Boating Industry Top 100 Dealer Presentation 2020

Video Chat with Jeremy Bale from Kicker Marine Audio

KICKER Marine Audio is coming on strong in the recreational boating industry. As Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine Products, explains to Boating Industry Content Director David Gee in this exclusive ELEVATE video chat, the company has long been well-known in the “12-Volt” world of car, truck and powersports mobile audio. But as the marine audio supplier to 43 boat building companies, their mission to push the limits of audio design technology, performance and integration is helping to make a name for themselves on the water as well. David and Jeremy talk about the unique founding story of the company, how they have evolved, and a little about where they – and the marine audio industry – are headed.

Getting to know Bill Yeargin

Bill Yeargin is CEO of Correct Craft, a 95-year-old marine company with eight boat brands, three engine brands, three water sports parks and an entity entirely devoted to innovation. In this exclusive ELEVATE interview with Boating Industry content director David Gee, the two discuss Yeargin’s long association with Boating Industry, how that played at least a part in getting his current role, the history of Correct Craft, the crazy year that was and what lies ahead for the recreational boating industry.

ELEVATE SUMMIT Keynote with Elliot Eisenberg

It took us 10 years to recover from the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. How long will it take for our economy to recover from the current coronavirus crisis? That is just one of the topics our Boating Industry ELEVATE Summit keynote speaker Dr. Elliot Eisenberg will cover in his entertaining, informative, fast-paced presentation on the economy. He’ll break down GDP, explain what new home sales and vehicle sales have to do with boat buyers, talk about so-called “coronavirus contamination” in certain metrics, touch on the budget deficit, and tell us why even though household spending is doing spectacularly well today, there is cause for concern. Finally, he’ll end with the one thing that will inform us the economy is in good shape. It’s a great way to start ELEVATE, and you don’t want to miss this!

“Expect the Unexpected.” – with BILL YEARGIN

Bill Yeargin is CEO of Correct Craft, a 95-year-old marine company with eight boat brands, three engine brands, three water sports parks and an entity entirely devoted to innovation. A passionate lifelong learner who knows a thing or two about managing through a crisis, Yeargin joined the company on the backside of the 2007-’08 financial meltdown.

Women in the Marine Industry Panel Discussion with Live Q & A

ELEVATE SUMMIT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PANEL PRESENTATION … Top industry marketer Wanda Kenton Smith returns for the second year to moderate the highly anticipated Women’s Leadership Panel.

Wanda will update the industry on the latest developments of International Women in Boating, plus introduce two renowned industry experts – former NMMA President Thom Dammrich and former industry executive Marcia Kull - who will each share best practices on mentoring and leadership strategies for women, followed by a live Q & A!

Legislative NMMA Presentation

The year ahead in Washington!

Exclusive Market Data Book Presentation

Because of the COVID-19 challenges facing dealers, Boating Industry Content Director David Gee and Managing Editor Adam Quandt decided to push back Boating Industry 2020 Market Data Book to November. So the ELEVATE SUMMIT will be your first opportunity to get a deep dive in proprietary stats and analysis, retail sales, dealer survey results, auction sales, new and used boat spending and more. We know you’ll find value not only in hearing about the numbers themselves, but the stories behind the numbers.

Top 100 Discussion Panel

We all want to learn from the best, right? Join some of the Boating Industry Top 100 Dealers and Best in Class winners as they talk about the state of the state of the recreational boating industry, as well as share some marketing, operational, sales, service and F & I strategies and tactics that contributed to their outstanding years.

Boating Industry's Annual Awards and Mover and Shaker Fireside Chat

Video Chat with Jay Damaske of United States Warranty Corporation

At United States Warranty Corporation, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, they believe happiness is where you park it. Or dock it. In this exclusive ELEVATE video, Boating Industry content director and editor-in-chief gets to know Jay Demaske, Vice President Of Business Development - Marine Division at United States Warranty Corporation/Eagle Extended Service Protection Corporation. They talk about the history and evolution of the company, dating back to 1975, as well as Jay’s nearly 20-year history working with service contract plans. He says ensuring the contract holder understands what they are buying, and dealer partners understand what they are selling, is business critical.

Human Capital and Organizations

Human capital is a critical component of every organization’s success, especially during these challenging times. In this video chat exclusive to ELEVATE, Boating Industry editor-in-chief David Gee talks with leadership team coach, consultant, speaker and author Mike Goldman about how to spot low-performing and toxic employees, and also how to avoid hiring them. They also discuss how to avoid the “C-player trap,” even when working and hiring remotely, three elements of a scorecard that will provide the necessary foundation to evaluate candidates and set expectations and how to develop a “virtual bench” and find great new hires.

Video Chat with Oliver Ray from Ilmor

Ilmor Engineering is a pretty well known engine builder. In fact, their race car motors have won more IndyCar races than any other in history, including 21 Indianapolis 500s. Their marine division is achieving some awesome success as well, with an exclusive partnership to supply MasterCraft Boat Company with all of their inboard watersports motors. And Ilmor’s One-Drive system is setting a new standard for sterndrive propulsion in the recreational bowrider and cruiser markets. As we continue with our series of “getting to know you” video chats with ELEVATE sponsors, Ilmor’s Oliver Ray talks with David Gee about his new baby, his new title, what’s new in the sterndrive world and why they chose to sponsor ELEVATE SUMMIT for the second year in a row.

Michael Bach and David Gee Video Chat

In the wake of major social and political change, employers large and small are taking steps to address diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet despite growing awareness and good intentions, progress is slow and many organizations are ill-equipped and unsuccessful in their efforts. After nearly two decades in the field of diversity and inclusion across the globe, Michael Bach has authored a new book Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right. In this exclusive Elevate video chat with Boating Industry Content Director David Gee, Bach shifts the conversation and argues that creating diverse, inclusive workplaces is not just the right thing to do―it is the smart thing to do. He brings fresh clarity and candor to a daunting subject with practical solutions and tactical guidance for navigating the constantly evolving D&I landscape.

Video Chat with Myril Shaw from Dealer Profit Services

F & I is an important part of the recreational boating industry ecosystem, and not just for dealers. In this wide-ranging conversation exclusive to Elevate registrants, Boating Industry Content Director David Gee talks F & I with Myril Shaw, COO of Dealer Profit Services, and a member of the 2020 Boating Industry Top 100 Leadership Alliance. They discuss the role F & I plays in the boat business, and some specific things dealers can do to increase their F & I revenue.