10 Dealers Push Through Certification in 2020

By Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager

We all know 2020 will go down as one of the hardest years in our lives, and one of the most challenging, up and down years for our dealerships. Despite all of these positive and negative obstacles, 10 dealers not only persevered through the year, but they also pushed themselves to improve.

These 10 dealers showed they have what it takes to become a Marine Industry Certified Dealership in an uncertain year. By going through MICD logothe Certification program, they discovered opportunities to improve their customer experience, employee engagement and dealership operations. 

The 10 entities include: two dealerships that are now 75 years old, two Wisconsin stores, a Florida dealer that specializes in Yamaha outboards, four locations that have joined their flagship stores in going through the Certification program and a SkipperBud’s location.

The newly Certified locations are:
• Port of Egypt Marine, Southold, New York
• Union Marine — Pacific Nautiques, Pacific, Washington
• Strong’s Marine — Southampton, Southampton, New York
• Strong’s Marine — Yacht Center, Mattituck, New York
• Strong’s Marine — Water Club, Mattituck, New York
• Eric’s Outboard Marine Service, Miami, Florida
• SkipperBud’s — Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
• Watercraft Sales, Three Lakes, Wisconsin
• Manitowoc Marina, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Norfolk Marine, Norfolk, Virginia

Many of these dealers on the list above have shared with us that what they learned was invaluable.“The opportunity to hear about best practices and take an objective look at our operations has been enlightening. I know that Manitowoc Marina has benefited and will continue to benefit from the MRAA Five Star Certification process,” said Dean Senglaub, Manitowoc Marina.

David Nichols of Eric’s Outboard said, “The MICD process is a dealership challenge. It can show you your strengths and your weaknesses. To take your dealership to the next level, start the MICD process. It is a personal and team challenge, with your dealership as a winner.”

These dealers are winners indeed, but they each earned their Certification honors. They invested their time and money into meaningful improvements that will move their dealerships forward. They are now equipped with new tools and resources that will, in turn, bring efficiencies to their operations and bring in new revenue for their business.

Congratulations and welcome to the Certified Dealer family!