Qwest Pontoons Commits to Platinum Partner Membership

MINNEAPOLIS, April 29 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announces that Qwest Pontoons commits to Platinum Partner Membership with the association.

As a new Platinum Partner Member of the MRAA, Qwest Pontoons has joined like-minded marine businesses who are committed to driving innovation and supporting long-term growth within the dealer network. By focusing on creating high-quality pontoons that meet the diverse needs of consumers, they help dealers succeed in a competitive and ever-changing market. Their dedication extends beyond product development, as they actively engage with industry leaders and participate in key events, fostering valuable connections and sharing their expertise. Through these efforts, Qwest Pontoons reinforces its commitment to progress and sustainability, positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the marine industry.

Qwest Pontoons, based in St. Louis, Mich., is a company rooted in a deep passion for the water and a commitment to crafting pontoons that meet the diverse needs of water enthusiasts. With a focus on exceptional quality and thoughtful design. Qwest Pontoons create vessels that offer contemporary, multi-functional layouts suitable for activities like fishing, cruising, and water sports. The company emphasizes listening to customer feedback and continually strives to meet their expectations, producing pontoons built to last and set a high standard in the marine industry. Through a dedication to quality, precision, and innovation, Qwest Pontoons ensures that its pontoons provide a comfortable and confident on-water experience for every user.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Qwest Pontoons as a Platinum Partner of the MRAA,” says Freya Olsen, Senior Director of Engagement. “Qwest’s commitment to quality, innovation and the customer experience aligns perfectly with our mission to fuel dealer success. Their forward-thinking approach and dedication to delivering exceptional on-water experiences make them a valuable addition to our community and a strong advocate for the future of boating.”

About Qwest Pontoons
Founded with a passion for elevating the pontoon boating experience, Qwest Pontoons, a division of Apex Marine, has become a leading name in the marine industry by crafting innovative, high-quality pontoon boats. With a strong focus on design, technology, and customer satisfaction, Qwest Pontoons continues to push boundaries—offering versatile layouts, premium features, and modern aesthetics tailored for fishing, cruising, and water sports. Built on a legacy of craftsmanship and forward-thinking engineering, every These pontoons are designed to deliver exceptional performance, unforgettable moments on the water, and lasting value for today’s boaters. Call 989-681-4300 or visit www.qwestpontoons.com/.

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.

Searchshop Commits to Platinum Partner Membership

MINNEAPOLIS, April 29 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announces that Searchshop commits to Platinum Partner Membership with the association.

As a Platinum Partner Member of the MRAA, Searchshop helps to shape the future of the marine dealer network by championing initiatives that foster long-term growth and sustainability. Its involvement supports essential tools like education, training and resources that help dealers grow and succeed in an increasingly competitive and evolving industry. By investing in the strength of marine dealerships, Searchshop reinforces its commitment to progress, innovation and industry-wide success while solidifying its role as a forward-thinking leader in the marine space.

“At Searchshop, we believe the future of marine retail lies in equipping both dealers and consumers with the tools to succeed in a digital-first world,” says Salem Hassan, CEO of Searchshop. “Our partnership with the MRAA reflects a shared vision to elevate the buying experience, simplify operations for dealers and drive smarter, more sustainable growth across the industry.”

Searchshop, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is dedicated to enhancing the marine buying experience by bringing greater transparency, convenience and confidence to boat shoppers and dealers alike. With a robust selection of new and pre-owned marine vessels, Searchshop empowers consumers to make informed decisions through tools that analyze pricing, provide reviews, and offer valuable market insights. Designed with both the buyer and seller in mind, the platform simplifies the search process and supports smarter, more efficient transactions across the marine industry.

With over two decades in outdoor recreation and a passion for helping dealers grow, Kim Whitaker, Searchshop’s dedicated Marine Account Manager will directly support MRAA members. “I’m here to connect you with the right customers, streamline operations and support your success,” she explains. “Searchshop offers powerful tools for lead generation and efficiency — I see incredible opportunities for the boating industry.”

