“A Fresh Look at Marine Lending” Introduced at Dealer Week

Revised NMLA resource targets new and prospective recreational marine lenders

The National Marine Lenders Association released its latest review of the U.S. marine lending industry at MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference in Tampa, FL. titled A Fresh Look at Marine Lending, the 16-page brochure reveals current facts and perspectives about marine finance and its association with the recreational marine industry.   

The document targets commercial banks, credit unions and all consumer lenders seeking new opportunities to secure high-quality marine loan assets and relationships within their businesses.

“We have enjoyed solid expansion in all areas of consumer and floor plan marine lending over the past nine years”, says NMLA’s President John Haymond of Medallion Bank in Salt Lake City, UT. The revised edition of Fresh Look discusses why it is beneficial to finance boats and what resources are available nationwide. Haymond adds, “The business of recreational boating remains healthy with a solid future outlook. Our information is designed to be shared at each lenders’ executive level to support strategic planning for asset growth.”  

Fresh Look is available to everyone as a written report as well as in .pdf format. The NMLA encourages sharing this information with banks and credit unions and marine industry associates of all sizes. Membership with the NMLA is also available to help promote and improve recreational marine lending through profit-driven avenues such as education, legislation, statistical data and other management tools. For more details or to request a copy Fresh Look, please contact NMLA at 410-980-1401 or email info@marinelenders.org.

About NMLA
The National Marine Lenders Association is a 501© non-profit organization that began operations in 1979. NMLA’s purpose is promoting and improving recreational lending in the United States. NMLA membership is open to financial institutions such as commercial banks, credit unions, private financing firms and service companies who extend or originate credit to consumers, dealers, retailers and manufacturers of recreational boats and equipment. Membership is also open to businesses associated with other important marine industry segments such as insurance underwriters/agents, admiralty attorneys, surveyors, title and documentation companies, recovery/remarketing agents, industry associations, software firms, valuation publications, media and industry consultants.

Garage Composites Debuts “Garagecast: All Things Retail” Podcast

Garage Composites, a leading industry provider in training and 20 club services, is now offering a weekly podcast titled “Garagecast: All Things Retail.”

Garagecast will interview top-level leaders, industry visionaries and the industry’s top dealership trainers to provide a weekly dose of how to adapt, succeed and thrive in the ever-changing retail environment.

The weekly podcast is hosted by Garage Composites’ owners Sam Dantzler and Tony Gonzalez. It debuted Tuesday, Jan. 7 and continues each Tuesday. Garagecast will focus on the want-based industries of motorcycle, marine and bicycles.

Each weekly episode of Garagecast will be available at www.garagecomposites.com at no charge.

Garage Composites, a Denver-based company, works with OEMs, dealer association and industry groups to offer motorcycle, marine and bicycle dealers a breadth of educational seminars, workshops, online training opportunities and peer business groups.

Dealer to Dealer: January 2020

What’s your number one factor / point of preparation for success at your upcoming boat shows?

“Nothing matters if you do not have the right people on the floor, with the right training and skills. Best boat, best layout, best prices – those all mean nothing if you don’t have the tools (people) to convert on the opportunities that come in the booth. Always start with who will be in the booth and build the rest around that.” – Sean Horsfall, Len’s Cove Marina

“Pre-marketing campaign and then lead capture.” – Richard Cromwell, Maritime Solutions

“The absolute number one point to focus on while preparing for the boat show is progressing your clients as much as possible before the show even begins. Ensuring that we have laid as much groundwork before the show so that we can focus on finalizing the deal while in the booth is one of the things that we try to focus on so that we can serve as many of our other customers and other fresh walk-ins as possible. We also are adamant that having quotes ready and printed beforehand, complete with trade values of their current unit, makes it is as seamless as possible with our customers and we can be prepared for them when they arrive at the boat show. In order to properly make sure we are ready for clients when they arrive, we set firm appointment times and make sure our clients understand the importance of time while the boat show from our dealership and sales reps perspective. We explain that if we will be removing ourselves from the floor at the boat show, that could cost us a potential new sale, but we are doing so to make sure that we will be available for that client when they arrive for their appointment.” – Mike Sears, Pride Marine Group

“I think the biggest preparation consist of organization, job role implementation combined with weekly training meetings leading up to the show as well as brief training and game planning the mornings of the show. This will help educate your staff that does not typically work in the sales department become more knowledgeable of the product and also make sure everyone is on the same page!” – J Hurless, Reeder Trausch Marine

“Set pontoons, lay carpet, bring in boats on trailers. Flashy or new models up front. Set up marketing materials and banners. Set up closing table in the back or corner making it private. Curtains around booth separating booths next to yours. Clean up and it’s show time!” – Alan Atkins, Sundown Marine

“The number one factor is having a correctly trained sales team.” – Robbie Brown, Action WaterSports

“Number one preparation for the Boat Show Season is the overall layout of our booth.  We normally have 2 separate booths with as many as 40 boats on display.  We chose to use the old fashion way of pre-layout which is graph paper and cut out boats of each model we want to display.  We meet as a group or Team and bounce ideas off from one another to develop the most effective layout for our show.  We take into consideration the closing area, traffic flow, TV placement, signage, while grouping the different models together to make the sales process as effective and efficient as possible for both the consumer and the sales person.   Once we have our booth(s) set we will invite a couple of Service personnel to give us some insight as to the most efficient way to set the boats.  We review this as a TEAM and then implement the process on paper to be shared with all of the Staff.  This ensures we are all on the same page for set up, tear down, and most of all successful selling at the show!” – Jeff Husby, Regal & Nautique of Orlando

“It’s paramount that we keep the brand integrity of our dealership front and center at our booths. That is, we promote Nautical Ventures as much, if not more, as the boat brands on display. That’s because as a dealer, Nautical Ventures is delivering a great customer experience, with trust and service paving the way for client retention. Visiting our both is like visiting a friend… welcoming, comfortable, and fun.” – Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures

“Be consistent and know your customer.” – Jim Dragseth, Whiticar Boat Works, Inc.

What are you doing to prepare for boat show season? Tell us below in the comment section.

Part 3 of First-Time Boat Shopper Course Focuses on Sales Tools

As boat show season approaches, MRAA and Grow Boating have launched the final installment of the “First-Time Boat Shoppers” e-learning course, which focuses on sales tools that dealers can use.

The course, titled “Tools to Turn First-Time Boat Shoppers into Buyers,” is available now at mraa.com/GrowBoating alongside the first two installments of the series. Dealers can download tools from within the course, including a “Buying Your First Boat” guide, which they can then print and use as a sales tool at upcoming boat shows.

As with the first two parts of the series, the course translates Discover Boating’s research of first-time boat buyers into education, tools and resources that can help marine retailers and their employees provide a customer experience leads to more boat sales now and in the future.

“Each portion of the course has a lot of value for dealers,” says Liz Walz, Vice President of MRAA. “However, we’ve been especially anxious to release this final installment of the series because it contains some excellent and practical tools that I think dealers will be able to start using immediately.”

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting marine retail businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, call us at 763-315-8043.

About Grow Boating, Inc.
The purpose of Grow Boating is to identify growth opportunities within the marine industry, and champion those opportunities through consumer communications, targeted programs, and by developing industry education and resources. The Discover Boating program is one of several of Grow Boating’s areas of focus. For more information, visit GrowBoating.org.

Shallcross Selected to Join MRAA Board of Directors

Jason Shallcross will serve as the Region 7 Director of the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has selected Jason Shallcross, of Reed’s Marine, as the Region 7 Director on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Shallcross to the MRAA Board of Directors,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “Jason brings an analytical mind and decades of experience to the board and I look forward for the chance to serve with him.”

Jason Shallcross will replace Dave Briggs of Wayzata Marine, who will transition to an At-Large Director after serving six years as the Region 7 Director. Shallcross is the Co-Owner of Reed’s Marine located in Delavan, Wis. He has played an active role on the MRAA Young Leaders Advisory Council and has provided a strong dealer voice in many of meetings to determine the strategic direction of the association.

“I look forward to helping improve any and all aspects of the marine industry that we can change for the better,” says Shallcross. “Additionally, I look forward to giving back to an industry that has given my family so much.”
Stacy Greenwood, Cleveland Boat Center, Cleveland, Tenn., has also been selected as a new Director, representing Region 4. One Director at Large has been appointed by Chairman Hoffmaster — Bob Bense, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Rancho Cordova, Calif.

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Greenwood Selected to Join MRAA Board of Directors

Stacy Greenwood will serve as the Region 4 Director of the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has selected Stacy Greenwood, of Cleveland Boat Center, as the Region 4 Director on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“We look forward to Greenwood bringing new insights and perspective to the MRAA Board of Directors,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “She brings a lot of Marine Trade Association experience and business savvy to the board and will make a great addition.”

