Seeking Greatness

• Interest in the Great Dealerships to Work For awards criteria suggests a commitment to excellence.

After I sent out the recent MRAA press release announcing the 22 Certified Dealerships that earned a 2023 Great Dealerships to Work For (GDTWF) award at Dealer Week in Tampa, Fla., I received an email response asking what is required to earn a GDTWF award.

I immediately shared this follow-up question with our Dealership Certification team of Stevie Cook and Liz Keener. They said any dealership seeking to be recognized as a Great Dealership to Work For must meet these parameters:

  1. Be a Certified Dealership.
  2. Receive a 90% score on their Employee Satisfaction Survey (ESS).
  3. Complete and submit the survey to the MRAA team before the deadline.
Seeking greatness, GDTWF trophies on table
Twenty-two marine retailers received the coveted MRAA Great Dealerships to Work For in 2023 at Dealer Week in Tampa, Fla.

Let’s inspect those numbers above. Of many remarkable and fabulous-to-work-for dealerships in North America, only 332 are Certified Dealerships (as of this writing). The field is narrowed immediately when considering the first requirement above. This doesn’t diminish the dedication of other deserving dealerships. While they excel in supporting their employees, they haven’t completed the Certification process required for GDTWF eligibility.  

No. 1
However, our team considers dealers who earn Certification the cream of the crop because they have invested in strengthening nearly every facet of their business. This includes creating and implementing process maps, installing better employee and HR programs to enhance workplace culture, issuing the ESS for authentic and anonymous feedback and adding best practices, checklists and other proven tactics to become even more successful.

No. 2
A key component within the Certified Dealership program is the ESS. Without it, some of this polishing and refinement from participants would feel procedural and less meaningful. However, when you throw in authentic, honest feedback from the heartbeat of your store — your employees – you help develop a culture of accountability and trust and an environment that is open to feedback and showcases a willingness to change for the betterment of everyone, from the top down.

No. 3
This step is a process in and of itself. Meaning, that if a Certified Dealer has their ESS results but fails to submit on time, they miss out on an opportunity to shine amongst and in front of their industry peers. They also miss a chance to showcase to their community, state and marketplace that they are a great workplace.

This year’s deadline was Sept. 15. Chances are next year’s ESS results will be submitted around that same time frame in September of 2024. Mark your calendars now!

The selection process for the 2023 MRAA Great Dealerships to Work For list resulted in 22 dealerships meeting the stringent criteria. Notably, many other businesses demonstrated significant progress through continuous Dealership Certification, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering ongoing improvement.

It’s worth noting that the inquiring dealership, despite performing well with an ESS score near 80%, wasn’t deterred. Instead, they were motivated to reach the next level and strive for the 90% benchmark. Their interest in the Great Dealerships criteria suggests a clear commitment to excellence. With the Certified Dealership program as their guide, I believe they’ll achieve their aspirations.

Seeking greatness? Learn more about the Certification program, the ESS and more on the MRAA Dealership Certification webpage, or email Stevie Cook, MRAA Certification Specialist.

Editor’s note: We have participated in an ESS at the MRAA. Our survey results identified focus areas, produced adjustments within, and our culture, camaraderie and leadership have improved, too. The ESS results are gratifying even if your dealership doesn’t score 90% (4.5 out of 5) or higher, as the ownership, management and everyone can benefit from reviewing the results and it can lead to positive change and progress.

Boat Dealers Exempt from New FTC Auto Regulations

• The rule, designed to protect consumers from auto retail scams, would have required boat retailers to fundamentally alter the way they do business.

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 13, 2024 – Boat dealers could breathe a sigh of relief as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released the final version of its Auto Rule, renamed the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, earlier this week. The final language of the CARS Rule explicitely exempts marine retailers and other non-automotive dealers thanks to the advocacy efforts of MRAA and its coalition partners requesting that our industry be exempted from the burdensome requirements of the rule. This exemption represents a huge victory for MRAA’s advocacy efforts and recreational boat dealers.

