CWB/Connelly Greg Kish Miami Ski Nautique

WINTER 2013
Summit
in the Snow
Inside the Annual Industry Conference in Steamboat, CO
Manufacturer Profile
CWB/Connelly
Slingshot Director of Sales
Greg Kish
Retail Spotlight
Miami Ski Nautique
+MEMBER DIRECTORY
Published by the
1
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS
Strategic Plan
With an ongoing effort to move
the WSIA and our industry forward, we are continuously analyzing our strengths and weaknesses
and taking your suggestions for
how to improve. One year ago,
this took shape as our first Strategic Plan that was presented to
the WSIA Board of Directors. This
document was the result of a lot
of work from a lot of people. Jim
Emmons, President of the WSIA,
James Krawczyk, our marketing
and social media genius, along
with the help of Consensus Communications of Orlando, put together a 44-page report and plan
that is reviewed every quarter.
other WSIA divisions, cable park
members are now able to download universally adopted liability
waivers and on-site warning sign
language via their unique password.
Jim is now working on the Camps
and Schools division in the same
manner. We hope to have a core
group of interested Camps and
Schools owners at the 2013 Summit in the Snow, where this work
will continue to develop. Jim was
able to bring over 20 Camps and
Schools for a preview meeting at
Surf Expo, and with that kind of
turnout we’re optimistic that we
will see similar numbers at the
Summit to hammer out the first
round of deliverables to this group.
How Did We Do?
We are pleased to report the
WSIA had its second straight year
of growth in both membership
and revenue. Thanks to the efforts
of Jim Emmons we were able
to add several new “silos” to our
membership base. The cable park
industry has been on our radar for
years, but Jim was able to round
up a core group to attend the 2012
Summit in the Snow and show
them what we could do for them.
Seven months later we again
brought this unique “silo” together at September’s Surf Expo and
made good on our promise to provide the most comprehensive risk
management program to date for
cable park operators. Similar to
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New Summit
Sponsors
WSIA is pleased to announce that
Surf Expo has stepped up to a
“name-in-title” position for the
2013 Summit in the Snow. We are
also pleased to announce Clarion
Marine audio as the Summit’s
presenting sponsor. Other long
time sponsors include The Rietz
Law Firm, Belter Insurance, Murphy Systems, Boating World and
World Sports & Marketing.
WSIA Dealer
Alliance
One of our most ambitious projects today for the Summit in the
Snow has been the creation of the
WSIA Dealer Alliance. Jim, who
has turned out to be the true visionary of the WSIA, met with Bill
McCaffray at the 2012 Summit and
asked Bill to help lead the effort
to get more dealers to participate
in the Summit in the Snow. The
premise was quite simple. The
more dealers that attend the Summit will cause more manufacturers
to attend. With the Board’s approval, the WSIA Dealer Alliance
has created with what we believe
are the top 21 dealers diversely and
equitably representing our core
manufacturer members. They are
a combination of pro shops, boat
dealers and those that provide
both. As of mid-January, the following dealers had committed to
attend: Ambush/Buywake, M&M
WaterSports/Boardco, Miami Ski
Nautique, Tommy’s Slalom shop,
Texas Ski Ranch, Minnesota Inboard Water Sports, Transition
WaterSports and Action Water
Sports from Michigan. With the
help of some creative ideas and
Bill’s hardworking team, we have
already tripled the number of
dealer registrations over last year
and we expect that this number
will grow substantially through
February.
Dan Clark
The WSIA secured Hall of Fame
professional speaker and former
NFL player, Dan Clark for the
Summit’s keynote address. Jim
Emmons presented the concept
to hire Dan at WSIA’s September
board meeting where he played a
video excerpt of Dan’s work. Jim
has seen Dan speak on two previous occasions and raved about
how he can emotionally move the
audience. Jim’s comment was,
“He will give Bill Walton a run for
his money!” referring the to 2010
presentation at Park City where
NBA Hall of Famer, Bill Walton
wowed the audience with the best
speech the Summit ever had. As
a primary contributing author of
the famous Chicken Soup for the
Soul series, Dan Clark calls himself a “story-teller” and his twenty-plus years of story telling have
landed him in the Speaker’s Hall
of Fame with the likes of Zig Ziglar, Art Linkletter, Ronald Reagan,
Colin Powell and Norman Vincent
Peale to name a few. Dan has also
been to the Middle East and Afghanistan several times to speak
to our troops. If you have never
been to the Summit in the Snow,
this is your chance to come to one
of our industry’s most rewarding
events and to get a chance to hear
a world-class speaker.
