RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

MINNEAPOLIS – Under the gray skies of today’s troubled economy, it’s critical now more than ever that boating consumers find reliable, reputable dealers with the staying power to guide them through a lifetime of boating journeys. These consumers now have a trusted source they can turn to, thanks to Boating Industry magazine’s third annual Top 100 Dealers.
This marine dealer ranking has resulted in an incredibly powerful group that collectively generates more than $2 billion in annual retail sales. While the U.S. boat industry has recently experienced a decline in unit sales, this group has been thriving, delivering an average year-over-year revenue growth of almost 13 percent.
The Top 100 ranking recognizes those marine dealers that are unsurpassed in overall business operations, customer service, marketing and professionalism. Collectively, the 2007 Boating Industry Top 100 employ more than 5,250 people and operate 289 retail locations across North America.
When you add in Boating Industry’s 2007 Top 100 Dealer Hall of Fame Award Recipient MarineMax Inc., those numbers become even more impressive. Total retail sales rise to more than $3.2 billion — more than 8 percent of the entire $39 billion marine market — employment figures jump to nearly 7,500 and total locations rise to 377.
“While most industry awards are given to those dealers that sell the most boats, our Top 100 program is much more qualitatively focused,” said Matt Gruhn, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry, “thereby leveling the playing field for all dealers and directing consumers to those dealers that can best deliver on the dream that boat ownership promises.”
Boating Industry’s editorial staff reviewed almost 400 applications, culled from more than 3,000 nominations. The applications asked both quantitative and qualitative questions regarding all aspects of marine dealer operations.
“The Boating Industry Top 100 has, in short order, become the most coveted award in the marine market,” explained Tammy Galvin, vice president of Ehlert Publishing Group’s Consumer Boating and Trade Groups. “Marine dealers are on the front line with consumers every day, and this is one way we can help provide much needed benchmarking information for all other dealers to measure themselves against.”
To help bring the Boating Industry Top 100 to life, Ehlert Publishing Group, the magazine’s parent company, created the Leadership Alliance, an elite group of the marine industry’s leading suppliers. These companies were invited to participate because they possess, as one of their corporate values, a true belief in and commitment to raising the bar of professionalism across all marine industry sectors, and particularly for dealers.
The 2007 Leadership Alliance members include: BRP US Inc. /Evinrude, GE Capital Solutions & GE Money, Yamaha Marine Group, BoatTrader, Volvo Penta, ADP Lightspeed, Honda Marine, Channel Blade Technologies, Manheim Specialty Auctions and the Marine Retailers Association of America.

---

Dec.1 2007 - H&S Yacht Sales named Top2007 Dealer for Sales and Service for both Hunter Sailboats and Jeanneau Sailboats
in North America

Click here to read the press release in .pdf format

To become certified, a dealership must demonstrate their commitment to excellence by meeting high standards in key areas: