Stuarts Opera House, located at 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio. Parking is available in Nelsonville at Rocky Brands, Inc., at 39 East Canal Street. We look forward to meeting all of our shareholders who are able to attend.

At the annual meeting, you will be asked to (i) elect Mike Brooks, Glenn E. Corlett, Harley E. Rouda, Jr., and James L. Stewart for two-year terms as Class I Directors, (ii) approve, on an advisory nonbinding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; (iii) ratify the selection of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013, and (iv) transact any other business which may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. A copy of the proxy statement and the proxy card are enclosed.

It is very important that your shares are represented and voted at the meeting whether or not you plan to attend. Accordingly, please sign, date, and return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope at your earliest convenience. You may vote over the Internet, by telephone or by submitting your proxy by mail. If you are a shareholder of record and attend the meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, and your proxy will not be used.

Your interest and participation in the affairs of the Company are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

April 8, 2013

To Our Shareholders:

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. will be held at Stuarts Opera House, located at 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. local time, for the following purposes:

Owners of record of common stock of the Company at the close of business on March 20, 2013, will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

You will be most welcome at the meeting, and we hope you can attend. Shareholders may obtain directions to the annual meeting by visiting the Company’s website: www.rockybrands.com. Directors and officers of the Company and representatives of its independent registered public accounting firm will be present to answer your questions and to discuss its business.

We urge you to execute and return the enclosed proxy, or vote electronically over the Internet or by telephone, as soon as possible so that your shares may be voted in accordance with your wishes. Please refer to the proxy card enclosed for information on voting electronically or by telephone. If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person if you are a shareholder of record or authorized by a shareholder of record, and your proxy will not be used.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on May 8, 2013: The proxy statement and annual report to security holders are available at www.edocumentview.com/RCKY.

Rocky Brands, Inc.

39 East Canal Street

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 8, 2013

This proxy statement is furnished to the shareholders of Rocky Brands, Inc. (throughout the proxy statement the terms “Company,” “we” and “our” refer to Rocky Brands, Inc.) in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be used in voting at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2013, and at any adjournment thereof. The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. We began mailing this proxy statement to the Company’s shareholders on approximately April 8, 2013.

The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners of stock. Representatives of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telegram, telephone, or personal interview.

All shares represented by a properly submitted proxy will be voted as directed if the proxy is received by the Company before the meeting or, in the absence of specific instructions to the contrary, will be voted in accordance with the unanimous recommendations of the Board of Directors, which are:

Any shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by filing a written notice with the Secretary of the Company prior to the meeting. Shareholders of record who attend the meeting may vote in person, and their proxies will not be used.

Holders of record of common stock of the Company at the close of business on March 20, 2013, the record date for the annual meeting, will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. At that time, the Company had 7,516,448 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder to one vote on each matter submitted at the annual meeting.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Broker non-votes occur when brokers, who hold their customers’ shares in street name, sign and submit proxies for such shares and vote such shares on some matters, but not others. Typically, this would occur when brokers have not received any instructions from their customers, in which case the brokers, as the holders of record, are permitted to vote on “routine” matters.

The election of each director nominee requires the favorable vote of a plurality of all votes cast by the holders of common stock at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Proxies that are marked “Withhold Authority” and broker non-votes will not be counted toward such nominee’s achievement of a plurality and thus will have no effect.

Approval of the proposal relating to the compensation of our named executive officers requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting. Abstentions will be counted as represented and entitled to vote and will therefore have the effect of a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes are disregarded and will have no effect.

The ratification of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the common stock present and entitled to vote on the matter. Broker non-votes will not be counted as being in favor or against the ratification of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc., while abstentions will be counted and will have the effect of a vote against the ratification of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.

Proposal 1 – Election of Directors

The Company’s Code of Regulations provides for a classified board of directors with two classes. Each class of directors consists, as nearly as practical, of one-half of the total number of directors. The total number of authorized directors has been fixed by the Board of Directors at nine. The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the four incumbent Class I Directors to continue their service as Class I Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The five incumbent Class II Directors will continue in office until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Mike Brooks, Glenn E. Corlett, Harley E. Rouda, Jr., and James L. Stewart are currently Class I Directors of the Company and are being nominated by the Board of Directors for re-election as Class I Directors.

It is intended that, unless otherwise directed, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the election of Messrs. Brooks, Corlett, Rouda, and Stewart as Class I Directors. In the event that any of the nominees for director should become unavailable, the number of directors of the Company may be decreased pursuant to the Company’s Code of Regulations, or the Board of Directors may designate a substitute nominee, in which event the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for such substitute nominee.

The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the nominees for Director.

The following table sets forth for each nominee and each continuing director of the Company, such person’s name, age, the year in which he became a director of the Company, and his position with the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, Five Star Enterprises Ltd. (“Five Star”); Lifestyle Footwear, Inc. (“Lifestyle”); Rocky Canada, Inc. (“Rocky Canada”); Rocky Brands Wholesale LLC (“Wholesale”); Rocky Brands International, LLC (“International”); Lehigh Outfitters LLC, (“Lehigh”); and EJ Asia Limited (collectively, the “Subsidiaries”).

Class I Directors

(Nominees – Terms Expire in 2013)

Class II Directors

(Terms Expire in 2014)

The following information is provided for each director and each person nominated for election as a director, and includes descriptions of each individual’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led to the conclusion that he should serve on the Board of Directors.

