“Having an opportunity to add Merv’s skills, experience and professional network immediately enhances the entire MICD Program,” Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA, said. “Merv has a long, proven history of understanding the challenges dealers face on a day-to-day basis and bringing tested solutions to the table.”
After a successful retail career, Merv joined Ford as a consultant and worked globally designing and installing consumer-friendly sales processes for both online and traditional dealerships. Merv has spent the last six years working with the Brunswick Corporation and their line of boat manufacturers, coaching factory reps to ensure all customers enjoy a positive buying journey.
“My experiences in both the automotive and marine sectors have convinced me of the enormous value MICD offers,” Merv said. “I’m convinced successful navigation of the certification process directly translates into selling more boats and increasing customer loyalty. Joining the MRAA team feels like a perfect fit to me.”
Merv has made an immediate impact on the MICD team and has already begun working with MICD lead consultant Bob McCann on strategy for 2016 and beyond. The MICD Program, administration of which was transferred to MRAA several years ago, provides dealers with standards, business processes and best practices to streamline retail operations, increase sales and improve customer and employee satisfaction.
More than 300 of the nation’s premier marine dealers currently participate in the program.
For more information about the MICD Program or to enroll, contact Merv via email at mervyn@mraa.com
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com.
About the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program
Managed by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program (MICD) is dedicated to improving the customer experience at the retail level. The first step in the Certification process focuses on establishing a high level of customer satisfaction through communication, appearance and quality. The second tier of Certification continues to enhance the customer experience by implementing processes for overall dealership functionality. At the program’s Five Star level, established organizational procedures are implemented to ensure smooth operations and happy customers. To learn more about the MICD Program, visit MRAA.com/certification.