As natural leader with the drive for continuous improvement, Adrian Spiker, of Deep Creek Marina, continues to learn and improve the marina he owns and operates in in McHenry, MD.
Q: How did you get started in the boating industry?
Spiker: My mother had a 10% interest in a marina here on Deep Creek Lake and her partners decided it was time for them to sell. It was not a profitable or well-run business at that time and the buildings /grounds were run-down. I thought I could turn it around and make a reasonable living at it. Since it had an existing marina permit, I made the purchase and probably over-paid but it did get me started.
Q: How would you describe your formula for success?
Hard work every day, continuing to keep an open mind to new ideas and continually expanding my education through training courses, seminars and industry groups. The challenge is to get the new ideas implemented because staff is always resistant to change, but they see me every day at each of our locations and it is my responsibility to lead the entire team.
Q: What would you say is the most interesting decision you’ve made during your time in the boat business?
Borrowing the money to build a new multi-million dollar showroom in late 2006 with the showroom then not being finished for operations until late 2007 – right at the start of the horrible recession. Luckily, we survived but we had sheer moments of terror.
Q: What are your hopes for our industry?
The boating industry needs to do a better and more consistent job of creating a sales funnel for new boaters—they need to generate more enthusiasm for boating at all levels.
Q: What are the 5 things that people may not know about you?
- Although I have a degree is business administration, my educational focus was law school.
- I love motorcycle racing and still try to participate even now.
- I am the “go to guy” at Deep Creek Marina when the mechanics are having diagnostic issues; I personally take the training classes and acquire the necessary certifications.
- My family has been natives of Garrett County since it was first settled in the mid-1700’s. I am an 11th generation native, so……this is my home; I am a local.
- My mother was surprised when I did not major in mechanical engineering because when I was 9 years old, I completely disassembled my bicycle in her garage. She was sure she would never park there again, but I did re-assemble and ride the bike. I still like to get motors running smoothly, but I sometimes leave a trail of parts behind me.
If you have a nomination for the Member Spotlight section of our newsletter, please send an email to mickaela@mraa.com.