Mike Brooks has served as Chairman of the Company since January 2005 and before that served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its Subsidiaries from January 2005, and of International from October 2008, until July 2011. Prior to that he served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1991 to January 2005. Mr. Brooks also has served Lifestyle as President since November 1988 and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since December 1992, and Five Star as President since March 1987, as Chairman since August 1991, and as Chief Executive Officer since December 1992 until July 2011. Mr. Brooks is a pattern engineering and shoe design graduate of the Ars Sutoria in Milan, Italy. After employment with U.S. Shoe Corporation and various tanning companies, Mr. Brooks returned to the family shoe business in Nelsonville, Ohio, in 1975, serving first as Manager of Product Development and a national salesman and then, in 1984, becoming President. He has been a director of American Apparel and Footwear Association (formerly Footwear Industries of America) since April 1986 and currently serves on the Executive Board. Mr. Brooks’ education with respect to shoe design and business management experience in product development and strategy development, including decades of service in the footwear industry, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Glenn E. Corlett was a professor of accounting of the College of Business at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, from July 1997 until July 2009, and was Dean of the College from that date until he retired on June 30, 2007. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Corlett was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of N.W. Ayer & Partners, an international advertising agency, headquartered in New York, New York. Mr. Corlett also served as Chief Financial Officer of N.W. Ayer & Partners from 1990 to 1995. Prior to joining N.W. Ayer & Partners, Mr. Corlett had a long history with PricewaterhouseCoopers where he was partner-in-charge for mergers and acquisitions in New York from 1988 to 1990; tax partner-in-charge in Denver from 1984 to 1988 and in Cleveland from 1979 to 1984; and held partner and staff positions from 1971 to 1979. Mr. Corlett also serves on the board of directors of Preformed Line Products Company, an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for energy, communications and broadband network companies. Mr. Corlett’s education and business management experience in the areas of marketing, finance, treasury, accounting, and tax, including the skills and knowledge he developed as an accounting practitioner and educator, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Harley E. Rouda, Jr. has served as Chief Executive Officer of Trident Holdings, Inc., an independently-owned real estate brokerage and related services firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, since February 2002. From November 2009 until October 2012, he served as President of Real Living Real Estate, a national franchisor of real estate services headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of HER Realtors, a Columbus based real estate firm, since May 1999 and May 1997, respectively. Prior to serving as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rouda served as President of HER Realtors from May 1996 until May 1999. Mr. Rouda’s business management experience in marketing and operations, including his service as a chief executive officer, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

James L. Stewart has served as the proprietor of Rising Wolf Ranch, Inc., East Glacier, Montana, a summer resort and a winter rehabilitation center for teenage boys involved with drug abuse. Mr. Stewart also consults for various retail and catalog companies. Between 1984 and 1991, Mr. Stewart served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dunns Inc. and as the Vice President and General Manager of Gander Mountain Inc. Before that time, he served Sears Roebuck & Co. for 28 years in various management capacities. Mr. Stewart’s business management experience in retail sales and marketing, process management, and corporate leadership qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

J. Patrick Campbell has served as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Universal Companies since October 2011, and before that served as the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Companies from January 2009 until October 2011. Universal Companies is a leading international distributor of products, equipment, and supplies to spas, skincare professionals, and resort and destination properties. Mr. Campbell serves on the board of directors of Universal Companies. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Campbell served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Grantham Education Corporation. From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Campbell acted as a consultant to various financial institutions and a variety of corporations. Mr. Campbell also serves on the boards of directors of various privately held corporations. Mr. Campbell retired as the President of Nasdaq U.S. Markets in December 2001. From January 1997 to December 2001, he held various executive positions at the Nasdaq Stock Market, including Chief Operating Officer for Nasdaq Inc. and Chairman of Nasdaq Investment Products. Prior to joining Nasdaq, Mr. Campbell worked as a Senior Executive Vice President for The Ohio Company from 1971 to 1996 and served as a member of their board of directors from 1991 to 1996. Mr. Campbell’s board member experience, business operations and management experience in retail and distribution, and the skills and knowledge he acquired with respect to finance and investments as President of Nasdaq U.S. Markets, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Michael L. Finn has served as President of Central Power Systems, a wholesale distributor of outdoor power equipment in Columbus, Ohio, since 1985, and President of Chesapeake Realty Co., a real estate development and management company in Columbus, Ohio, since 1970. Mr. Finn has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Power Source Canada, a Canadian corporation, since 2004, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Integrated Distributors Network, LLC, a Wisconsin corporation, since 2004, both of which market and distribute outdoor power equipment. Mr. Finn has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Power Distributors, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, since 2012, which is a distributor of outdoor power equipment and related products. Mr. Finn’s board member experience, operations and management experience in retail and distribution, and business management experience, including his service as a president of both a distribution company and real estate development company, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

G. Courtney Haning has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples National Bank, a community bank in New Lexington, Ohio, since January 1991. Mr. Haning’s business management experience in finance, corporate credit, and community relations, including his service as a chief executive officer, qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Curtis A. Loveland has served as Secretary of the Company since October 1992, of Five Star and Lifestyle since December 1992, of Rocky Canada since July 2003, of Wholesale and Lehigh since January 2005, and of International since October 2008. Mr. Loveland has been a practicing attorney for 39 years and has been a partner in the law firm of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur llp, Columbus, Ohio since 1979. He has served as a board member, secretary, or counsel for numerous public and private companies in a variety of industries, including technology, medical devices, retailing, and telecommunications. Mr. Loveland’s board member experience and knowledge and skills with respect to corporate governance, public company regulation, and general business law qualify him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

