Features

By David Gee The relationship between recreational boat builders and their dealer networks is a symbiotic one, with each needing the other to survive. And like any relationship, it requires dedication, diligence and constant communication to build and maintain trust and respect that go beyond contractual agreements and product portfolios. “Almost anyone will acknowledge that trust is the key to ...

By David Gee The economy, consumer confidence and the elections. Those three things will to a large extent likely determine what kind of year boat dealers are going to have in 2020. “Overall economic conditions” once again topped the list of biggest concerns for those Boating Industry readers who responded to this year’s industry forecast survey. About 82% of the ...

Evinrude and Mercury Marine were both recently named Green Master campanies by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC). Recognizing sustainable actions by businesses from across the state of Wisconsin, the Green Masters program works to identify businesses that have taken at least one action within each of the nine pillars of sustainability. Participants in the program receive recognition for their ...

“Our mission is to make our customer’s boating experiences magnificent and memorable.” Now, how about some metrics to go with that mission? There was a 33.17% increase in total revenue from 2017 to 2018, they have attained double digit revenue percentage growth in 15 of the 25 last years, they earn an annual dealer CSI averaging higher than 95%, the ...

By Jonathan SweetTop 100 Program Director Dockside MarineHouston, Texas Dockside Marine has only been in business for a decade, but has already established itself as a leading dealer in the Houston area. What started out with $750,000 in sales from a single gravel lot in 2008 now operates on a three-acre facility with revenue at nearly $20 million in 2018 ...

Futrell MarineHot Springs, Ark. With an ever-growing technology-driven and online world, it’s more important than ever for dealerships to maintain a strong digital market strategy and easy-to-use and up-to-date website. On the heels of a recent award for Best New Idea for a virtual boat show, Futrell Marine continues to strive to offer customers the best possible experience in a ...

Spicer's Boat CityHoughton Lake, Mich. Having the right people on your team means everything to running a successful business. However, it’s not just about having the right people. A strong dealership needs the right people paired with continuous training and improvement. The top dealers consistently invest in their teams to grow stronger. Training efforts are required across the entire dealership ...

Jerry's Majestic MarineLake Geneva, Wis. When you go looking for information about Jerry’s Majestic Marine in Lake Geneva, Wis. you don’t have to look far – or hard – to come across their philosophy on customer service. It’s in the third sentence of the About Us section of their website. “Since our inception in 1984, we have been committed to ...

Hampton Watercraft & MarineHampton Bays, N.Y. Countless studies have shown that businesses – both small and large – that give back to their local communities are more successful than those that don’t. You don’t have to tell that to Anthony Villareale, president and founder of Hampton Watercraft & Marine. “We pride ourselves on being a community-oriented business,” he said. “We ...

Marine Sales GroupMemphis, Tenn. Marine Sales Group is aptly named. They have two showrooms and an off-site storage facility in Counce, Tenn. Marine Sales Kentuckiana is a full-service marine dealership in Gilbertsville, Ky. Lake Viking Marine offers a full-service marina as well as boat sales and service in Gallatin, Mo. And Lodder’s Marine provides new and used boat sales and ...