2014 Best in Class: Best Industry Advocate

2014 Best Industry Advocate:

Russo Marine

Medford, Mass.

 

Talk to almost anyone in the marine industry and they’re going to know Russo Marine and the Russo family.

From the time the company was founded more than 70 years ago, the three generations of the Russo family have not only built one of the best dealerships in North America, they’ve also been dedicated to improving the entire marine industry by encouraging professionalism and cooperation.

Company founder John Russo was a founding member of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association and the New England Marine Trades Association.

Russo-Untitled4Current president and CEO Larry Russo Sr. has taken his father’s example of service even further, serving in leadership roles with the Massachusetts MTA, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Grow Boating and more. He has worked on boards, committees and task forces for countless causes from boat shows to industry growth. Russo has been a speaker or panelist at numerous industry events and the recipient of many awards for his service to the industry. The third generation of sons Larry Jr. and Alex has continued that service and focus on professionalism. Most recently, Alex served a stint on the MRAA’s Young Leader’s Advisory Council.

Russo Marine has also recognized the importance of improving the industry as a whole over the last year and has been a 10-year participant in the Boating Industry Top 100, offering invaluable help in improving the program. The company is also a long-time supporter of the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program.

Russo has not been afraid to embrace new opportunities and technology to move the industry forward either. In 2013, Russo Marine became the third U.S.-based dealer to carry diesel-electric-solar Greenline Yachts. The boats, ranging in size from 33 to 48 feet, bring hybrid technology to the cruiser segment. Russo is the exclusive dealer in the New England market. The technology can help bring attention to the industry from people looking to make less of an environmental footprint.

Russo-Untitled3“The more we dug, the more we liked, the more we found, the more it was interesting,” Larry Russo Sr. said. “Then I found they built 300 of these during the recessionary period, and then sold them all  — they’re not sitting on inventory around the world looking for buyers. This convinced us that this boat has merit, that there’s a price point, there’s a buyer, there’s a believer in this technology.”

The changes in the industry from multiples booms to busts over the last 70+ years have taught Russo Marine that sitting back waiting isn’t the way to find success. It’s a message that Russo tries to share with others through industry education and advocacy.

“I say this to a lot of people, from my father, to me, to my two sons; we’ve never drawn a paycheck outside of the family business. We’ve got a lot invested in this,” Russo said. “I can go around being sad all day long about what boating used to be and the glory days, but you can’t do that. You have to look at today and you have to look at tomorrow and say, ‘How do I re-shape my business to the new norm?’”

Russo Marine also works to raise the profile of boating in its New England market through a number of events and creative marketing, from AquaPalooza to boat shows. The company also has educated thousands of boaters over the last 16 years through the course offered at its dealerships. Every Saturday from October thru March, Russo conducts training classes to teach people how to be better, safer boaters.

 

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