CARS Rule Details
The rule will only cover “self-propelled vehicles designed for transporting persons or property on a public street, highway or road.” The rule will not apply to:

  • Recreational boats and marine equipment
  • Motorcycles, scooters and electric bicycles
  • Motor homes, recreational vehicle trailers and slide-in campers
  • Golf carts

The MRAA collaborated with the RV Dealers Association, the National Powersports Dealer Association, a number of state-based marine trades associations, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy and more, to voice its opposition to the FTC’s initial rule, ultimately making the case for an exemption. To read MRAA’s comment letter, click here.

“This is a huge win for boat dealers everywhere that frees us from regulations that would fundamentally change how we sell boats,” says Dave Lewis, of Tommy’s Boats, an MRAA Diamond Ambassador Member. “Victories like this are why we are such strong supporters of the MRAA’s advocacy work, and we encourage others to get engaged to support the recreational marine industry.”

“The MRAA and our members are excited to see that the FTC listened to our input and exempted our members and other marine dealers from this overburdensome regulation,” says Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “I think our success here stemmed from our work with a coaltion of stakeholders as well as the high-quality input we provided to FTC that highlighted why these proposed regulations are simply not needed for a recreational boat dealer.”

The FTC first issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to motor vehicle shopping in June 2022, and the original rule did not explicitly exclude marine retailers, causing concern within the industry due to the potential cost and burden of compliance. In its original form, the Auto Rule would have required marine dealers to fundamentally change the way they do business and subjected them to an entirely new regulatory scheme.

Additionally, the MRAA was concerned about the potential economic impact on marine retailers and other small businesses because the FTC failed to complete a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis to determine the economic impact. In short, the FTC put forth this propsed regulation with no idea how it would impact marine retailers, or if what was proposed in the regulation would even make sense at a boat dealership.

“This win highlights the importance and effectiveness of MRAA’s advocacy work and underscores our commitment to our members, ensuring a favorable business environment for recreational marine dealers,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “As the MRAA continues to scale up and invest in our advocacy work we will continue to ensure the voice of dealers is at the table, as we are dedicated to ensuring representation of our members at all levels of government.” 

In addition to working with trade associations in the outdoor recreation industry, the MRAA collaborated with the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, the independent voice for small business within the federal government and the watchdog of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The MRAA and the Office of Advocacy cooperated to provide information to the SBA, which was included in their comment letter. found here.

Junk Fees Rule Persists
While this is great news for all marine retailers, there is another FTC proposal that may yet impact the way business is conducted. In October, the FTC proposed an extremely broad rule to prohibit “junk fees” across all sectors of the economy from concert ticket prices to internet service provider fees and within the text of the rule made it clear that businesses not covered by the auto rule would indeed be covered by the junk fee rule.

This new proposal is less burdensome than the CARS Rule and can largely be boiled down to one simple rule: the advertised price must be the out-the-door price (minus taxes) on any product or service. If there is a part or service that is required for the larger item or service to function as a consumer would expect, the price of that part or service must be included in the advertised price. Accessories or services that are truly optional do not need to have their cost included in the advertised price. The MRAA has reviewed this rule and is actively engaged to ensure it does not adversely affect the marine industry.

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.

DiscoverBoating.com Content Engages New, Experienced Boaters in November

Discover Boating continues to be a year-round, go-to resource for all things boating with helpful content that engages new and experienced boaters alike. In November, DiscoverBoating.com content focused on relevant tips during the holiday season and timely information about upcoming boat shows.

November boating articles: 

Articles with page view growth in November (compared to Nov. 2022):

Dealership marketing teams and other industry stakeholders are welcome to share these articles with customers via social, e-newsletters and other communication channels. Find more Discover Boating resources here.

The Magic of Dealer Week

The 2023 MRAA Dealer Week Conference and Expo was the largest Dealer Week on record, from its attendance to its sheer size! I feel honored to play a role in helping make the annual event happen. But, as some of my co-workers have stated, Dealer Week 2023 just hit differently.

