MINNEAPOLIS, October 13, 2016 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that Blackbeard Marine, based in Kingston, Okla., has become the association’s most recent dealer to join as Premium Retail Member.
A two-location dealer with aspirations for more locations, Blackbeard Marine has seen significant growth since owner Steve Jennings purchased the dealership just five years ago. Jennings attributes the success of the Kingston dealership to an ongoing commitment to providing quality products, in conjunction with exceptional sales and service teams. Replicating the successful model of the Kingston store, Jennings expanded Blackbeard Marine to its Tulsa location in late 2015, with plans for a third location already underway.
“At MRAA, we like to say that if you have a desire to be the best, that you belong within the MRAA family,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “When you couple the astounding growth with the numerous accolades that Blackbeard Marine has achieved, the team in Oklahoma certainly showcases that desire. We’re honored to have Blackbeard come on board at the MRAA, particularly at such a high level of support.”
Blackbeard Marine says on its website that it is the No. 1 G3 dealer in the world, the No. 1 Yamaha dealer in the Heartland, a region it outlines as its territory in western Oklahoma, in addition to New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and parts of eight other states, as well as the No. 3 Skeeter Boats dealer—an accolade achieved in its very first year offering Skeeter products.
“Joining MRAA was the next logical step for Blackbeard Marine,” says Jennings. “When you strive to be a premier dealer, associating with an organization that promotes industry excellence and longevity is vital to our continued growth and overall success.”
Premium Retail Members are the highest level of membership that a retailer can select upon joining or renewing their membership with MRAA. Dealers choose this level to offer a greater level of support for MRAA, in addition to gaining a greater level of access to member benefits and programs.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. 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.