Greenwood, principal of Cleveland Boat Center, in Cleveland, Tenn., has held an active role on the MRAA Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council. Greenwood is the first female dealer principal in her market place, and Cleveland Boat Center has earned and maintained its status as one of the few Marine Industry Certified Dealership’s in the state of Tennessee.

“It is an honor to be elected to serve the marine industry as a MRAA board member,” says Greenwood.  “I am thrilled to support the industry that has provided myself and my family a livelihood and many joyful memories out on the water.”

Jason Shallcross, Reed’s Marine, Delavan, Wis., has also been selected as a new Director, representing Region 7. One Director at Large has been appointed by Chairman Hoffmaster — Bob Bense, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Rancho Cordova, Calif.

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Bense Appointed to MRAA Board of Directors

Bob Bense will serve as an At-Large Director on the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has appointed to Bob Bense, of Superior Boat Repair & Sales, as a Director At Large on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“I look forward to the high level of enthusiasm and acumen that Bob is sure to bring to the board and will raise an already high level of discourse,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “We look forward to Bob Bense joining us as a Director At Large.”

Bense is the President and CEO of Superior Boat Repair & Sales, with locations in Rancho Cordova and Homewood, Calif. Bense has led his team through the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program and has been a strong advocate for the association’s work.

“I’m very excited to join the MRAA board. I’m looking forward to serving and helping the MRAA continue on their awesome course of excellence for all within the boating industry,” said Bense.

Joining Bense on the MRAA Board at the start of the 2020 term, includes:

  • Stacy Greenwood, Cleveland Boat Center, Cleveland, Tenn., Region 4 Director;
  • Jason Shallcross, Reed’s Marine, Delavan, Wis., Region 7 Director

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Influx of Partner Members Contributed to Association’s Success in 2019

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is proud to announce an array of  Partner Members who joined the Association in 2019.  Fourteen additional Partner members have signed onto a yearlong commitment to support the MRAA’s ongoing mission.

The companies include: App One, Aqua Lily Products, LLC., BIT Marine Software, Blue Wave Boats, Clary Lake Services, Inc., Elite Recreation Finance, Glen Raven / Sunbrella, Garage Composites, Kicker Marine Audio, Marathon Xpress, Suzuki Motors of America, TruVideo, and Wake Lending Recreational Loans.

Through Partner Membership, marine manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA works to provide the dealer body in order 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 the business of MRAA members.

“This has been a big year for the Marine Retailers Association,” says Allison Gruhn, MRAA’s Director of Business Development. “Alongside the launch of new initiatives like Dealer Week, we were lucky to receive the commitment and support of so many Partners, which allows us to build relevant and timely educational content for our members all year long with the goal of building a stronger future for marine retailing.”

This growing roster of boat manufacturers, vendors and suppliers support the efforts of the MRAA through partnership. Find a full menu of partner benefits here.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Minnesota Joins a Growing Coalition of States by forming Outdoor Recreation Task Force

SAINT PAUL, MN – December 13, 2019 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, along with its outdoor recreation partners, applaud yesterday’s announcement by Governor Tim Walz to create an Outdoor Recreation Task Force in the State of Minnesota. Establishing the Task Force formalizes the state’s commitment to its robust outdoor recreation economy, which employs 101,000 people, and contributes $9.6 billion to Minnesota’s economy.

“Outdoor recreation provides substantial social, economic, and health-related benefits to Minnesotans,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This task force represents a ‘big-tent’ effort to bring together a community of leaders who will make recommendations to make sure Minnesota is second-to-none in outdoor recreation and economic opportunity.”

“This represents a great moment for the State of Minnesota, by recognizing and giving a voice to the enormous economic impact of outdoor recreation and the more than 100,000 jobs it creates in the state,” said Matt Gruhn, president of Minnesota-based Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Led by boating and fishing, our robust outdoors industry is eager to join together to ensure Minnesota is leading the nation when it comes to supporting and growing our outdoor recreation system and economy.”

“Interest in outdoor recreation is growing nationally due to the many economic, public health, and social benefits outdoor activities and public lands bring to communities,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “New research shows what Minnesotans have always intuitively known: that life is better when you spend some time outdoors. We want to ensure that Minnesota welcomes all people—regardless of ability or background—to participate in that higher quality of life.” 

“While it has always been clear that boating and fishing are cherished pastimes in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the decision by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota to establish a task force solely focused on promoting and expanding outdoor recreation is an unequivocal testament to our industry’s economic importance in Minnesota,” said Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice president of government and legal affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “We thank these agencies for giving outdoor recreation the voice it has earned and look forward to working with them and the task force.”