Be a part of the
Dealer Alliance
Maybe you’ve heard of this effort
and maybe you were not targeted
to be included in this year’s elite
group. Would you like to be? We
want dealers that understand what
the WSIA can do for them and
how we work behind the scenes
to make sure you have access to
waterways in your local market.
The first step in the process would
be to attend the Summit in the
Snow 2013. You can get the same
discounted registration, the same
killer room deal, and the same free
lift ticket as Dealer Alliance members. You will get to come to all
the same breakouts and seminars.
And most importantly, you will be
sending a strong message to your
manufacturer reps and executives
that you “get it,” and are part of
this industry’s core group.
Pennsylvania
Law Passed
We have been working with the
State of Pennsylvania for the last
18 months. Pennsylvania was considering adopting the Indiana law
regarding wakesurfing. Indiana
became the first state to outlaw
wakesurfing behind an outboard
or inboard/outboard while making it legal to wakesurf behind an
inboard or V-drive powered boat.
We are pleased to report that that
the Pennsylvania law went into
effect Jan 1, 2013. This is another
huge victory for the WSIA and
our dealers. Just imagine the loss
of revenue had wakesurfing been
outlawed behind all boats in Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia
as it was originally proposed! The
WSIA thwarted yet another assault on our financial well being!
We will be sending out a WSAN
alert on this exciting news in the
next few weeks.
Kevco
And now the best for last. We think
that Water Sports Retailer (WSR)
can and should be one of the most
valuable tools for our dealers. So,
we’re pleased to announce that
we were able to hire one of the
most dialed-in editors we could
find. Please welcome Kevin Michael (a.k.a. Kevco) to the WSIA
team as the editor of WSR. Kevco
brings a lifelong passion and experience, taking to the water at
five years old and progressing to
become a professional water skier.
His love for wakeboarding led him
into the editor position at WAKEBOARDING Magazine, where he
authored countless articles and
tested every boat on the market
for many years. Kevco is a respected industry insider that has had a
finger on the pulse of this industry
for 15 years. Please help us welcome Kevco to the team. Feel free
to contact him with any ideas you
have: kevco@kevcomedia.com
3
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5
MANUFACTURER PROFILE
Connelly/CWB/Proline
Standing By Their Original Mission Statement Since 1965.
Interview with Kevco and Jay Quam, VP Sales & Marketing
Kevco: What is your company
What are dealers doing these
What is the value in overseas
philosophy on keeping the deal-
days that are really helping sales?
production now compared to the
ers happy, helping them sell
Before the recession, everybody
past?
though, etc.?
was able to ride the wave, so to
Overseas production was awe-
Jay: From the beginning, we’ve
speak. But these days, the dealers
some in year’s past, but it’s be-
had a mission statement ‘to be the
that are successful are the ones
come costly. It’s time consuming
leader in quality products, innova-
putting in the time and energy
and shipping expenses can be
tion and customer satisfaction.’
into making things happen. How
hard to control. Every year we
Even though it’s an old saying, it’s
you do that is by staying involved
come closer to bringing more pro-
been something that still holds
in the sport by doing events, pro-
duction back to the US. We have
true, and we really are committed
motions and being active on so-
kept our factory and the skilled
to all those things and you can’t
cial media – basically pushing the
labor here the whole time just in
have one without the other. We’ve
sport proactively instead of wait-
case we get to that point. We are
been doing this since 1965 and it’s
ing for people to walk in the shop.
pretty close to that point right
still the same commitment today.
Keeping yourself relevant is an
now.
We also spend a lot of time listen-
ongoing initiative and having an
ing to dealers and consumers to
online presence is more important
Your product line is becoming
really help people enjoy their time
now than ever.
quite diverse. Are you seeing
on the water.
growth in other segments besides core wakeboarding and waterskiing?