David N. Sharp has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its Subsidiaries since July 2011 and before that as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and its Subsidiaries from January 2005, and of International from October 2008, until July 2011. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from March 2002 until January 2005. He served as Senior Vice President – Sales and Operations from June 2001 until March 2002, as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from October 2000 until June 2001, and as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Marketing from June 2000 until October 2000. Mr. Sharp served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Five Star and Lifestyle from August 2003 until January 2005 and of Rocky Canada from July 2003 until January 2005. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President – Sales and Operations of Five Star and Lifestyle from February 2002 until August 2003. Prior to joining the Company, from September 1994 until October 1999, Mr. Sharp served in various capacities, including Vice President and General Manager of an operating division of H.H. Brown, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway, Inc., engaged in the footwear business. Mr. Sharp also held various senior sales and marketing positions at Acme Boot Co., Inc. and Converse, Inc. from June 1991 until September 1994. Mr. Sharp’s experience in the footwear industry qualifies him to continue serving as a member of the Board of Directors.

Proposal 2 – Advisory Vote on the Compensation Paid to Named Executive Officers

Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company to include in its proxy statement at least once every three years an advisory vote regarding named executive officer compensation. Last year a plurality of shares represented at the 2012 annual meeting in person or by proxy were voted, on an advisory non-binding basis, in favor of holding the vote on named executive officer compensation every year. While the Company will continue to monitor developments in this area, the Board of Directors again seeks an advisory vote on executive compensation this year. The Company asks that you indicate your approval of the compensation paid to our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” which includes compensation tables and narratives included elsewhere in this proxy statement.

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. The Compensation Committee has structured its executive compensation programs primarily to motivate executives to achieve the business goals established by the Company and reward executives for meeting business goals and delivering superior performance as measured against those business goals.

For the reasons discussed above and in this proxy statement under the heading “Executive Compensation,” the Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote to approve the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the resolution relating to the compensation of named executive officers.

Information Concerning the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance

The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of four meetings during 2012. During 2012, each of the directors attended 75% or more of the total number of (i) meetings of the Board, and (ii) meetings of committees of the Board on which such director served.

Upon consideration of the criteria and requirements regarding director independence set forth in the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Board of Directors has determined that a majority of its members are independent. Specifically, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Campbell, Corlett, Finn, Haning, Loveland, Rouda, and Stewart, meet the standards of independence established by Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

The Company has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Corlett (Chairman), Campbell, and Haning. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Corlett, Campbell, and Haning are independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2) and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the Audit Committee meets the composition requirements of Marketplace Rule 5605(c)(2). The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Corlett meets the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert” as set forth in Section 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The Audit Committee met nine times during 2012. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors management’s and the independent registered public accounting firm’s participation in the accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of the Company. The Audit Committee has the responsibility to appoint, compensate, retain and oversee the work of the independent registered public accounting firm and to consult with the independent registered public accounting firm on matters relating to the scope of the audit, any non-audit assignments and related fees, the accounting principles used by the Company in financial reporting, internal financial auditing procedures, and the adequacy of the Company’s internal control procedures. The Audit Committee is governed by an Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Audit Committee Report relating to the 2012 fiscal year appears on pages 37 and 38.

The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Rouda (Chairman), Stewart, and Finn. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Rouda, Stewart, and Finn are independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). The Compensation Committee is governed by an Amended and Restated Compensation Committee Charter, which is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Compensation Committee met nine times during 2012. This Committee administers the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, and approves compensation for the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee report relating to the 2012 fiscal year appears on page 36. For more information on the Compensation Committee, please refer to “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – The Compensation Committee,” beginning on page 14.

As of January 1, 2013, the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Finn (Chairman), Corlett, and Campbell. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Finn, Corlett, and Campbell are independent as independence is defined in Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is posted on the Company’s website at www.rockybrands.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met twice during 2012. During 2012, the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee were Messrs. Loveland (Chairman), Corlett, and Finn. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the director nomination process and reviews related party transactions. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility to identify and recommend individuals qualified to become directors.

When considering potential candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the candidate’s character, judgment, and skills, including financial literacy, and experience in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors. Neither the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee nor the Board of Directors has a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees; however, how a specific nominee contributes to the diversity of the Board of Directors is considered by both the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors in determining candidates for the Board. The Committee and the Board consider diversity by identifying a nominee’s experience and background and determining how such experience and background will complement the overall makeup of the Board. The Committee and the Board prefer nominees who will contribute to a board that is diverse in terms of business training, experience across a range of industries, leadership, background, and education. The Company generally does not pay any third parties to identify or evaluate, or assist in identifying or evaluating, potential nominees.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the recommendations of shareholders regarding potential director candidates. In order for shareholder recommendations regarding possible director candidates to be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also has the responsibility to develop and recommend to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company and to administer and oversee the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Mr. Sharp serves as the Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Brooks serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Although the Board does not have a lead independent director position, the Board believes that each incumbent director’s knowledge of the Company and industry as a result of his years of service on the Board, and the fact that each of the directors other than Mr. Brooks and Mr. Sharp is independent, allows the independent directors to provide appropriate independent oversight of management and to hold management accountable for the execution of strategy. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including each of the committees of the Board, is appropriate because it allows for beneficial communication between the outside directors and the management of the Company and effective management of the oversight tasks required of the Board.

Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership and establishing the Company’s course of action for achieving performance goals, while the other independent directors provide strategic guidance. The Board of Directors believes that this structure helps facilitate the role of the independent directors in the oversight of the Company and the active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures that work for the Board of Directors. The Chairman acts as a key liaison between the Board of Directors and management.

Our Chief Executive Officer and senior management are responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face. Our Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management, including general oversight of (i) the financial exposure of the Company, (ii) risk exposure as related to the overall Company portfolio and impact on earnings, (iii), oversight of information technology security and risk, and (iv) all systems, processes, and organizational structures and people responsible for finance and risk functions. Certain risks are overseen by committees of the Board of Directors and these committees make reports to the full Board of Directors, including reports on noteworthy risk management issues. Financial risks are overseen by the Audit Committee which meets with management to review the Company’s major financial risk exposure and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Compensation risks are overseen by the Compensation Committee.

Members of the Company’s senior management report to the full Board of Directors about their areas of responsibility, including reports regarding risk within such areas of responsibility and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Additional review or reporting of risks is conducted as needed or as requested by the Board of Directors or its committees.

We believe that our board leadership structure promotes effective oversight of the Company’s risk management by providing unified leadership through a single person, while allowing for contributions from our independent Board members, all of whom are fully engaged in Board deliberations and decisions.

The Company’s Board of Directors welcomes communications from shareholders. Shareholders may send communications to the Board of Directors, or to any director in particular, c/o Rocky Brands, Inc., 39 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764. Any correspondence addressed to the Board of Directors, or to any one of the Company’s directors in care of our offices is forwarded to the addressee without review by management.

It is the Company’s expectation that all members of the Board of Directors attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Eight of the nine members of the Company’s Board of Directors were present at the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Information Concerning Executive Officers

Executive Officers

In addition to Mike Brooks and David N. Sharp, the following individuals are executive officers of the Company:

James E. McDonald, 52, has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of the Company and its Subsidiaries since January 2005 and of International since October 2008. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from June 2001 and as Treasurer from August 2003 until January 2005. Mr. McDonald served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Five Star and Lifestyle from February 2002 until January 2005 and of Rocky Canada from July 2003 until January 2005. He served as Treasurer of Five Star and Lifestyle from August 2003 until January 2005 and Rocky Canada from July 2003 until January 2005. Prior to joining the Company, from July 1996 until June 2001, Mr. McDonald served as Chief Financial Officer for two operating divisions of H.H. Brown, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway, Inc., engaged in the footwear business. Mr. McDonald also served as Controller of Wright’s Knitwear Corporation, a privately held manufacturer of apparel.

Gary Adam, 51 has served as President, International Sales, of the Company since March 2011. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Rocky Canada from March 2007 until March 2011 and of International from October 2008 until March 2011. From May 2006 until March 2007, Mr. Adam served as the General Manager of Rocky Canada. Mr. Adam previously held positions with the Canadian companies, Gredico Footwear, Baffin Footwear, and Kaufman Footwear.

Jason Brooks, 41, has served as President, U.S. Wholesale Sales, of the Company since March 2011. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice President, U.S. Wholesale from August 2010 until March 2011. From September 2001 until August 2010, Mr. Brooks held various Vice President of Sales positions within the Company. He began his career with the Company in 1997 as an independent sales representative. Jason Brooks is the son of Mike Brooks.

Richard Simms, 39, has served as President, Retail Sales, of the Company since March 2011. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lehigh from February 2007 until March 2011, as Senior Vice President, Sales of Lehigh from May 2006 until February 2007, and as Vice President, Key Accounts of Lehigh from October 2005 until May 2006. Mr. Simms began his career with Lehigh in 1994 and held various sales and operations positions with Lehigh until his appointment as Vice President, Key Accounts in October 2005.

Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at its discretion. There are no family relationships among directors and executive officers of the Company, except as disclosed above.

Principal Holders of Voting Securities

Ownership of Common Stock by Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership of common stock by each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock:

Ownership of Common Stock by Management

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by each nominee for director, each director, each of the Company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, and the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group as of February 28, 2013:

Executive Compensation

The following information provides discussion, analysis and data tables regarding the compensation of our named executive officers (“NEOs”), who are those officers listed in our Summary Compensation Table on page 21.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

We have prepared this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) to provide you with our perspective on executive compensation so that you may understand our compensation policies and our decisions regarding compensation for our NEOs. We recommend that you review the various executive compensation tables below in conjunction with this CD&A. Unless otherwise noted, the policies, plans and other information in this CD&A apply to all of our NEOs. Our CD&A covers the following topics:

The Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee (referred to in this CD&A as the “Committee”) was appointed by our Board of Directors and is governed by a written charter that is available in the corporate governance section of our website, www.rockybrands.com. The Committee members are Harley E. Rouda, Jr., Chairman, Michael L. Finn, and James L. Stewart. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of the Committee members is independent under the standards of independence established by Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2). In addition, each of the Committee members is a “non-employee” director as defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange of 1934 and an “outside director” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.

Pursuant to its charter, the Committee has the authority and responsibility to:

The Committee has the sole authority, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, to retain any compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of executive compensation and has the sole authority to approve any such firm’s fees. The Committee also has the authority to obtain the advice of and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors, and may request any officer or employee of our Company, our outside counsel or independent registered public accounting firm to attend a meeting of the Committee or meet with any member of, or consultants to, the Committee.

