Q: You have been in the boating world for some time, what is the most interesting decision you’ve made while in the boating business. Lewis: To stay in the business! (Kidding). The most interesting was to get into the business as a full service marina/dealership instead of a land-based dealership. It cost more up front, […]

My 13-year-old son, Nathan, and I spent an hour yesterday in a car dealership, signing the papers on a new vehicle. Nathan is passionate (obsessed is probably a better word for it) about anything that has a steering wheel, from the boat and the lawn tractor to his go-cart and the family cars. While my […]

MRAA’s Shirtsleeve Sessions, which launched in 1977, represented the earliest days of MRAA’s Annual Conference. Leading dealers discussed and provided insights and solutions on the leading challenges and opportunities facing the marine business. #MRAAhistory #dealerfocused #throwbackthurday

Panel discussion have been a hallmark of MRAA’s Annual Conference throughout the years. This two-tiered panel tackled the problems of the day through these dealer experts.

It’s been 19 years since Joseph Pine and James Gilmore authored their groundbreaking book, “The Experience Economy,” which boldly predicted that “future economic growth lies in the value of experiences and transformations — goods and services are no longer enough.” Whether Pine and Gilmore were premature in their prediction or it’s simply that their insight […]

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 […]