Seth Mattison Keynote Added to MDCE Awards Breakfast

2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo have added a third keynote address to the event’s educational agenda, hiring Seth Mattison – founder and Chief Movement Officer of FutureSight Labs – to deliver a high energy presentation on “The New World of Work.”

This all-new offering, which will kick off the 2016 MDCE Awards Breakfast on Thursday, Dec. 8, is designed to provide marine retailers with key strategies to adapt to today’s fast-changing workplace.

“Not only is the boating industry’s workforce moving toward greater diversity with four generations in the business, but the rigid leadership models we’ve come to count on for centuries are no longer reliable and, in many instances, even considered relevant,” Mattison said. “I’ll show attendees how to recognize, understand, value, and ultimately tap into the power of these changes in order to gain a game-changing advantage.”

The Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Regal Marine, begins at 7:30 a.m. on the final day of the event and includes the announcement of more than a dozen marine industry scholarships and awards.

“The MDCE Awards Breakfast is where we recognize marine industry excellence and promote continuous growth and improvement through training and education,” said Liz Walz, Vice President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces MDCE alongside Boating Industry magazine. “None of that is possible without a strong workforce and adaptable leaders, which is why we chose this topic for the breakfast.”

Seth Mattison’s MDCE keynote presentation is the third to be announced so far this year. Other keynote speakers include Josh Linkner, who was selected to deliver the 2016 MDCE Opening Keynote Presentation on retail innovation, and Sam Dantzler, who will end the conference with a powerful Closing Keynote address on change.

“Each year, we work hard to add fresh value to MDCE, and incorporating a third keynote in this year’s conference will give the number of takeaways marine retailers can bring back to their dealership a big boost,” Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry magazine, said.  

MDCE attracted a total of 1,147 marine industry professionals in 2015, one of its largest audiences to date. Building on that momentum, early retail registrations for the 2016 conference – which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando – have already set a new record. This, coupled with its December 5-8 date range – three weeks later than the event’s traditional time frame – has put MDCE 2016 on track to see its highest attendance to date.

MarineDealerConference.com.

MarineDealerConference.com.

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MRAA.com.

 

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Member Spotlight: Reed’s Marine

 

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.” 

 

Sam Dantzler Selected to Deliver MDCE Closing Keynote

Marine retailers need to adapt to the radical transformation taking place in their employees, customers and retailing itself. That’s according to Sam Dantzler of Sam’s Watersports Dock and Garage Composites, who will share exactly how dealers can make those changes during his Closing Keynote Presentation at the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Dec. 5-8 in Orlando.

 

“When you look at the recent sales growth, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking you can keep doing things the same way,” said Dantzler, whose clients have included some of North America’s premier marine and powersports companies. “But it’s simply not true. I’m honored to be able to issue a call for change and share strategies for grabbing more than their fair share of today’s rebounding boat market with attendees as this year’s Closing Keynote Speaker.”

Dantzler is a dealership consultant who moderates several 20 Groups and is the founder of Sam’s Watersports Dock — a virtual training portal for marine retailers. His keynote address, titled “Change: It’s the Only Option” and scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, will end MDCE 2016 on a high note, offering concrete takeaways dealers can use to outperform the industry.

“One of the dangers of growth is a tendency for leaders to work more in the business and less on the business,” explained Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “That makes it harder to stay on top of and adapt to changes in our market, which is critical to long-term success. MDCE will provide the strategies retailers need to get back on track, and Sam’s Closing Keynote Presentation will be the perfect way to tie it all together, providing a final set of tools attendees can use to lead their teams and dealerships to outstanding results.”  

MDCE, hosted jointly by Boating Industry magazine and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, attracted a total of 1,147 marine industry professionals in 2015 — one of its largest audiences to date. Building on that momentum, early retail registrations for the 2016 conference have already set a new record. This, coupled with its December 5-8 date range, which is three weeks later than the event’s traditional time frame, puts MDCE 2016 on track to see the highest attendance to date.

“Decisions like this one are a direct result of listening to our audience,” Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry magazine, said. “Dealers have told us time and time again that Sam’s presentations are the highlight of their MDCE education, so we’re thrilled to be able to share his insight with our entire audience during this Closing Keynote Presentation.”

 

Retailers who register for MDCE 2016 before the September 23 Early Bird Deadline save $25 off standard rates; MRAA members save an additional $75. Learn more and register at MarineDealerConference.com.

Moose Landing Marina Selected as Ranger Tugs Dealer

Moose Landing Marina, the largest on-water facility in the Lakes Region area, has been appointed as the dealer for Ranger Tugs in Maine. Built for strength and durability, Ranger Tugs offer maneuverability and seaworthiness in a well-equipped design.

Built in the U.S. at the company’s factories in Kent and Monroe, Washington, Ranger Tugs offer eight models, ranging in length from 21 to 31 feet. The solid construction of these pocket trawlers is optimized to provide fuel efficiency at an affordable price. They come standard with a full suite of Garmin electronic controls and are equipped with a Volvo diesel engine, hydraulic steering, and bow and stern thrusters for ease of operation. All models are trailerable, making them ideal for exploring the many lakes and coastal regions of Maine.

“We are excited to be able to offer these truly unique boats to our customers,” said Steve Arnold, owner of Moose Landing Marina. “Ranger Tugs are a great vessel to explore Maine waterways. In fact, Will Monson, our General Sales Manager at Moose Landing Marina is so passionate about Ranger Tugs that he owns one himself,” noted Arnold. “As the state’s only dealer of Ranger Tugs, we look forward to increasing awareness of these versatile boats and growing their presence in Maine.”