The Committee meets as often as its members deem necessary to discharge its duties and responsibilities and held nine meetings during fiscal 2012. Mr. Rouda works in conjunction with our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to establish the meeting agenda. The Committee typically meets with the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and outside legal advisors and, where appropriate, other executive officers of our Company. In addition, the Committee regularly meets in executive session without management. Generally, the Committee receives and reviews materials in advance of each meeting. These materials include information that management believes will be helpful to the Committee as well as materials that the Committee has specifically requested.

Compensation Philosophy

The philosophy of the Committee is to make compensation decisions based on an executive compensation program that is designed to meet the following objectives:

The Committee believes that an executive compensation program designed with these objectives in mind has a direct impact on the success of the business by helping to ensure we have qualified executive talent in the right positions at the right time. Our executive compensation program helps ensure that our leadership group is focused on performing effectively to deliver results and build long-term shareholder value.

The Committee periodically reviews the compensation programs and policies that apply to all of our employees and has determined that such programs and policies are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, in establishing and reviewing the executive compensation programs, the Committee considers whether the programs encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking and has determined that they do not. The Committee also considered the result of the 2012 advisory, non-binding “say-on-pay” vote in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities. Because over 86 percent of the votes cast approved the compensation for our NEOs described in our 2012 proxy statement, the Committee determined that no changes to our compensation programs were warranted as a result of the shareholder advisory vote.

Compensation Tax Philosophy

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) bars a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to a “covered employee” in excess of $1 million per year unless objective performance criteria are set by the Committee prior to or within 90 days after the beginning of a performance period but in no event after 25% of the performance period has elapsed (or such earlier or later date as is permitted by Section 162(m)). Generally, we intend that compensation paid to NEOs shall be deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. We may make payments that are not fully deductible if, in our judgment, such payments are necessary to achieve our compensation objectives and to protect shareholder interests.

Compensation Committee Process for Determining Executive Compensation

A substantial amount of the Committee’s annual cycle of work relates to the determination of compensation for our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer. Generally, during or prior to the first quarter of our fiscal year, the Committee makes determinations of base cash compensation, incentive compensation percentages for the year, and equity grants for executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer. For a discussion of each individual element of compensation and how it is specifically determined, refer to “Compensation Program Elements” below.

Although many compensation decisions are made near the beginning of the first quarter of the fiscal year, our compensation planning process is not a rigid yearly process with fixed beginning and end points. Rather, compensation decisions are designed to promote our compensation philosophy and principles throughout the year. The Committee believes that evaluation of executive performance, business and succession planning, and consideration of our business environment are year-round processes, and the Committee members monitor these as such.

Our Chief Executive Officer is not permitted to be present during deliberations or voting on his compensation. During this process, the Committee reviews and approves any new corporate goals and objectives with respect to compensation for our Chief Executive Officer. In light of the established goals and objectives, the Committee evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and, based upon these evaluations, sets the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves on an annual basis the evaluation and compensation structure for the Company’s other executive officers, including approval of salary, bonus, incentive, and equity compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer is present and provides input at the meetings and deliberations on the compensation of the Company’s other executive officers but is not permitted to be present at the vote.

Compensation Consultant

In 2012, the Committee engaged Buck Consultants, an independent consulting firm, to provide advisory services related to executive and director compensation. The Committee asked the compensation consultant to generally review the elements of our executive and director compensation programs. The compensation consultant did not make any determinations or recommendations as to the amount of any compensation, but provided suggestions relating to methods of compensation in general terms. The compensation consultant did not provide any other services. The Committee has assessed the independence of the compensation consultant pursuant to SEC rules and concluded that no conflict of interest exists that would prevent the compensation consultant from serving as an independent consultant to the Committee.

Compensation Program Elements

In fiscal 2012, our NEOs received the following elements of compensation:

The Committee carefully considered and chose each compensation program element as a critical component in a comprehensive “total compensation” package. Each element is intended to reward and motivate executives in different ways consistent with our overall compensation principles and philosophy. Each of the elements has a critical relationship with one another with each focusing on and rewarding different areas. These elements are necessary for us to achieve our compensation program objectives.

Salary is utilized to compensate our executive officers for services rendered during the fiscal year. The Committee annually reviews and approves the compensation package of each NEO, including salary. The Committee considers an individual’s qualifications and experience in setting an executive’s salary. In determining salary increases, the Committee considers the size and responsibility of the individual’s position and the individual’s overall performance and future potential. The Committee considers these factors subjectively in the aggregate. Because the Committee believes that each of the factors is significant, the Committee does not assign a formula weight to any single factor in determining a salary increase.

Please refer to the “Salary” column in the Summary Compensation Table on page 21 for more information on each NEO’s salary for fiscal 2012.

Non-equity incentive compensation (“IC”) for our NEOs is determined under an annual incentive compensation plan (the “IC Plan”) that is designed and approved by the Committee. Our IC Plan is designed to provide a competitive cash compensation program for recruiting and retaining executive talent and a short-term incentive and reward program that aligns pay with performance and motivates our executives to achieve results. The IC Plan pays cash awards based upon the achievement of key corporate objectives. In December 2011, the Committee designed and approved an IC Plan for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Plan”).