Maybe it’s because of the return to Tampa and the Sunshine State. There’s something about being in Florida in December, boating on the water and seeing water that makes things feel better. Or perhaps it’s the turnout, as more than 1,500 marine professionals — from dealers to manufacturers to suppliers – added to the next-level experience.

Opening keynote …
Largest Expo Hall in history
Meet AIMIE!
Education galore!
Hard works means hardware!
Just one of 22 Great Dealerships to Work For
Celebration ’50s style made possible by Kicker Marine Audio
18 on-the-water slips
MRAA Membership
(Left to right) Leslie Palmer and Taylor Briggs, granddaughter of Darlene Briggs, presented Michele Goldsmith (center) with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year Award at Dealer Week in Tampa.
Team MRAA

An auspicious vibe was in the air. The convention center was filled with clean oxygen, opportunity and unabated positivity! From the many conversations I had in the Sales & Marketing Pathway classroom to the networking events, my industry allies were on point with their attitude, approach and raison d’etre (reason for being). That is BOATING!

No matter your role, we all know recreational boating is at our core. It’s why dealership principals and their staff leave their business behind for a few days. It’s why they seek education, knowledge and professional enrichment. It’s also because they have goals, from annual targets and objectives to 3- and 5-year goals to long-term visions. And it’s why our industry partners and suppliers attend, to provide support and guidance and to connect in person!

Dealer Week undoubtedly can help any dealership, even the most business-savvy and industry stalwarts out there. One only has to look at WHO and HOW MANY dealers attended Dealer Week in Tampa. It consisted of winners and those looking to win more often! The attendees included small shops and large multi-store businesses. Personally, a dealer from my town in Minnesota was there! I met a dealer from the West Coast who said he wished the education was available to him when he started 40-some years ago. I talked to young authorities in service to old sailing pros. The overwhelming message was one of hope and refinement, not complaining about problems.  

I think you get my point. Dealer Week isn’t about our team or me. It’s about YOU and helping you become the dealership you want to be and need to be for your staff, family and boating community. It just so happens others are noticing that Dealer Week is a rewarding event full of implementable solutions and an annual happening not to be missed. Our Expo Hall this year sold out, and additional manufacturers, exhibitors and suppliers wanting to exhibit already make up a waiting list for Dealer Week 2024. Momentum is a glorious thing! 

Got FOMO?
If you missed the in-person Dealer Week in Florida, you can still partake in the education by registering for Dealer Week Online, which runs from today, Tuesday, Dec. 12, through March 1, 2024! That’s right, you can share the education with your team and get a sizeable taste of what Dealer Week offers. That’s 15 courses on Leadership, Sales & Marketing and Service & Parts to help you plan for 2024.

However, think of Dealer Week Online as your bottomless bowl of chips and salsa — a tasty snack full of goodness. Let it satisfy some of your appetite to improve, but also inspire you to seek more, be more and do more for your business. Then, on December 8 next year, you can join the MRAA, your dealership peers and other industry leaders for the Dealer Week 2024 full course in Orlando. Let’s keep this Dealer Week magic going! 

MRAA Dealer Week Conference & Expo Smashes Attendance Records

• More than 1,500 Dealers and Industry Members Attended the 4-Day Marine Event, Hosted Dec. 4-7, at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 11 – More than 1,500 marine industry professionals attended the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) 2023 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, held Dec. 4-7 in Tampa, Fla., establishing records for total registration, dealership attendance, number of exhibitors and expo hall floor space coverage.

audience listening to speaker
Dealer Week 2023 attendees listen to educator Ryan Estis share tactics in his Sales & Marketing session: “Adapt & Thrive: Leading Growth in the New Economy.” (By Criterion Photography)

Dealership attendance set a new high-water mark at 721 dealership personnel, while total attendance improved by 15 percent, surpassing 1,500 total attendees for the first time in the event’s history. The 150 Expo Hall booths and 18 dock slips sold out, contributing to the largest show floor in the event’s history. More than 40 first-time exhibitors showcased booths at the Tampa Convention Center and 45-plus boat brands were represented. Additional manufacturers, exhibitors and suppliers wanting to exhibit already make up a waiting list for Dealer Week 2024.