“Searchshop’s commitment to helping marine retailers connect with today’s digital-first consumers makes them an invaluable addition to the MRAA community,” says Freya Olsen, MRAA Senior Director of Engagement. “As a Platinum Partner Member, they bring innovative tools and a fresh perspective that support our mission to help dealers thrive. We’re thrilled to welcome a partner who truly understands the evolving needs of our industry.”

About Searchshop
Founded with a mission to bring simplicity and trust to the marine marketplace, Searchshop has quickly become a go-to platform for buying and selling boats online. With a strategic focus on transparency and user experience, Searchshop offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned marine vessels, along with powerful tools to compare prices, read reviews, and track market trends. Built on a foundation of innovation, including a proprietary, patent-pending shopping tool, Searchshop streamlines the connection between buyers and sellers—reshaping the way marine consumers shop, and dealers engage with customers. For more information, email kwhitaker@searchshop.com 919-412-6325 or visit https://www.searchshop.com/.

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.

4 New Partner Members Join MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS, April 24, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announces four new Partner Members: Compass Maritime Group, iPacket, Seabob and W&W Ventures.

4 New Partner Members join MRAA

MRAA Partner Members play a vital role in driving progress within the marine industry by demonstrating their commitment to its continued success. Their collaboration with MRAA’s initiatives allows them to contribute meaningfully to the association’s goals and vision. These partnerships help grow valuable resources, improve member experiences, and foster long-term benefits that uplift the entire marine business ecosystem.

  • Compass Maritime Group (Riva, Md.) is a trusted partner to the marine industry, delivering comprehensive Workforce Development solutions. With a focus on recruiting, onboarding, retention, and training, they help businesses build and sustain strong teams. Their services also extend to Business Development, offering strategic support in marketing, growth planning, and operational optimization—ensuring tailored solutions for every stage of a company’s development.
  • iPacket (Parkersburg, Va.) is a digital retailing tool that boosts transparency and efficiency for dealerships. It compiles key documents like build sheets, service records, and pricing into a shareable digital format. By integrating with dealer websites and CRMs, it builds trust and streamlines the sales process.
  • Seabob (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is the ultimate luxury water toy, designed for high-performance underwater and surface adventures. Engineered for speed, agility and ease of use, it offers a unique way to explore the ocean like never before. Whether cruising on the surface or diving below, SEABOB delivers an exhilarating experience with precision and style.
  • W & W Ventures (Jonesboro, Ar.) is the leading storage solution for floating mats, keeping them secure and out of the way. It frees up space on your boat, making room for more guests and greater comfort. Proudly made in the USA, it combines convenience with quality craftsmanship.

“We welcome Compass Maritime Group, iPacket, Seabob and W&W Ventures as MRAA Partner Members,” says Freya Olsen, MRAA Senior Director of Engagement. “Their support not only helps us enhance our educational offerings for dealers but also pushes forward industry projects that help marine retailers succeed and grow.”
Dealer members are encouraged to explore the list of companies that actively support the MRAA across four partnership levels. View the full list.

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.

A Letter from MRAA’s Board of Directors

Dear MRAA Industry Stakeholders,

Over the past year, we’ve heard from many of you about the challenges today’s marketplace presents for selling boats and running a profitable business. And while macroeconomic challenges like inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence and overall market uncertainty continue to slow us down, the escalating costs of Boats Group online marketplaces, as you have noted, have introduced even more barriers to success.

Your growing concerns and frustrations have been recognized, and we wanted to write to you today to let you know that the MRAA, your dealer association, has heard you — loud and clear — and we are continuing to take action.

Like you, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Board of Directors, which is made up of 17 individual boat dealership owners and operators, has been keenly aware of and, in many cases, personally impacted by these price increases. Our board members, along with MRAA staff, have engaged in numerous conversations with industry stakeholders related to this issue, and we have dedicated time in several board meetings to determining how MRAA could best play a role in supporting our fellow dealers.

As those questions and conversations continue, we want you to know how we arrived at the decisions we made related to both your concerns and MRAA’s business.