When setting IC, the Committee considers individual and corporate performance, levels of responsibility, prior experience, breadth of knowledge and competitive pay practices. The Committee considers these factors subjectively in the aggregate. IC is based on base salary and a corresponding percentage of all IC payouts if Company performance goals are met. Payment of IC is prorated based on the performance level achieved. The Committee establishes the financial performance goals under the IC Plan for the fiscal year. These goals are generally determined near the beginning of the year and are based on an analysis of historical performance and growth expectations for our business, expectations of the public markets, and progress toward achieving our long-range strategic plan for the business. The Committee determined that the performance criterion under the 2012 Plan would be the average of the previous five years EBITDA, excluding the highest and lowest EBITDA for the previous five years, and excluding (i) IC payouts, (ii) capital expenditures, and (iii) gains or losses or charges or adjustments resulting from unusual one-time events, such as intangible assets or goodwill impairment charges and charges or gains resulting from changes in accounting policies, as determined by the Committee (“Adjusted EBITDA”). The threshold amount for IC payouts under the 2012 Plan was set at 85% of the Adjusted EBITDA, provided, however, that the threshold amount was not permitted to be less than was necessary to cover all financial covenants and debt obligations (the “Threshold Amount”). Next, 30% of the Adjusted EBITDA in excess of the Threshold Amount was pooled to be allocated among the participants (the “IC Pool”). The IC Pool was allocated among participants based on the relative base compensation of the participant times an assigned base compensation multiplier (the “Multiplier Salary”), which product for each participant would then be compared to and calculated as a percentage of the total of the Multiplier Salary for all participants in the 2012 Plan. The Committee approved the following payout opportunities based on the specified Adjusted EBITDA:

No IC was earned under the 2012 Plan.

The “All Other Compensation” column in our Summary Compensation Table on page 21 primarily consists of these items:

We sponsor a qualified retirement and 401(k) plan for eligible employees (the “Retirement Plan”). The Retirement Plan allows NEOs to defer a portion of their total cash compensation (up to IRS limits) into this retirement account on a pre-tax basis. Our NEOs do not receive a Company match on any money they defer into the Retirement Plan. We make an annual contribution into the Retirement Plan for eligible employees, including NEOs, of three percent of applicable salary.

These annual employer contribution amounts to NEOs are included in the Summary Compensation Table’s “All Other Compensation” column on page 21 below.

We provide each of our NEOs with basic group term life insurance with a death benefit of $150,000. This is a relatively inexpensive benefit that we offer to our executives. This element of compensation, though relatively small, provides one additional item to the overall compensation package which strengthens our ability to recruit and retain talented executives.

We also provide Messrs. Brooks, Sharp, and McDonald with individual term life insurance policies that have death benefits of $1,000,000, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, to be paid to each individual’s beneficiary in the event of his death.

We also provide Mr. Brooks with compensation to cover the premiums under an insurance policy that was previously a split-dollar arrangement. The split-dollar arrangement was terminated in 2002. We have agreed to pay Mr. Brooks $80,000 per year through 2014 in order to restore the cash value of the insurance policy to what it would have been if the split-dollar arrangement had not been terminated.

For specific premium amounts paid, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table’s “All Other Compensation” column and footnotes below on page 21.

We have entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Brooks, Sharp, and McDonald. For a discussion of these agreements, please refer to “Agreements with NEOs and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 25 below.

In addition to the compensation and benefits programs discussed in this proxy statement, we offer our employees, including our NEOs, a comprehensive benefits program. This program is designed to provide the employees and their families with competitive coverage at competitive rates. We strive to provide the employees with appropriate health benefits (medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision) to help protect the physical, mental, and financial health of our employees and their immediate families.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid during the Company’s last complete fiscal year to the Company’s named executive officers (“NEOs”) for the 2012 fiscal year and Gary Adam. For a discussion of the various elements of compensation provided in the table below, please refer to the discussion of our various compensation elements in our Compensation Discussion & Analysis under the heading “Compensation Program Elements” beginning on page 18 above.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

2012: $78,000, $26,028, $26,096, $0, $0 and $0, respectively, reflecting life insurance premiums paid by the Company and $10,620, $10,004, $9,301, $9,173 $9,248, and $9,260, respectively, reflecting employer contributions to the 401(k) retirement plan.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2012

The following table provides certain information concerning each grant of an award made to the listed officers in the last completed fiscal year under any plan:

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2012 Year-End

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards outstanding as of the end of the fiscal year:

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2012 YEAR-END TABLE

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal Year 2012

The following table provides certain information concerning each exercise of stock options, and each vesting of stock, including restricted stock, during the last completed fiscal year:

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

Agreements with NEOs and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

On June 12, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with each of Mike Brooks, then Chief Executive Officer, David Sharp, then President and Chief Operating Officer, and James E. McDonald, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer (collectively, the “Executives”). Jason Brooks, Richard Simms, and Gary Adam do not have employment agreements.

Mr. M. Brooks’ employment agreement replaced a prior amended and restated employment agreement, effective December 22, 2008.

Each Executive’s employment is at will, which means that subject to the terms of his employment agreement, either the Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time for any reason or for no reason.

In exchange for performing the duties and responsibilities customarily performed by persons employed in a similar executive capacity, Messrs. M. Brooks, Sharp, and McDonald are entitled to a minimum annual base salary, which may be decreased up to 20%, or increased, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Each Executive is also entitled to participate in additional compensation and employee benefit plans as are made available to similarly situated executives.

The Executives agree to maintain the confidential information of the Company and to assign all inventions to the Company, and the Executives will not compete with the Company or solicit the employees of the Company for 12 months following termination of employment for any reason.

In the event of termination of an Executive by the Company for cause or due to the Executive’s death or disability (as defined in each employment agreement), or by the Executive for any reason, the Company will pay the Executive only the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date.