“Our team is proud that their passion and hard work in serving the marine industry inspired continued growth of Dealer Week 2023 — the most engaging, most powerful educational conference we have ever produced,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “And while the numbers suggest our reach continues to expand, it’s the connections, the business opportunities, and the take-home value of the educational programming that matters most to us and to our attendees. This year’s Dealer Week was packed with ideas, insights and inspiration to help dealers remain strong as they enter and navigate the year ahead.”

For the first time in history, two manufacturers – Centurion & Supreme, and Skier’s Choice – held annual dealer meetings in conjunction with Dealer Week. Additionally, a pre-event Service Management Workshop, designed to share data, education and insight to help navigate issues, reduce team stress and boost dealership success, sold out.

vendor booths in conference center
The MRAA 2023 Dealer Week Conference and Expo had a record number of exhibitors and largest floor plan in history. (By Criterion Photography)

“Dealer Week continues to impress with its reach, scope and incredible content. With passion and absolute effort from the MRAA dedicated team, it has become the preeminent and trusted marine industry event for dealership growth and refinement,” said Jeff Strong, MRAA Board Chair and Owner, Strong’s Marine. “From the high quality education to the networking to the many opportunities available for improvement, Dealer Week continues to deliver and raise the bar. I look forward to next year.”  

Save the date for the 2024 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, scheduled for Dec. 8-11 in Orlando, Fla. Until then, Dealer Week educational opportunities for business growth continue with Dealer Week Online. Available at MRAATraining.com, from Tuesday, Dec. 12 to March 1, 2024, dealers who register can access 15 Dealer Week education sessions — five unique sessions from three separate pathways: Leadership, Sales & Marketing, Service & Parts — and three post-Dealer Week webinars. Learn more about Dealer Week Online 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, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

22 Dealers Named Great Dealerships to Work For

• Marine Industry Awards Honor Dealers at MRAA’s Dealer Week

MINNEAPOLIS, Thursday, Dec. 7 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has named this year’s marine industry Great Dealerships to Work For. The dealerships were honored on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Dealer Week 2023, the association’s annual conference and expo, in Tampa, Fla.

Twenty-two dealerships qualified for recognition by earning an overall score of 90 percent or better on the MRAA Certified Dealership Program’s annual Employee Satisfaction Survey. Administered anonymously through the MRAA, the survey asks Certified Dealership employees to answer 32 ranking questions about overall satisfaction regarding their unique dealership’s customer relations, employee satisfaction, leadership, management and reputation.

After their employees complete the survey, and the dealership receives its 13-page survey report, the entire team meets to discuss what the dealership is doing well and areas they can improve to enhance employee culture.

Taylor’s South Shore Marine of Waynesville, Ohio, was honored on stage as one of the 2023 MRAA Great Dealership’s to Work For by the MRAA Certification Specialist Stevie Cook (left) and Liz Keener, MRAA Director of Dealership Development.

“By surveying their teams with the Employee Satisfaction Survey, our Certified Dealers can understand more about their dealership’s work culture and build solutions to address workplace issues,” said Stevie Cook, MRAA Certification Specialist. “Dealers consider the ESS survey as an essential element within the Certified Dealership Program because it enriches lives, fosters professional growth and improves their business.”

The 2023 Great Dealerships to Work For:

  • 3A Marine Service, Hingham, Mass.
  • Action WaterSports Arizona, Mesa, Ariz.
  • Action WaterSports Texas , Fort Worth, Texas
  • All Seasons Marine Works, Rowayton, Conn.
  • Aquaknox Marine, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • Breath’s Boats & Motors, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
  • Clark Marine, Manchester, Maine
  • Colorado Boat Center, Johnstown, Colo.
  • Desmasdon’s Boatworks, Pointe au Baril, Ontario, Canada
  • Great Bay Marine, Islip Terrace, N.Y.
  • Off Shore Marine, Branchville, N.J.
  • Regal & Nautique of Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
  • Riverside Marine, Essex, Md.
  • Russell Marine – Kowaliga, Alexander City, Ala.
  • Russell Marine – Real Island, Equality, Ala.
  • Russell Marine – The Ridge, Alexander City, Ala.
  • Ski & Sports, Rogers, Ark.
  • Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Rancho Cordova, Calif.
  • Taylor’s South Shore Marina, Waynesville, Ohio
  • The Boat House – Naples, Naples, Fla.
  • The Boathouse – Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
  • Tri-State Marine, Deale, Md.

