Nearly 50 years later, business at Reed’s Marine on the shores of Delavan Lake, as well as their growing service center a few miles away, is booming. Call it high tide — the best time for a captain to make an exit. 

“I’m fortunate to have a partner whose family has grown up around the business and continues to want to be in it,” Tom said as his successor, Jason Shallcross, sat nearby smiling. “My kids did not.” 

“I feel having a background in service gives me insight into how everything on that side of the business works,” Jason said. “There won’t be many times where I don’t know how everything is working out there.” 

“Rarely does a dealership get big enough that everyone is doing a specialized job all the time — the owner is called upon to do many different jobs in so many different areas,” Tom said. “We’ve learned to take the time to look at your dealership overall rather than just taking care of the fires of today. I think Jason understands that, and I’m completely comfortable leaving the dealership in his hands.” 

“I think this season will be very strong, and I’m optimistic about the summer,” Jason said. “I’m excited. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.” 

“We are big supporters of MDCE, and every year we learn new and relevant ideas to bring home,” Jason said. “For us, it’s a ‘can’t miss’ event.” 

“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years and a lot of changes in the boating business,” Tom said. “We’ve certainly made a very good living, and I feel very lucky. It’s extremely difficult to get out of the boat business, and it’s rare to be able to leave when you want — and in the way you want. I feel very fortunate.”