Dealers share Best Ideas at MDCE
November 9, 2011
Filed under MDCE News, News
ORLANDO — At a panel during the 2011 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo, four dealers shared their innovative ideas as part of this year’s Best Ideas program.
The dealers were Rob Soucy of Port Harbor Marine, Joe Lewis of Mount Dora Boating Center, Art Olson of Farm Island Repair and Marine and Eric Splatt of Woodard Marine. The four dealers were chosen by a panel from Boating Industry magazine from among all the submissions to the program.
Soucy shared his company’s in-water used boat show concept, which helps the company drive used boat sales as well as gain brokerage customers immediately prior to their winter slowdown.
Lewis discussed his company’s Assurance program, which helps the dealership set itself apart and gain customers by becoming a trusted resource for buyers looking to purchase a used boat.
Olson discussed his company’s idea to create and manufacture their own dock line. The line enables the company to create work for its mechanics during the slow winter months and provides a new revenue stream for the business.
Finally, Splatt discussed his company’s implementation of QR codes. Woodard Marine has integrated the technology into every aspect of its business, using them to place walk-through videos on boats, explanatory videos on repair orders and soon, safety videos on its rental fleet.
After hearing the ideas, the audience voted to select an overall “Best Idea” of the year. The winner of the contest will be announced today during a presentation at lunch at the MDCE.