Each of these dealers earned an award and recognition on stage at the Awards Luncheon at Dealer Week. Sixteen attended the conference and many also submitted videos.

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.

Mark Curry Recognized for Commitment to Boating Safety

• Just 4 Fun Powersports President Receives Dealer Ambassador Award

TAMPA, FLORIDA – Dec. 6, 2023 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas presented the annual MRAA Dealer Ambassador Award to Mark Curry, President, Just 4 Fun Powersports of Arizona, at the Dealer Week Conference and Expo in Tampa, Fla.

Curry worked with the MRAA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to guide Arizona State Representative Leo Biasucci on a boat tour of Lake Havasu and set up a networking reception at the London Bridge resort with stakeholders from the Lake Havasu Community to discuss recreational boating safety in the Grand Canyon State.

3 men on stage at awards presentation
(From left) MRAA Director of Government Relations, Mike Sayre, Mark Curry, President Just 4 Fun Powersports and Chad Tokowicz MRAA Government Relations Manager spoke about the importance of advocacy and boating safety at Dealer Week 2023 in Tampa, Fla.

“Mark is dedicated to improving the safety of recreational boaters throughout Arizona and I greatly appreciate his efforts to share these concerns and potential solutions with Representative Biasucci and others in the Lake Havasu Boating Community,” says Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “I continue to see more dealers wanting to participate in advocacy. I hope that this trend continues, as our work at the MRAA becomes extensively more powerful and influential when dealers add their voice to our advocacy efforts.”

This annual award recognizes an MRAA Member who displays an outstanding commitment to advocating on behalf of the recreational boating industry and actively works to better recreational boating in their community. The MRAA Dealer Ambassador Award helps to highlight dealers who go above and beyond in their advocacy engagements and inspire the next generation of marine retailers to support boating activism.

“I know that all Dealers share our focus on Boating Safety,” said Curry. “We should look for an opportunity to engage local and state elected officials and invite them to experience what boating offers and discuss ways of making boating safer through education. Boating safety can be an additional step to any Dealership’s selling system and provide benefits to your customers from reduced insurance premiums to a safer more enjoyable time on the water.”

The recreational boating industry has no shortage of issues to fend off, from Right to Repair and Illegal Tampering threats; to the FTC Auto Rule that would significantly change the way dealerships market and sell boats; and to NOAA’s Proposed Right Whale Speed Rule, which threatens the most comprehensive boating access restrictions in history. There has never been a more critical time for dealers to be involved in advocacy efforts. 

To get involved with advocacy in your local community or at a national level, email Chad Tokowicz or Mike Sayre. There are numerous opportunities to engage, so please consider signing up to be an MRAA Dealer Ambassador and filling out a prior approval form for the BoatPAC.

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.

Jennifer Haning Named 2023 Kevin Lodder Scholarship Recipient

TAMPA, FL, December 6, 2023 — The MRAA Educational Foundation announced today that Jennifer Haning, Business Office Manager at Oak Hill Marina in Arnolds Park, Iowa, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Kevin Lodder Scholarship. The scholarship recipient was honored today at the MRAA Educational Foundation’s awards luncheon at Dealer Week, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas annual conference and expo.

people on stage at awards ceremony
Jennifer Haning (center), Business Office Manager at Oak Hill Marina in Arnolds Park, Iowa, received the 2023 MRAA Educational Foundation Kevin Lodder Scholarship by Jim Coburn and Matt Lodder.

