AI isn’t tomorrow’s technology — it’s already reshaping how consumers buy, negotiate, and expect businesses to respond. The question is, will your dealership evolve with it?
Author: Matt Gruhn
System Reset: Today’s Boat Buyer is Not Yesterday’s
Today’s customer expects more — a smarter, more engaging dealership experience. The choice is clear: invest in your team, your tools, and your future to meet the moment, or wait for the market to change on its own.
Wake-Up Call: What’s Next for Marine Retail
Our industry is being fundamentally reshaped, but Dealer Week can help businesses regain perspective.
How Manufacturers Can Keep a Better Pulse on Retail Realities
Now is the time to realign, rebuild trust, and use tools like MRAA’s Scorecard Program to spark honest conversations that protect both brand and dealer health.
A Letter from MRAA’s Board of Directors
MRAA’s Board of Directors responds to member concerns related to the escalating costs of Boats Group’s online marketplaces.
Identifying Opportunities in the Dealer-Manufacturer Relationship
Collaborative effort between the MRAA board and leading manufacturers and suppliers focuses on driving improvements in the customer experience. By Matt Gruhn, MRAA President In the world of major unit retail, stark differences exist between the auto and marine industries. Major unit sales volume, alone, drives the bulk of the disparities between how each industry […]
The Nexus of Success
The relationship among dealers, manufacturers and customers is more critical than ever. By Matt Gruhn, MRAA President In 2018, an eye-opening report surfaced about the health of the marine industry. It revealed the attrition rates of first-time boat buyers. Close to 40% were selling their boats and leaving boating within the first five years of […]
Don’t Split Up the Team
How the strength of the dealer-manufacturer relationship drives customer loyalty. By Matt Gruhn, MRAA President “Don’t split up the team,” Christina Fliakos said. Nearly 50 dealers and manufacturers paused their conversations and turned to Fliakos, who is Senior Manager of Parts and Service Processes at Brunswick Corp.’s Service Center of Excellence. They had been buzzing […]
Beer vs. Boats
In the game of trying to stabilize inventory, there really is no difference. By Matt Gruhn, MRAA President Have you ever played The Beer Game? No, I’m not talking about a frat-house game. I’m talking about The Beer Game as chronicled in the book The Fifth Discipline. The book shares the story of three businesses — a […]
RECT: Today’s No. 1 Customer Experience Metric
Your service department holds the key to a quality customer experience. With the twists and turns of every new season, the needs and demands of boater buyers and owners change. These evolving needs, of course, are brought on by the ever-changing economy, technological advances, product development, consumer sentiment and satisfaction, and experiences found elsewhere in […]