Gabe Lucas. Photo: Meddock
6
CWB Team rider Will Christien. Photo: Meddock
Having a diverse product line is
manufacturers have the coastal
you won’t be around.
also a key. Waterski sales are down,
areas locked up, but if you look at
You’ve obviously been realis-
wakeboards are steady, tubes are
our distribution, it’s mostly all in-
tic on the manufacturing side as
cranking, standup paddleboards
land, lakes and rivers. Our biggest
well. We hear dealers saying that
are unbelievable and believe it or
growth this year will be with SUPs,
your products ship on time, have
not, kneeboards are strong. Wake-
towables and kneeboards.
low warranty claims, etc.
surfing, while the numbers are still
Warranty is key. I’ve been here for
smaller than other lines, is showing
Your longevity in this industry is
over 20 years and in the nineties,
incredible growth. So having our
obvious to all of us involved. What
we had a warranty nightmare or
hands in all those areas helps us
is the key to that vitality and how
two. But now, in the summertime,
weather the storm if one segment
were you able to overcome chal-
we have two people in our war-
is having an off year. We don’t rely
lenges like the recession?
ranty department and in the win-
on one area to make or break us.
We’ve always been realistic about
ter we only need one. Basically
what the market is doing and what
we build a quality product that
Explain your success in the SUP
we can sell. We budget accord-
doesn’t break. And if we have a
market.
ingly and stick to those budgets.
problem in production, we shut
Last year, we started out conser-
There are a lot of examples in this
down production until it’s figured
vatively and we sold about three
industry where those boundaries
out. So if there is a problem out
times what we thought we’d sell.
are not considered and people go
in the field, we’re backing it up
We could have done more. So
outside what is realistic. It’s critical
with service and standing by the
now, it’s really blowing up and we
to have people on staff who are
product by taking care of both the
are offering six boards in the line
passionate about the sport, but
dealer and the customer. That’s a
with free freight through our nor-
you have to be smart about the
company philosophy.
mal distribution channels. The surf
way you run a business otherwise
Connelly’s Jamie Beauchesne. Photo: Kris Dobbins
Josh Twelker & Mike Dowdy. Photo: Meddock
7
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Greg Kish
How Slingshot Sports Established a Winning Strategy
By: Kevco
Greg Kish
Title: Director Of Sales
Years With Slingshot: 11
With your 2007 launch in the
wake market, there was some
skepticism
that
a
kiteboard
manufacturer would make it as a
wakeboard brand. Were you feeling that?
Yes. Our competitors would sell
against our brand with this story,
but the history runs deep with our
design team in the wakeboard
industry. Tony Logosz worked
with Herb O’Brien to help design
the first Darin Shapiro pro model
and he also did design work with
Bill McCaffray back in the Neptune days. I’m fortunate to work
for a brand that is very passionate about watersports and has a
8
strong track record developing
Ride Shop and Chuck Morrow
innovative products and bringing
from Ambush Boarding Co. were
new technologies that change the
early believers.
game. It was also helpful that Liq-
uid Force has a strong kiteboard-
There seems to be respect in the
ing division and is also a leader in
way you were just talking about
the wakeboarding market.
other brands in the market. And
people say you have good cama-
What were your biggest chal-
raderie with competing reps from
lenges as a new brand in wake?
other brands. That is unusual. Ex-
The timing of our launch could
plain your perspective there.
have been better. We missed fall
We work in an incredible industry
Surf Expo in September 2006 and
and everyone is passionate about
thought we could deliver product
action sports. I find common
in February 2007 and still get deal-
ground with the other sales reps
ers on board. Ronix also launched
in the way they live their lives and
around the same time and did a
private showing of their new products to their core dealers at OWC
in Orlando. By the time we had
product to show, the dealers had
already spent their pre-book dollars and were very excited to support Paul and Herb O’Brien’s new
company. It was not easy but our
story did resonate with a few key
dealers and they took some risk
and brought in a few units. John
Vincent from Active Watersports,
Wade Wagley from Greenhouse
Greg Kish, product testing
how they choose to spend their
What is they key to Slingshot’s
were many skeptics and our com-
free time. Wakeboarding, snow-
success?
petitors used this skepticism to
boarding, skiing, skateboarding,
I think the leadership and vision
pigeonhole the product into cable
surfing, kiteboarding, motocross,
that Jeff Logosz provides the
or rail-specific applications. The
mountain
company is probably the most
truth is, our product works great
important. Jeff and Tony Logosz
behind the boat, on the cable, or
biking,
wakeskating,
wakesurfing,
standup
paddle-
boarding – these are
all great sports and I
find that many of us
share the same values. I think it’s also
important to look at
riding
“If all brands can work
together to make the dealer
stronger then we all benefit.”
obstacles.