This scholarship celebrates the memory of Kevin Lodder of Lodder’s Marine in Fairfield, Ohio. Kevin worked in his family’s dealership and was dedicated to the marine industry from an early age until his untimely passing. The recipient of this scholarship receives tuition to attend the Spader Total Management 1 Workshop in Sioux Falls, S.D., and a stipend to offset travel expenses.

A relative newcomer to the marine industry, Haning has contributed to the success of Oak Hill Marina in numerous ways. In her business manager role, she maintains responsibility for human resources, payroll and support of multiple departments, and she has participated in a variety of initiatives to restructure job roles, create new employee pay and incentive plans, and assist with annual budgets and annual inventory.

“My position consists of multiple duties that will be utilized depending on what is needed for that day. Somedays, I can be found in my office working on payroll or collecting data for our daily dollar spreadsheet report, while others I could be checking in retail products and displaying them on the showroom floor,” she wrote in her application. “I thoroughly enjoy my job and the roller coaster ride that comes with it, but learning all aspects of the marine industry and job positions takes time and continuous training.”

The Spader Total Management 1 Workshop is a five-day program in Sioux Falls, S.D., geared toward decision makers, leaders, and key employees. Topics covered include decision-making processes, business adaptability, pricing practices, inter-department profit plans, and communication skills. 

“Anyone who has spent much time in the boating business knows it takes real persistence and passion for your work to find success,” says Matt Lodder who serves on the MRAA Educational Foundation Board of Directors after a number of years of owning and operating the family dealership. “Those qualities make Jennifer an ideal candidate for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship. By applying that persistence and passion to what she learns during the Total Management 1 Workshop, she will turn this investment of our Foundation’s funds into real results for her, Oak Hill Marina, and the industry.”

About the 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 https://www.marineedfoundation.org/.

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.

Zachary Meyer Named Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship Recipient

TAMPA, FL, December 6, 2023 — The MRAA Educational Foundation announced today that Zachary Meyer, General Manager of Mark’s Leisure Time Marine in Canandaigua, N.Y., has been selected as the recipient of the Foundation’s 2023 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship. This year’s scholarship recipient was unveiled at the Foundation’s awards luncheon as part of Dealer Week, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas annual conference and expo. 

People on stage presenting award
(From left) Jim Coburn and Mark Spader present Zach Meyer (center) with the 2023 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship at Dealer Week 2023.

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.

As a young and up-and-coming second-generation owner, Meyer has taken the reigns of the general manager position with great vision. He helped return the dealership to profitability soon after his appointment, and the business has been growing under his leadership.

Still, Meyer recognizes opportunity for growth and improvement – both in the dealership and in his own leadership style.

“I have struggled to implement process ever since my beginnings, and I know with some help, the company could achieve greatness,” he wrote in his scholarship application. “We have ambitious goals I wish to achieve, and I wake up looking forward to those every day. And while I feel like I’m a decent leader, and take pride in that, I know that with some help, I could become an excellent leader. I believe the Spader Leadership Development Program’s content will benefit me for years to come.” 

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 excited to award this scholarship to someone who has already contributed so much to the marine dealer community,” states Jeff Siems, Chairman of the MRAA Educational Foundation Board of Directors. “Given his dedication to his dealership and passion to see it grow, we are confident that Zachary will be able to leverage the scholarship to advance his family dealership to the next level.”

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 https://www.marineedfoundation.org/.

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.

MRAA Educational Foundation names Michele Goldsmith the 2023 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 6, 2023 — Michele Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only group, has been named the 2023 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year, announced the MRAA Educational Foundation. The award was presented to Goldsmith, the 37th recipient, as part of the Dealer Week Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Dealer Week in Tampa, Fla.

(Left to right) Leslie Palmer and Taylor Briggs, granddaughter of Darlene Briggs, presented Michele Goldsmith (center) with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year Award at Dealer Week in Tampa.

