Top 100 dealer Laurel Marina sold to new investors
Dallas-based Suntex Marina Investors, LLC, is the new owner of Laurel Marina.
Under the leadership of president and CEO Dale Thomas, the Bristol, Tenn., marina is a longtime member of the Boating Industry Top 100. With the sale, Thomas is retiring after owning and managing the marina for more than 40 years.
“The marina has been in my family since 1950,” Thomas said. “Laurel Marina & Yacht Club was the first marina on South Holston Lake. I purchased it from my uncle in 1976, and since that time we have grown the business from a small boat dock to what is now the largest marina in Northeast Tennessee
“We have always strived to be the best in the region by being industry trend setters,” he added. “The fine folks at Anchor South and Suntex plan to not only retain, but increase, the services and amenities so important to our customer base and the region.”
Laurel Marina will now be managed by Anchor South Investments, based in Knoxville, Tenn., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suntex Marina Investors, LLC.
“Laurel Marina is the perfect addition to Suntex’s portfolio of premier destination marinas, and we look forward to further enhancing the customer experience on South Holston Lake with the facilities enhancements and continued excellence in customer service,” said Suntex CEO Johnny Powers.
In conjunction with the announcement of new ownership and management, Suntex has promoted Jim Yancey from vice president at Laurel Marina to general manager.