  1. In the spring of 2024, MRAA Chairman of the Board, Jeff Strong (owner of Strong’s Marine in New York) and MRAA President Matt Gruhn met several times directly with Boats Group to discuss the challenges our members are facing, including meetings directly with the company’s Chief Executive Officer and its since-departed Chief Revenue Officer. In these meetings, MRAA conveyed its members’ growing frustration with the price increases, the manner in which these increases were, at times, unexpectedly assessed on dealerships, and the lack of communication that accompanied the increasing fees. Boats Group acknowledged that poor communication on its part contributed to dealership frustration, but its leadership also made it clear that Boats Group believed the price increases to be fair and justified.
  2. Along the way, MRAA received numerous requests from industry stakeholders to “do something” about the price increases. In this regard, it’s important to understand a couple things. First, MRAA is a non-profit trade association and, as such, must operate under and adhere to anti-trust and anti-competition laws. Therefore, MRAA, like all other trade associations, is prohibited from discussions that seek to set prices or pricing policies of its members or their vendors and strictly refrains from discussions related to boycotts and the like. That being said, MRAA can and has advocated on behalf of its members, by speaking directly with Boats Group and relaying the concerns and frustrations of our members. Which brings us to the second thing we need to understand: Like you and your business, Boats Group is a privately held business working in a capitalistic economy and has the right to make whatever decisions it wants about its pricing structure and the business model it desires, within the confines of applicable law. While we may not like those rate increases, we, as dealers, also have the right to choose our own business model, including who we do business with. And we know that while some dealers have chosen to remain with Boats Group platforms, others have left or migrated to other platforms. Our job at MRAA is to help you find success, no matter which path you choose.
  3. Simultaneously, MRAA received numerous requests to create its own online marketplace. We took these requests very seriously, investigating numerous boat marketplace platforms and devoting board meeting time to the topic. We even considered a business model that called for MRAA to co-own its own marketplace. The board appointed an Online Boat Marketplace Committee, which brought together several of the marine industry’s leading marketing minds, to recommend a path forward. That committee met with several online listing providers; conducted a comprehensive study that captured dealership marketing insights, strategies, tactics and best practices; and built a list of all online marketplace platforms that exist in our market. In the end, the Committee and Board determined MRAA could not, on its own, effectively operate and sustain a platform that would meet the needs of its members, citing the organization’s lack of technical expertise, a lack of the financial investment it would take to drive enough consumer interest to an online platform and the expansive list of competing platforms that already exist.
  4. Instead, the MRAA Board and Committee agree that the best way that MRAA can support dealers is to focus on what MRAA does best – delivering a comprehensive educational program that helps dealers maximize the success of their digital marketing efforts, no matter what partners they choose or what initiatives they pursue. MRAA collaborated with the MRAA Educational Foundation to create and deliver content that will not only include timely and relevant webinars with marketing leaders but also a vast amount of content from our online learning management system, a report on the state of dealership marketing, our work with subject matter experts, a comprehensive list of online marketplace providers and more. The tools, tips, resources and lessons available through this curriculum will deliver dealers the confidence and the know-how to fuel their success with whatever business model they choose for their online presence. Watch for this to begin later this month and extend through the month of May.

You will see a column written by MRAA President Matt Gruhn in the forthcoming issue of Soundings Trade Only, explaining much of this, but we felt it was important that you heard this directly from us prior to reading about it in the magazine. At the MRAA, we exist to empower dealerships across our industry to create and achieve the success they desire and deserve. If there’s more we can do for you on this topic or others, please reach out to anyone on our board or on the MRAA team at any time.

Sincerely,

The MRAA Board of Directors:

  • Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center, Board Chair
  • Jeff Strong, Strong’s Marine, Immediate Past Chair
  • Craig Brosenne, Hagadone Marine Group, Vice Chair
  • Carly Poole, Buckeye Marine, Secretary/Treasurer
  • Craig LeBlanc, Allen Harbor Marine Service, Region 1 Director
  • Bob Petzold, Petzold’s Marine, Region 2 Director
  • Bryan Buckland, Chessie Marine Sales, Region 3 Director
  • Chris Butler, Butler Marine, Region 4 Director
  • Paul Berube, Boater’s Exchange, Region 5 Director
  • Chad Taylor, Taylor’s South Shore Marina, Region 6 Director
  • Jason Shallcross, Reed’s Marine, Region 7 Director
  • Eric Smith, Colorado Boat Center, Region 8 Director
  • Brandon Sharpe, Arrowhead Boat Sales, Region 9 Director
  • Bob Bense, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Region 10 Director
  • Sean Horsfall, Len’s Cove Marina, Region 11 Director
  • Susan Duquette, Lakeview Marine, At Large Director
  • Wendy Ramsey, RBK Distribution, At Large Director