Cause is defined in each employment agreement to include:

In the event an Executive is terminated by the Company without cause, the Company will pay the Executive the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date, and will continue to pay his base salary for an additional 12 months; provided, however, any such payments will immediately end if the Executive is in violation of his obligations under his employment agreement or if the Company learns of any facts that would have been grounds for termination for cause. Such payments will be reduced by 50% if the Executive becomes employed or self-employed. Additionally, the Company will pay the Executive any unearned bonus for a completed bonus period and a pro-rated bonus, if any, for such bonus that would have been payable had the Executive remained employed throughout the bonus period, based on the actual performance of the Company.

If Mr. Sharp terminates his employment with the Company within 60 days of the election of an individual other than Mr. Sharp or Mr. M. Brooks as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, then such termination will be treated as a termination by the Company without cause. Also, if Mr. McDonald terminates his employment with the Company within 90 days of election of an individual other than Mr. M. Brooks or Mr. Sharp as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, he must provide the Company with 90 days’ advance written notice and agree to continue working for the Company during the 90-day notice period; provided, however, that upon receipt of such notice of termination the Company may restrict his access to the Company’s offices, employees, customers, suppliers, properties, and confidential information during the 90-day notice period or may agree with him that his termination date will be prior to the end of the 90-day notice period. In the event of a termination under these circumstances, Mr. McDonald’s termination will be treated as a termination by the Company without cause. The Company may, in its sole discretion, choose to waive the noncompetition provisions of the employment agreement, in which case the Company’s sole obligation will be to pay Mr. McDonald the earned but unpaid portion of his base salary through the termination date, including the 90-day notice period.

Finally, in the event the Executive is terminated within 13 months following a Change in Control other than for disability or cause, or the Executive terminates for good reason (or for any reason in the thirteenth month following a Change in Control for Mr. M. Brooks) within such period, then the Company will pay the Executive any earned but unpaid portion of his base salary and any bonus, incentive compensation or any other benefit to which he is entitled under the employment agreement, plus 3 times for Mr. M. Brooks, 2 times for Mr. Sharp, and 1.5 times for Mr. McDonald, an amount equal to 20% of the Executive’s base salary and any incentive bonus compensation during each of the most recent five taxable years, excluding the value of certain stock options, restricted stock awards, contributions to qualified plans, and other fringe benefits or perquisites, and subject to additional restrictions provided in each employment agreement. Specifically, the total amount paid to the Executive as a result of termination following a Change in Control may not exceed 1% for Mr. M. Brooks, 0.67% for Mr. Sharp, or 0.5% for Mr. McDonald, of the aggregate valuation (as defined in each employment agreement) of the consideration exchanged in the Change in Control or the fair market value of the Company’s equity securities at the time of a Change in Control. In addition, all of the Executive’s outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards will become 100% vested and exercisable, and the Company will maintain for 12 months (or until the Executive begins new employment, if earlier) all life insurance, medical, health and accident, and disability plans or programs to which the Executive is entitled.

Good Reason is defined in each employment agreement to include:

Good Reason for Mr. Sharp also includes the election of an individual other than him or Mr. M. Brooks as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, so long as Mr. Sharp gives the Company notice of his termination of employment between 60 days and 120 days after such election.

Aggregate Valuation is defined in each employment agreement to mean the total amount of all cash, securities, contractual arrangements and other properties paid in connection with a Change in Control, or the fair market value of the Company’s equity securities at the time of a Change in Control, depending on how the Change in Control is effected. Aggregate valuation could also include (depending on how the Change in Control is effected):

Change in Control is defined in each employment agreement to include the following:

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control Table

Potential payments upon termination or Change in Control under the agreements with our NEOs are shown in the tables below. We have used estimates where it is not possible to give a precise dollar amount for the potential payments. The estimates assume that the triggering event took place on December 31, 2012, the last day of the Company’s prior fiscal year. In the tables below, we have assumed that all accrued base salary has been paid as of the termination date.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. M. BROOKS UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. SHARP UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. MCDONALD UNDER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Salary Continuation Agreement with Mr. M. Brooks

Mr. M. Brooks also entered into a salary continuation agreement with the Company effective as of May 1, 1984, amended December 22, 2008, to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The agreement provides that certain benefits will be paid to Mr. M. Brooks or a designated beneficiary upon retirement, death, or termination of employment with the Company (or an affiliate). Under the agreement, Mr. M. Brooks qualifies for the benefits after 15 years of service with the Company or a predecessor corporation. If Mr. M. Brooks retires after age 65, Mr. M. Brooks or his beneficiary will receive monthly payments of $2,500 for a ten-year period commencing 90 days after retirement. If Mr. M. Brooks had died before age 65, the beneficiary would have received a payment, annually for a ten-year period, of the greater of $17,250 or the amount Mr. M. Brooks would have received had he terminated his employment after age 65, reduced by an amount equal to 5/9ths of one percent times the number of months remaining before Mr. M. Brooks would have reached age 65. If Mr. M. Brooks had terminated his employment with the Company for any reason prior to age 65, Mr. M. Brooks would have been entitled to receive the greater of the cash surrender value of a policy of insurance purchased by the Company on the life of Mr. M. Brooks or the amount Mr. M. Brooks would have received had he terminated his employment after age 65, reduced by an amount equal to 5/9ths of one percent times the number of months remaining before Mr. M. Brooks would have reached age 65. Finally, the agreement provides that Mr. M. Brooks will not, during or after his employment with the Company, directly or indirectly, compete with the Company or disclose any confidential information relative to the business of the Company. If Mr. M. Brooks breaches this or any other covenant under the agreement, no further payments are due or payable by the Company to Mr. M. Brooks or his beneficiary, and the Company has no further liability under the agreement.