All Ranger Tugs come turnkey with standard features and equipment intended to make the boat easy to handle and the owner’s experience comfortable and hassle-free when underway. Moose Landing Marina will work with buyers on additional equipment options so their Ranger Tug is built to fit their specific cruising needs and styles.

Ranger Tugs will be available to view and board by mid-June. Stop in and see why Ranger Tugs makes a difference in the industry and makes a perfect fit with Moose Landing Marina. 

SkipperBud’s Expands Service Center in Lake Country

SkipperBud’s has responded to the growing needs of the boaters in Lake Country! SkipperBud’s is excited to announce the purchase an addi onal 10,000 sq. . service center located at 851 Silvernail Road, just a block south of the Pewaukee dealership. The new service center features six service bays, parts department, customer wai ng lounge and ample parking for customer walk‐ins or boat drop‐offs.

The new service center will allow SkipperBud’s to meet the growing demand from Lake Country boaters. SkipperBud’s con nues to play a major role in the Midwest boa ng community because of the dynamic array of products offered. The move to add addi onal space and staff allows boaters more flexibility and faster turn‐around with upgrades, maintenance and repair.

Boaters can feel confident with SkipperBud’s cer fied service technicians. Specialists for all product segments are engaged for each specific boat type including run‐abouts, tow boats, jet boats and pontoon boats. Customers are welcome to bring all boat brands and all engine types in for repair.

Due to dealership turn over in the Lake Country area over the past several years, many boaters are looking for stability with their sales or service providers. Our proven record of award winning customer service, has driven many new customers through our doors. We simply out grew our service facility because of the increased the number of boats we are servicing and storing. With a shorter season in the Midwest, boaters don’t want to lose a weekend due to a repair, it just made sense to expand our footprint and technician base significantly, explains Mike Pretasky, Jr., President.

SkipperBud’s is a family owned marine company, specializing in boat sales, brokerage, service, storage, and marinas opera on since 1959. With loca ons in seven states, Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Washington and Wisconsin, SkipperBud’s mission is to Deliver the Boa ng Dream. SkipperBud’s – Experience is the Difference. www.skipperbuds.com 

Captain Jack Stewart Earns Certified Yacht Broker Credential

Captain Jack Stewart, sales manager for Yarmouth Boat Yard, recently earned the esteemed status of Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB). The CPYB Certification is the mark of excellence for yacht sales professionals throughout North America.

To earn this designation, CPYB brokers must meet professional qualifications and successfully pass a stringent three-hour examination, testing their skills and knowledge as yacht sales professionals. Brokers must be well informed of current market conditions, ascertain all pertinent facts concerning listed vessels, and protect against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical practices.

To date, only 10 individuals have earned this prestigious distinction in Maine and approximately 600 in the United States.

“At Yarmouth Boat Yard, we are committed to excellence and professionalism,” stated Steve Arnold, owner of Yarmouth Boat Yard. “The CPYB standards and code of ethics parallels our beliefs of focusing on the customer,” Arnold explained. “Having Captain Jack CPYB certified backs up this dedication, as it sets standards for training and performance, and promotes impeccable customer service.”

Josh Linkner Named MDCE 2016 Opening Keynote Speaker

Marine retailers’ premier educational conference to share strategies from one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs 

 

Organizers of the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo have announced New York Times best-selling author and serial entrepreneur Josh Linkner will deliver the Opening Keynote, titled The Gravity-Defying Leader: Innovative Approaches to Hyper-Growth Leadership. 

 

Linkner, who has invested in and mentored over 100 startups, will speak to more than 1,000 marine dealers, manufacturers and service providers from throughout North America and beyond at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, during the 2016 MDCE in Orlando.

 

“We’re packing more education and networking into this year’s event than ever before, and that will kick off with this Opening Keynote presentation,” said MRAA Vice President Liz Walz. “Not only are we moving it to earlier in the day so that we can fit all our new offerings into the schedule, but we’ve also chosen a speaker who is uniquely qualified to give marine retailers the tools to innovate and grow in today’s market. This keynote, with its focus on retail innovation, will be like none we offered before at MDCE.”

 

Linkner has founded four different tech companes, which sold for a combined $200 million, and has twice been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Linkner also received the Barack Obama Champion of Change Award, which honors entrepreneurs winning the future by starting U.S. businesses that create jobs, wealth and opportunities.

 

“Having a chance to speak to the marine retail community will be a real treat for me,” Linkner said. “The boating sector plays an important role in driving economic success, and I’m looking forward to sharing strategies for innovation that these business owners can use to adapt to the fast changing market and lead their team to hyper-growth.”

 

MDCE, hosted jointly by Boating Industry magazine and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, attracted a total of 1,147 marine industry professionals in 2015 – one of its largest audiences to date. Building on that momentum, early retail registrations for the 2016 conference have already set a new record. This, coupled with its December 5-8 date range, which is three weeks later than the event’s traditional time frame, puts MDCE 2016 on track to see the highest attendance to date.

 

“MDCE sponsorships and exhibitor space are also moving at a record pace,” said Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry. “In today’s business environment, manufacturers and suppliers who develop a genuine connection with the marine retail community have a real advantage over the competition, and MDCE is an ideal environment for building those relationships.”

 

Dealers who register for MDCE 2016 before the September Early Bird Deadline save $25 off standard rates; MRAA members save an additional $75. Learn more and register at MarineDealerConference.com. 

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