MRAA Invites Partners and Manufacturers to Host Dealer Meetings at Dealer Week 2025

The MRAA is excited to invite boat and engine manufacturers, as well as other industry Partners, to host their dealer meetings at Dealer Week 2025. This year’s conference and expo will take place from December 7–10, 2025, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.


Dealer Week offers a unique opportunity to combine your dealer meetings with world-class education and extensive networking. Whether you’re planning a small gathering of 10 dealers or a large meeting of up to 300, the MRAA provides flexible options to accommodate your needs.

“Since 2021, manufacturers have been taking the opportunity to incorporate the world-class education and extensive networking that Dealer Week provides, into their dealer meetings,” said Mike Davin, MRAA vice president of industry relations. “These manufacturers have found value in bringing their dealers to Dealer Week to educate them on how to prepare their businesses for the coming year.”

Dealer Week 2025 will feature sessions on Leadership, Sales & Marketing, and Service & Parts. In 2024, MRAA earned a Net Promoter Score of 77.93 for Dealer Week, with dealership attendees rating the education an average of 4.68 out of 5.


Jeff Strong of Strong’s Marine shared after Dealer Week 2024, “The MRAA team puts on a world class level training for dealers. If you attend, and execute on what you learn, you’d be hard pressed to not add at least $100,000 to your annual bottom line.”


MRAA’s Education Team collaborates with subject matter experts and a dealer-led Education Committee to deliver the most relevant and impactful education each year. The full lineup for 2025 will be available later this summer. If you are interested in presenting education at Dealer Week 2025, please fill out our online application form.

Why Host Dealer Meetings at Dealer Week 2025?

Dealer Week offers the rare opportunity to combine your annual dealer meetings with an industry-leading conference experience. Instead of planning and executing a standalone event, manufacturers and Partners can integrate their meetings into a setting already designed for dealer engagement and education.

By hosting at Dealer Week, you gain access to:

  • A built-in audience of active, growth-minded dealers
  • A full lineup of workshops, breakout sessions, and networking events
  • Turnkey support from the MRAA team to coordinate logistics and space
  • A collaborative environment that inspires real conversations and learning

This means you can spend less time on event planning and more time strengthening relationships, aligning on business goals, and setting your dealer network up for success in the year ahead.

“Dealer Week offers the best opportunity for our manufacturer and supplier partners to invest in their dealer network,” said Liz Keener, MRAA Senior Director of Dealer Development. “Between the classes, the education and a soon-to-be-announced pre-conference workshop, manufacturers will see huge ROI in supporting their dealers’ success at Dealer Week.”


Though Dealer Week is still more than eight months away, meeting space will fill up, so committing early will secure the best options for co-hosting your event in Tampa.

To learn more about hosting your dealer meeting at Dealer Week 2025, visit our Dealer Week website or contact Liz Keener at lizk@mraa.com.

Introducing the New MRAATraining Platform

We’re excited to announce that MRAATraining is getting a major upgrade! In early May, 2025, we’re rolling out a brand-new Learning Management System designed to improve the learning experience for MRAA Members. With a fresh focus on training for boat dealers, the new platform is smarter, more social, and built for both desktop and mobile users.

The upgraded system includes features like discussion boards, progress tracking, course assignments, and customizable portals. Whether you’re an individual learner or managing a full team, you’ll find it easier to connect, collaborate, and grow.

This launch is the result of months of hard work by the MRAA Education Team, fueled by member feedback and hands-on user testing. The result? Smarter navigation, better content organization, and personalized learning tools that make accessing education simpler than ever. This project reflects MRAA’s ongoing dedication to listening, adapting, and delivering tools that meet the real-world needs of retailers in the marine industry.