Goldsmith started her marine industry journey in the summer of 1991, working alongside her father at Todd Enterprises, eventually assuming the role of leading sales and marketing, helping the company flourish and expand. She joined Charles Industries in 2000, as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the marine division and earned an American Boat & Yacht Council electrical certification.

After successful stints in sales, marketing and product development leadership roles for marine industry component companies Paneltronics, Mastervolt, Power Products, and Lippert, Goldsmith joined Active Interest Media (AIM) in 2018 as the publisher of Soundings Trade Only. In 2023, she was named Vice President and General Manager, responsible for developing and providing tools to the marine industry to enhance their marketing and business growth.

Five years ago, Goldsmith spearheaded the Most Innovative Marine Company Awards to recognize companies that contribute significantly to the industry’s progress through initiatives such as product innovation, workforce development, sustainability and philanthropy. Among the many industry events she creates and manages are the quarterly Women in the Industry series for female boating professionals. In 2021, she hired Balaji Krishnamurthy, Chairman of Think Shift, to lead a workshop on servant leadership within the industry. Starting in 2022 she took Women in the Industry series global, partnering with British Marine, Marine Industry News and METSTRADE to create an annual in-person panel event at the METSTRADE show in Amsterdam. 

“My enduring motivation lies in serving the industry, contributing to its growth and facilitating opportunities for the next generation of leaders, particularly women,” said Goldsmith. “I am committed to creating empowering spaces for them to connect, network, learn and build a supportive community.”

Two years ago, Goldsmith established a 1+1 mentoring program to connect new industry professionals with industry leaders through 30-minute virtual conversations. To date, the program has hosted nearly 200 1+1 sessions, with the next edition scheduled for June 2024. And survey data indicates that about 90 percent of mentors/mentees have remained in contact with each other.

Michele has served on or chaired numerous boards and associations and has accrued more than

15 years on the National Marine Manufacturers Association Board of Directors and was one of the first women named chair of the Marine Accessories & Components Division board of directors for NMMA. She was also the first woman on the ABYC technical board of directors, serving two consecutive 5-year terms.

“Michele has been a groundbreaker and a change agent since she first entered the industry,” stated William Sisson of Soundings Trade Only in a letter of recommendation. “After 32 years, her series of Women in the Industry events may well be her tour de force. In the last two years, Michele has developed and hosted 11 Women in the Industry events. She hosted the first large-scale, in-person leadership event for women at IBEX this year, creating the first all-female industry leadership panel and had more than 150 attendees. Michele thrives on forming new connections between individuals and associations, helping to unify our marine ecosystem and works tirelessly to make the marine industry stronger, more diverse and welcoming.”

Goldsmith, a former competitive athlete, has an inner drive to always be the best which fuels her motivation to seek personal excellence and a sense of purpose. In April, she accomplished a nine-day trek through the Himalayas to reach Mount Everest Base Camp. “While I continue to strive for excellence in achieving corporate milestones and fostering robust growth, what truly ignites my enthusiasm is pioneering uncharted territory and presenting the industry with groundbreaking initiatives,” she added. “A prime example is an upcoming 2024 research study, the first of its kind, focusing on women working in the marine industry — dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing female talent.”

Named after the late Darlene Briggs of Wayzata, Minn., who was admired for her tireless dedication to elevating women and the marine industry. Jointly, the MRAA and Boating Industry magazine present the award to honor her memory. The annual award recognizes an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the boating industry, recognizing dedicated service, persistent commitment and the advancement of women in the marine business. Darlene’s granddaughter, Taylor Briggs, leads the MRAA Educational Foundation’s selection committee for the award, and helped present the award.

“This award is so important to our family because it continues the legacy of my grandma, Darlene Briggs,” Taylor said. “She was truly an inspiring woman who would be so proud of the hard work that Michele has done to mentor and support other women in the marine industry.”

About MRAA Educational Foundation
A nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation has awarded more than 85 scholarships and awards collectively worth more than $194,000 over the past 18 years.  Donations from independent donors and corporate partners make all scholarships provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To learn more about donating, or to find more information about the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.marineedfoundation.org.

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.