“Recreation in Minnesota, including outdoor activities, is a major sector of a $15.3 billion tourism economy in our state,” said Explore Minnesota Tourism Director John Edman. “We’re eager to collaborate with a diverse group of public, private, tribal and nonprofit organizations to engage more visitors with Minnesota’s outdoor recreation opportunities.”

“The outdoor recreation community has worked collectively before to make great strides, but Minnesota’s announcement of an Outdoor Recreation Task Force is a stunning example of our sector working together with the state to create real support for the growing outdoor recreation economy in Minnesota,” said Jessica Wahl, executive director of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Time and time again we have seen how states with offices of outdoor recreation are better able to leverage their existing outdoor recreation businesses and resources into attracting even more outdoor businesses while increasing the overall recreation economy in those states. ORR is proud of the role our members played in working together to create a Task Force in Minnesota and thrilled to provide continued support for this effort!”

“We applaud Minnesota’s decision to further strengthen the state’s growing outdoor recreation economy by forming of the Outdoor Recreation Task Force,” said Patricia Rojas-Ungar, OIA vice president of government affairs. “This effort sets Minnesota on a path to play an even larger role in advancing the stewardship of its public lands, nurturing the economic development of its recreation assets and increasing access to the great outdoors for its residents and visitors. OIA and its members will continue to champion this national movement to grow outdoor recreation because it’s good for jobs, it’s good for our land and water and it’s good for our children and families.”

“With this announcement, Minnesota becomes the 17th state to create either a Task Force or Recreation Office dedicated to maximizing the social and economic benefits of time outdoors,” said Marc Berejka, Director of Government and Community Affairs for REI Co-op, the nation’s largest consumer cooperative.  “The movement now covers over a third of our 50 states, so congratulations to the legislators and agencies that have helped reach that milestone.”  He added, “Access to nature is good for our individual wellbeing and the wellbeing of our communities.  Stewarding the outdoors is good for the planet and is essential to a sustainable, 21stcentury economy. We look forward to working with the Task Force to help cultivate all of those outcomes across Minnesota.”

The new Outdoor Recreation Task Force, jointly pursued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota, will study and identify the economic opportunities resulting from the state’s bountiful outdoor recreation resources and activities.

The Task Force will be made up of 20 seats, selected through an online application process on the Department of Natural Resources’ website, www.mndnr.gov/ORTF.  Applications will be due January 10, 2020. 

 

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.

 

 

Amanda Levandowski Named Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship Recipient

Amanda Levandowski, Owner Principal of Charlotte Ski Boats in Mooresville, North Carolina, has been selected as the recipient of the seventh annual Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship, announced the MRAA Educational Foundation yesterday. This year’s scholarship recipient was unveiled on Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, as part of the Dealer Week Awards Luncheon in Tampa, Fla.

Amanda, with her business partner and husband, Lee, have owned Charlotte Ski Boats since 2010. Levandowski wrote in her application that, in 2010, she immediately set out to “seek solutions” and “to build a network, attend educational classes, and learn best practices,” which led to developing a “Top 10 List for each department to implement before year-end.”

Levandowski was recognized by a nominee for “her leadership, investment, and commitment to Charlotte Ski Boats,” along with, “her focus to ensure the financial sustainability by investing time, money, and talent.”

The Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship was founded by Spader Business Management and the MRAA Educational Foundation in 2013 to honor the marine industry service of Spader founder Duane Spader, as well as his leadership philosophy of lifelong learning. The recipient receives full tuition to attend the Spader Leadership Development Program, valued at $14,875. Applicants must be employees of a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas retail member.

“It would be an honor to be selected as recipient of the 2019 Duane Spader Leadership Development Program,” wrote Levandowski in her application, “The program will afford me the opportunity to seek more knowledge, insight, and awareness growing our dealership and boating industry. And if selected, I would commit myself to further developing the marine industry, as I was afforded.”

The Spader Leadership Development Program is a 15- to 18-month program for current and future leaders that involves five, three-day sessions in Sioux Falls, S.D. Between sessions, participants are tasked with putting what they’ve learned to work in their dealership and tracking the results of those efforts.

“We are thrilled to award this scholarship to someone who has already contributed so much to the marine dealer community,” states Jeff Siems, president of the MRAA Educational Foundation Board of Directors. “Given her dedication to her dealership and the industry, we are confident that Amanda will be able to leverage the scholarship to achieve great things.”

About MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades.For more information or to donate to support the foundation’s mission, visit MRAA.com/foundation.