Below, you’ll find a preview of the new features and benefits designed to elevate your team’s training experience.

Enhanced User Experience

The platform features a modern, intuitive design that makes learning easy. Users can navigate dashboards for assignments, events, notifications, and progress tracking with ease. The refreshed course catalog offers engaging, relevant content. Plus, improved tools and clear tracking help both learners and admins stay focused and on track.

Collaboration Redefined

Advanced admin tools give dealers more control. You can assign courses, track progress, host conferences, manage calendars, create discussion groups, and send direct messages – all from one place. This helps dealerships stay connected and keeps training organized.

Flexible Training for Boat Dealers

Learn on your terms. Access your training from a browser or the Talent LMS mobile app. Whether your role is a learner or an admin, your courses and learning metrics are available in one convenient location.

Gamification Features

With features like discussion boards, training calendars, and a built-in point system, learning becomes more interactive and rewarding. Earn badges, track your progress, and even challenge your teammates on the leaderboard.

Customizable Portals

Dealers and manufacturers can now upgrade to custom, white-labeled portals. These bring together internal content and MRAA’s expert courses into one seamless training platform.

Large dealer groups and industry partners can purchase self-managed or premium portals to deliver targeted training to their teams or distribute select MRAA courses across their organization. This flexibility empowers companies to provide consistent, branded training experiences that align with their unique needs and goals.

Dealer using MRAATraining platform for boat dealership onboarding.

Whether you’re looking to advance your own career or support your team’s professional growth, the redesigned MRAATraining platform makes it easy to access the tools you need. This powerful online education hub offers a wide range of marine dealership training courses, all tailored to your MRAA membership level.

From onboarding entry-level employees to developing senior leadership, MRAATraining delivers personalized learning opportunities for every stage of your dealership’s success.

Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join MRAA and get access to this powerful new training experience!

Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements Removed

• Marine Retailers Exempt from Burdensome Regulations

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the America (MRAA) announced today that on March 21, 2025 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule which removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act. While the interim final rule provides relief for MRAA members and small businesses, the MRAA Government Relations Team will pursue a durable and lasting solution to ensure that this relief is not temporary.

Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements Removed -Corporate Transparency Act Update
Updates & Comments

The interim final rule put forth by FinCEN is a welcome update in the long saga of  CTA implementation and enforcement, which has been marred by court ordered stays and various legal decisions. In our last update, on March 3, we highlighted that previously, FinCEN had extended the BOI reporting deadline to March 21, and announced that no enforcement actions would be taken until an interim final rule became effective. The March 21 interim final rule removes the BOI reporting requirements, providing major relief for MRAA members and small businesses. The U.S. Treasury Department is currently taking public comment on the interim rule and the MRAA will join other trade associations in submitting comments to support the interim rule’s relief for small businesses.

“We are very pleased to see that FinCEN’s interim final rule exempted U.S. businesses and persons from reporting BOI under the CTA,” said Mike Sayre, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “The MRAA has been working tirelessly to educate members of Congress and the administration bout the negative impacts this would have on our members, and we feel the interim final rule reflects lawmakers hearing our concerns and providing relief for U.S. small businesses.”

The MRAA, as part of the Main Street business community coalition, joined over 100 trade associations on a letter to Secretary of Treasure, Scott Bessent, applauding the interim rule and noting our support for the relief to small businesses. To read the letter, click here. Despite the interim final rule removing the BOI reporting requirement, additional action is needed to ensure a durable and lasting solution that is not subject to reversal, and possible expansion, from a different administration. To ensure that this relief for marine retailers remains, the MRAA will continue to work with its champions on Capitol Hill to repeal the CTA by passing the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act (H.R. 425/S. 100).

“While we are glad to see that the interim final rule provides immediate relief for marine retailers and small businesses, our work here is not done,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “The MRAA will continue to monitor activity in the courts and spend time on Capitol Hill to garner support for the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would effectively overturn the CTA. We are dedicated to finding a long-term solution for our members to ensure that BOI reporting is never a burden for marine retailers. The MRAA Government Relations Team has your back and is fighting to ensure that you can continue to run your businesses without onerous regulations and requirements put on you from the federal government.”

