In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge leaders are facing today? There are “co-biggest” problems. 1) PreK-12 education – current model is not developing an employable product. There is excessive remedial work required whether by the post-secondary degree programs or employers. 2) Workers Comp /Health insurance – the cost continues to rise at an […]

Throughout the 40 years of MRAA’s Annual Conference, the MRAA booth has been known by many names — MRAA Info Center, MRAA Rewards Pavilion, etc. — but no matter the name, MRAA’s team has always stood ready to support our dealers — at the conference or otherwise.

In 1989, MRAA celebrated its 8th Annual National Conference, with a look ahead to the 1990s, a decade that we called the “Decade of the Dealer.” MRAA President Phil Keeter was quoted in this article as saying, “The retail marine dealer is the linchpin of the industry.” Today, we just consider every decade as the […]

According to research conducted by Discover Boating in its “First Time Boat Buyer Research,” the answer is, “FACT,” for 66% of buyers. But only after they have purchased from you. Which makes it obvious, that trust is an issue. Members of the MRAA team attended a presentation by David Horsager, and we can tell you […]

Every so often, we witness major fundamental shifts in the way an industry operates. Look no further than the music industry evolving to digital delivery; peer-to-peer home sharing changing the hospitality industry; or clothing and grocery delivery altering the retail experience. While change is hard for those in the industry enduring the evolution, as time […]

We all have an individual or two on our social channels that are quick to document their children participating in what is definitively the parent’s favorite past time. And that predictable caption? “Start ’em young.” If you’re anything like me, you give the photo a “like” and scroll onto the next thing. But slow down […]

You never know when you are going to meet someone that will change your life. The woman you had a conversation with while waiting for take-out might turn into the future you’s best customer, or your mailman who you see every morning may become your best source for referrals. How are your current, everyday connections […]

What do you do in order to keep your team motivated through your busy season? “Remind them everyday how much they are appreciated. Always make a point to recognize good work, even just the smallest thing. We do a free staff lunch every Thursday. Share positive feedback from customers (social media, emails or verbal comments, […]

Does it really matter if an employee is happy when they show up to work? They showed up on time, the work is being performed at a mostly satisfactory level, they are taking the scheduled breaks and leaving when the work is done or the shift is over. That’s enough, right? Wrong. Employee morale impacts […]