ABYC is certifying more women than ever before. Here are some of their stories. By Sarah DevlinABYC Content Director The number of women seeking certification as marine technicians continue to increase. Here, we profile five female technicians who show us that Certified Marine Technicians enter their careers for a variety of different reasons, from a changed career to a well-timed ...
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MRAA, VRZ release service department study results
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), in collaboration with VRZ Consulting, released the results of a comprehensive, marine industry service department study. The survey results, which featured insights from more than 260 marine service departments, outlines some of the challenges dealerships face in repairing boats more quickly. The genesis of the study came out of a summer 2021 ...
Read More »2021 Best in Class: Best Service Department
The Boat ShopTafton, Penn. In 1958, a Pennsylvania family decided to open a marina on Lake Wallenpaupack, a man-made, 5,700-acre, 13-mile-long lake in the Poconos built for hydroelectric power. Wallenpaupack Marina prospered, and attracted the attention of Roy Finney, Sr., who joined the staff in 1962 and never left! He took over full operations in 1973, and Roy Finney, Jr., ...
Read More »Utilizing service department metrics for maximum profit
If you don’t see your service department as a profit center, it may be time to revisit the numbers. For many dealers, a service department provides a vital source of income during economic downturns – particularly this last one – by selling repowers, routine maintenance and more for existing customers who aren’t ready to upgrade their old boat just yet. ...
Read More »Hagadone Marine Group begins construction on mega marine center
Last month, Hagadone Marine Group in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, began construction on its new mega marine center. The construction includes three new buildings and the creation of over 32,000 square feet of service center space, investing major capital in enhancements. Two of the three buildings will be 16,000 square feet and will house fiberglass repair, rigging, detail and the parts department, ...
Read More »Always remember to ask for the sale
Recently my car required an oil change. Since I bought my pre-owned car from a dealership that carries a different brand than my car’s manufacturer, I couldn’t go to the selling dealership for the oil change. So the search began. I only made a few phone calls before tasking my husband with taking the car in. But those phone calls ...
Read More »From the archives: Improving service, 50 years later
For this From the Archives, we’re taking a ride in the WABAC machine to April 1965, where it appears the more things change, the more they stay the same. The editorial column: Improving customer service. Editor Charles Jones shares his thoughts on a recent column in Printers’ Ink, taking the boating industry to task for poor customer service. It relates ...
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