For now, marine retailers can disregard the CTA, BOI reporting and the associated penalties, allowing them to focus on getting ready for spring commissioning and helping customers make lasting memories on the water.

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.

Shoot. Pass. Dribble.

I remember hearing about the triple threat when I was youngster learning basketball. For those unfamiliar with the term, it’s simply a position you should be in when you have the ball. You should be in an athletic position that lets you shoot, pass or dribble. Ideally, you want to read the defense and keep them guessing, wondering which of these three things — Shoot. Pass. Dribble. — you will do. Elite players can do them all effectively and efficiently.

Recently, I was reminded of this position off the basketball court. As an MRAA employee, being in an active position for success is crucial when we engage our dealer and partner members. It’s like applying the “triple threat” mindset beyond the basketball court.

I recently engaged in three very different, but equally valuable, interactions — reconnecting with a dealer, attending a partner press event and meeting with a MRAA Education Champion. Each moment reinforced how critical it is to stay engaged, listen and support our network. Just like in basketball, versatility and teamwork lead to progress.

Shoot

A few weeks back, I rang a dealer as part of a call campaign. The phone meeting was supposed to last around 30 minutes, but it went twice as long. While that may not be a great thing for either person’s busy schedule, especially on a Saturday morning, in this instance, the duration of the call was reinvigorating.

I reconnected with Jake Evans at Inland Boat Company, who’s membership had expired. We talked boating, from lifestyle to HR to marketing and more. He shared his wins, struggles and outlook for the future — for his business and the marine industry at large. For me, this was Jake and I passing the ball back and forth as we reconnected and had a meaningful conversation. In the end, once I hung up, my adrenaline flowed and I felt as though I nailed a game-winning shot. That’s because not only did Jake renew his membership, but also we left the door open for future conversations. Revisit this MRAA case study we did with Jake.

A recent trip to North Dakota gave us a chance to see the Vantage Resource Group headquarters and dedicated faces behind the brand. Our meeting also discussed opportunities to help boat dealers find more ways to succeed and boost customer experience.
Pass

I recently hit the road in my reliable Toyota Tundra for Fargo, N.D. There, I spent time with Ross Solwold and his dedicated team at Vantage Resource Group, Inc. , one of the MRAA’s Education Champions. We enjoyed lunch, I toured the shop and discussed the current boating industry. This was all before our 1 p.m. meeting to introduce the MRAA, our mission and how Vantage, as a key education partner, could help contribute to dealer training, education and growth. This meeting required equal amounts of dribbling, passing and some future shot-taking. With their passion and talents, the shot(s) the Vantage team will take are sure to touch nothing but the bottom of the net.

Dribble

Last week, I was invited to a marine industry press event. Rushton Gregory Communications hosted it for Radian IoT (MRAA Standard Partner) and Northpoint Commercial Finance (MRAA Strategic Partner). This one felt more like I was a bench player watching the starting five execute play after play … passing, shooting, dribbling and scoring!

They achieved their objective of introducing the MRAA (me), trade media and others to an innovative pilot program to support marine supply chain management. It was a well-run event featuring crisp passes to several industry experts, who offered firsthand testimonials of how the new technology would benefit them. It gave me a better understanding of the businesses participating and the value of the product being showcased. Networking was an additional benefit. It seemed like the ball had been passed to me to dribble out the clock. Read that news here.

Alley-oop

I share this basketball analogy because, well, the NCAA Final Four is set (so it’s super timely), but also because these three interactions with our members rewarded me with conversation, camaraderie, insights and more industry knowledge. None of these conversations were really about selling. Instead, they were about human connection and helping boaters. It also left me hungry for future conversations with fellow recreational boating colleagues and continuing the MRAA mission.

  • Dealers: Have a best practice that has helped your dealership and team win or stand out? Share it with me, so we can give you the credit AND help your peers and our industry overcome! I want to help you get a good shot and celebrate your success with others.
  • Partners: MRAA Platinum Partner Members and above, you have the marine industry and insights and help dealers every day. Let’s pass each other the ball until we find our open shot. That’s how we build education (blogs, vlogs, infographics and more) together that dealers can use to improve their game.