Potential payments upon termination under the salary continuation agreement with Mr. M. Brooks are shown in the table below. The table assumes that the triggering event took place on December 31, 2012, the last day of the Company’s prior fiscal year. In the table below, we have assumed that all accrued base salary has been paid as of the termination date.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS TO MR. BROOKS UNDER

SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT

Compensation of Directors for Fiscal Year 2012

During 2012, the Company compensated each non-employee director as follows:

The table below shows the compensation earned by the Company’s non-employee directors during fiscal year 2012:

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The table below sets forth additional information as of December 31, 2012, concerning shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other rights under our existing equity compensation plans and arrangements, divided between plans approved by our shareholders and plans or arrangements not submitted to our shareholders for approval. The information includes the number of shares covered by, and the weighted average exercise price of, outstanding options and other rights and the number of shares remaining available for future grants excluding the shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and other rights.

Report of the Compensation Committee Of The Board Of Directors

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement with management and based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2012, the members of the Compensation Committee were Messrs. Rouda (Chairman), Stewart, and Finn. None of these members was an executive officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries during or prior to his service as a member of the Compensation Committee and no executive officer of the Company served or serves on the compensation committee or board of any company that employed or employs any member of the Company’s Compensation Committee or Board.

Transactions with Related Persons

Mr. Loveland, a director of the Company, is a partner in the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur llp, which provides legal services to the Company. During fiscal 2012, the Company paid aggregate fees of approximately $787,800 to that firm.

During 2012, the Company employed certain members of Mr. Brooks’ immediate family. Jason Brooks, Mr. Brooks’ son, served as the Company’s President of Wholesale Sales, Stuart Brooks, Mr. Brooks’ brother, served as a Key Account Manager for the Company and Mark Pitts, Mr. Brooks son-in-law also served as a Key Account Manager for the Company; and each received base salaries, commission and bonuses of $206,000, $153,600 and $109,917, respectively, in 2012.

The Company believes that all terms of the transactions and existing arrangements set forth above are no less favorable to the Company than similar transactions and arrangements which might have been entered into with unrelated parties.

It is the written policy of the Company that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review the material facts of all Interested Transactions that require approval and either approve or disapprove of the entry into the Interested Transaction. An Interested Transaction is any transaction, arrangement, relationship, or series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) in which:

A Related Party includes:

In determining whether to approve or ratify an Interested Transaction, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the Interested Transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the Related Party’s interest in the transaction. Certain types of Interested Transactions, such as compensation to directors and officers that are required to be reported in the Company’s proxy statement, have been deemed to be pre-approved.

Report of the Audit Committee Of The Board Of Directors

The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.

General. In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting practices of the Company. During the 2012 fiscal year, the Audit Committee met nine times.

Review and Discussion with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. In fulfilling its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from its independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding all relationships between it and the Company that might bear on its independence and the communications, discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships that may impact the independent registered public accounting firm’s objectivity and independence, and satisfied itself as to the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Audit Committee also discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the quality and adequacy of the Company’s internal controls. In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent registered public accounting firm’s examination of the consolidated financial statements.

Review with Management. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 with management. Management has the responsibility for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has the responsibility for the examination of those statements.

Conclusion. Based on the reviews and discussions with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Proposal 3 – Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors has appointed Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. as its independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. Although not required, the Board of Directors is submitting its selection to the shareholders of the Company for ratification. The Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. if its selection is not ratified by the shareholders.

Representatives of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. will be present at the meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. Such representatives will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR ratification of its appointment of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.

Fees Of The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The following table shows the aggregate fees billed to the Company by Schneider Downs & Co., Inc., its independent registered public accounting firm, for services rendered during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services other than those performed in connection with the “Audit Fees” above is compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.

The Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm or other registered public accounting firm, subject to the de minimus exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are approved by the Audit Committee prior to completion of the audit.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s officers and directors, and greater than 10% shareholders, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company’s securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the reports are required by SEC regulation to be furnished to the Company. Based on its review of such reports and written representations from reporting persons, the Company believes that all filing requirements were complied with during fiscal 2012, except that a Form 4 was inadvertently filed late for each of the outside directors to report the grant of the annual share retainer.

Proposals By Shareholders For 2014 Annual Meeting

Each year the Board of Directors submits its nominations for election of directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Other proposals may be submitted by the Board of Directors or the shareholders for inclusion in the proxy statement for action at the annual meeting. Any proposal submitted by a shareholder for inclusion in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2014 must be received by the Company (addressed to the attention of the Secretary) on or before December 9, 2013. Any shareholder proposal submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for presentation at our 2014 annual meeting will be considered untimely for purposes of Rule 14a-4 and 14a-5 if notice thereof is received by the Company after February 22, 2014. To be submitted at the meeting, any such proposal must be a proper subject for shareholder action under the laws of the State of Ohio.

Other Matters

As of the date of this proxy statement, management knows of no other business that will come before the meeting. Should any other matter requiring a vote of the shareholders arise, the proxy in the enclosed form confers upon the persons designated to vote the shares discretionary authority to vote with respect to such matter in accordance with their best judgment.

The Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, including financial statements, was furnished to shareholders concurrently with the mailing of this proxy material.