MINNEAPOLIS — September 1 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Boat Finance has joined as a Partner Member.
“Boat Finance strives to do more than just close individual deals, but build long-lasting relationships and forge meaningful connections with dealers, to increase financing accessibility and enhance the marine lending experience,” said Will Schrama, VP Finance & Operations. “Due to its outstanding networking and educational platform, the MRAA plays a vital role in bringing us together with others who share our same goals and values in building a stronger marine industry.”
In 2015, Don and Bill Schrama recognized a void in the marine lending industry: bankers and lenders overlooking financing for older, pre-owned boats. As seasoned industry professionals with more than 60 years of experience in marine lending, the Schrama brothers were inspired to fill this void and founded Boat Finance LLC, to provide financing for these second-hand boats and increase accessibility for lending.
Since inception, the company has financed thousands of boats, and has even cast a wider net to financing motors and RVs. Operating out of Florida, California, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, Boat Finance is currently licensed in 35 states, but on course to branch out to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. With the help of its dealer base, industry organizations and dedication to the Recreational Finance Industry, Boat Finance aims to become one of the largest names in Indirect Recreational Lending.
“We believe the MRAA is essential to our continued growth and development, and will pave the way for us to establish ourselves as an anchor in the community,” added Will Schrama. “We thank the MRAA for letting us be a part of this growing organization. We’re excited to see everyone at Dealer Week in Austin.”
Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA provides to the dealer body to help fuel the success of the industry. Support from Partners allows the Association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact in MRAA members’ business.
“It’s great to add Boat Finance as a Partner Member to the MRAA,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We value the support of all of our partners, because it helps us supply valuable resources and educational tools to help dealers find more success and earn their customers’ trust.”
About Boat Finance
Boat Finance LLC was founded in 2015 by two brothers, Don and Bill Schrama, who identified a segment of the lending industry that current lenders had left unserviced: the sub-prime and used boat market. Since then, our mission has been to provide boat owners with quick and painless financing, especially to those who struggle to find financing elsewhere, by emphasizing superior customer service, unparalleled dependability, and optimized execution. For more info visit: www.boatfinance.com; call 855-234-1304.
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 retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.