Call me (763-402-7230) or

Email Jerrod Kelley

5 New Partner Members Join the MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS, March 31, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announces five new Partner Members — Gtechniq Marine, Lahzo, Mannix Marketing, TruVideo and Shore Hitch — joined the association recently.

New Partner Members Join the MRAA

Through Partner Membership, marine manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers showcase their dedication to the industry’s growth and success. By aligning with MRAA’s impactful programs and initiatives, these partners actively support the Association’s mission. Their contributions help expand MRAA’s resources, enhance its offerings and create lasting benefits for members, ultimately strengthening the entire marine business community.

5 New Partner Members Join the MRAA
  • Gtechniq Marine (Cumming, Ga.) is committed to innovation and quality, they continue to set the industry standard for boat maintenance and protection. Whether combating UV damage, oxidation or everyday wear, these advanced solutions provide boat owners with the confidence that their vessel will remain in peak condition.
  • Lahzo (Atlanta, Ga.) introduces industry-specific AI solutions designed to create a seamless revenue cycle, combining data-driven marketing with AI-powered sales agents. Their technology ensures consistent performance, instant customer engagement and unlimited scalability. With intelligent automation at every stage, businesses can drive growth efficiently and effortlessly.
  • Mannix Marketing (New York, N.Y.) delivers high-performance, SEO-friendly website designs that blend style and functionality. Businesses can enhance their online presence, attract more traffic and convert leads into sales. With a focus on both aesthetics and performance, their websites are built to stand out and drive results.
  • TruVideo (Wellesley, Mass.) provides a powerful platform designed for seamless integration, bringing advanced messaging, video and AI capabilities to existing systems. With its robust software development kit (SDK), businesses can effortlessly incorporate TruVideo’s auto service technology into their user interface. More than just an add-on, it offers a scalable solution that enhances communication and customer engagement. This innovation enables companies to streamline operations and improve service efficiency.
  • Shore Hitch (Lake Havasu City, Ariz.) introduces a patent-pending anchor designed to transform the way boaters secure their vessels along shorelines. Frustrated with outdated and unreliable options, the creators developed an innovative, durable and user-friendly solution. Engineered by boaters for boaters, they offer a new level of convenience and security on the water. More than just an anchor, it’s a game-changing solution for stress-free boating.

“The MRAA is thrilled to welcome Gtechniq Marine, Lahzo, Mannix Marketing, TruVideo and Shore Hitch as new Partner Members,” says Freya Olsen, Senior Director of Engagement. “Their partnership strengthens our ability to enhance resources, expand educational programs and advance industry initiatives that empower marine retailers. We look forward to many collaborative opportunities to drive innovation, foster growth and create lasting success across the marine industry.”

Dealer members are encouraged to explore the list of companies that actively support the MRAA across four partnership levels. View the full list.

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.

Radian IoT, Northpoint Commercial Finance Launch New Pilot Program to Support Marine Supply Chain Management

March 27, 2025, Alpharetta, GA. – Radian IoT and Northpoint Commercial Finance announce a new groundbreaking pilot program leveraging Radian IoT’s state-of-the-art GPS tracking technology for direct testing among select Northpoint OEM and dealer customers.

This pilot program featuring a sampling of Northpoint customers is designed to test the delivery of real-time insights into OEM inventory level management, production trends and delivery timelines to enable more efficient production planning and tracking. On the retail front, Radian IoT technology is expected to yield precise in-transit tracking, greatly improve inventory reporting and enhance customer service through real-time data on stock units.

Radian IoT and Northpoint Commercial Finance Launch New Pilot Program to Support Marine Supply Chain Management
(L-R) Northpoint customer John Baranski, lead foreman of Miami Nautique International, shown with Northpoint VP Gary Childress, right, is actively engaged in the recently launched Northpoint – Radian IoT pilot program to test the latest in GPS tracking technology. (photo supplied by Rushton Gregory Communications)

“This powerful collaboration allows Northpoint to initially test and leverage Radian IoT’s award-winning technology and innovation within the marine finance space, with the goal to deliver unparalleled insights and greater efficiencies related to inventory management throughout the supply chain funnel,” said Northpoint Vice President of Marine Operations Gary Childress. “If the test results deliver as anticipated, we would look forward to expanding the program throughout our customer base.”

Radian IoT President Scott Crutchfield added, “We are incredibly proud to partner with Northpoint Commercial Finance, a leader in the industry and an early adopter of Radian IoT technology. Northpoint clearly understands the immense value of eliminating distractions and disruptions in the workplace. “In addition, Northpoint understands that transparency is essential for building trust between manufacturers, dealers and the finance company. By leveraging our unique capabilities, Northpoint is facilitating stronger internal controls and improved efficiency which is expected to reduce inventory management complexity for its customers.”

Bruce Van Wagoner, former president of GE Capital Marine Group and subsequently Wells Fargo, also recognized Northpoint’s leadership role in this important initiative.

“I applaud Northpoint for recognizing and partnering with Radian to test its technology among a select sampling of OEM and retail customers,” he said. “After many years leading the bank’s financial commitment to the recreational marine industry, I’m convinced that relationships and the understanding of the challenges of a seasonal, cyclical, multi-segment and complicated business are keys to success. While we used the best data available to create metrics to monitor portfolio health, that data was often dated, incomplete and inaccurate, and therefore not as useful as anyone would have liked. Radian IoT offers a proven solution to improve builder, reseller, supplier (including banks and insurance companies) and consumer experience as a direct result of its revolutionary hardware, platform and monitoring technology available via its mobile app.”

Jeff Strong
Jeff Strong

Jeff Strong, Owner and President of Strong’s Marine with multiple New York retail locations, is among the first to participate in the new pilot program.

“We expect Radian telematics to improve transparency with our industry partners,” said Strong. “When our builders, banks and insurance partners understand our inventory position at all times, we are confident it will reduce administrative costs and any perceived risk.”

Parker Stair, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Helios Marine Group and Montara Boats of Loudon, Tenn., agrees.

“The data we receive from Radian is incredibly valuable,” said Stair. “We use the location data almost daily to determine where boats in transit are located. The data we receive also saves us in warranty, helps us increase turns and allows us to make smarter decisions all around.”

“We like the Radian solution because it links all stakeholders into the equation,” added John Dorton, CEO, Invincible Boats. “Manufacturers have much more intel on how our products are used so we can make smarter decisions for product development and warranty. Service providers like lenders and insurers have greater control and less risk, while consumers have greater insight and security regarding their vessel. It’s not just a valuable tool; it’s a necessity in today’s marketplace.”

For more information on Radian IoT, Inc. and its full line of capabilities, visit radianiot.com or request a demo by emailing Radian Founder/President Scott Crutchfield at scott.crutchfield@radianiot.com.

For more information on Northpoint Commercial Finance, visit www.northpointcf.com.

About Radian
Radian’s mission is to provide enterprises with the most powerful data in the Marine, Powersports & RV industries. Unlike aftermarket approaches, Radian devices are attached during the manufacturing process or prior to consumer delivery to turn assets into data generators thereby delivering data-driven intelligence. Radian leverages real-time asset and sensor data to provide supply chain optimization, intelligent logistics and asset management solutions through big data & predictive analytics. Radian provides an agile and comprehensive, SaaS platform for manufacturers, their dealers and consumers, bringing everyone together to deliver outstanding customer satisfaction. radianiot.com.

About Northpoint Commercial Finance
Northpoint Commercial Finance, with offices throughout North America, is a diversified financial solutions provider offering floorplan finance, equipment financing, inventory lending, and asset-based financing. An experienced lender, they offer a wide array of program structures to meet the needs of original equipment manufacturers, distributors, resellers and dealers in a variety of consumer and commercial products industries. Their team offers a creative, flexible and personal approach combined with innovative technologies, and streamlined processes. For more information about Northpoint’s product offerings, visit northpointcf.com.

Radian IoT (Standard) and Northpoint Commercial Finance (Strategic) are MRAA Partners.