LIPSMACK
did
a
great job of showcasing
the
brand
and the unique style
of our riders.
the bigger picture
and this is really amplified when
are the founders of our brand and
What has Shredtown done for
you’re working with other reps
their passion for watersports is au-
the brand and the sport overall?
at dealer sponsored events like
thentic and real. They truly want to
Shredtown is probably one of the
boat shows, demo days, and sales
produce products that have an im-
most authentic stories in the sport
events). All of the major brands
pact and lead to progression.
of
operate under a dealer-based dis-
them sending their YouTube vid-
tribution model. So in theory, if all
What did the movie LIPSMACK
eos to us back in the early days. I’m
brands can work together to make
do for you as a brand?
not sure where they bought their
the dealer stronger then we all
LIPSMACK was very well received
product or how they heard about
benefit. Don’t get me wrong, I en-
and I think it provided a bit of
the brand but the videos started
joy the competitive nature of the
legitimacy to the brand for the
coming in. We would all gather
sales effort, but working together
wakeboarding skeptics. Our sto-
around the computer screen and
is key.
ry in wakeboarding has revolved
say “holy s--- look what these
around a single word, FLEX. There
kids are doing with our product.”
Taking the kite to the waves
wakeboarding.
I
remember
Mrs. Kish enjoying some SUP scenery
(Photos courtesy Kish family album)
9
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
I think Logosz was proud on those
and Mauricio Abreu for Kite.
what is the key to keeping your
days because he clearly saw both
dealers happy?
impact and progression from his
In the beginning, you seemed to
Customer service, sales support,
efforts.
deliver core products, but now
extended dating, preseason dis-
are offering kids products, wake
counts, freight incentives, war-
Do you see winching as an area
surfers and SUPs. Explain that
ranty support, efficient communi-
that will grow, or will it always be
growth in strategy and how is it
cation and follow up. Our partners
a niche?
working out?
expect us to deliver what we
Anything that gives you a pull is
Kid products are in the pipe for
promise and provide value to their
cool. Not sure about the growth of
sure -- Tony and Jeff both have
business. They depend on us to
the winch, but I say, ‘go for it and
young children approaching the
create great products with innova-
show us what is possible.’
grom age group and trust me,
tion that matters (not just hype).
these kids are going to have great
They need us to deliver this prod-
How would you explain your team
products to ride. The good news is
uct on time, at the right price with
overall? What type of riders do
that all kids in this age group are
incredible marketing support to
you go for?
going to benefit – timing is every-
create end user demand and drive
Our team is rad. Honestly, I have
thing. Wakesurfers and standup
sell through.
very little input regarding team
paddleboards are a natural exten-
selection or advancement. I will
sion of Tony’s knowledge and ex-
Why would a customer choose
work with shops directly to help
pertise in shaping and allows us to
Slingshot
groom the ‘shop riders’ but this is
offer a more robust product line to
Riders should buy Slingshot not
where I draw the line. Once it goes
our partners.
solely because of the product we
Greg Kish, all-weather waterman
10
other
brands?
make, but why we make it. We
to the next level I hand them off to
the experts – Jeff McKee for Wake
over
Being an independent brand,
are a passionate group of action
sports participants and we take
I graduated from Penn State with
pride in the product we produce.
a degree in Finance but my path
One of the favorite aspects of my
down the watersports industry
job is to take dealers/riders/media
road started with my summer job
partners on a factory tour in North
on the Outer Banks of North Caro-
Bonneville, Washington. Our fac-
lina. I worked for five years at Kitty
tory is amazing and the fact we
Hawk Sports and ran their school/
produce boards in the USA is
rental location. We had it all and
awesome. The attention to detail
couldn’t have asked for a bet-
and pride from the people mak-
ter summer job – WaveRunners,
ing your product is insane – if you
parasailing,
have a chance check out our fac-
windsurfing, and Hobie cats. This
tory video at
was all before kiteboarding came
http://vimeo.com/52255332
along.
Personally, what is your partici-
How does the Internet and online
distribution services we bring to
pant level in the sports you deal
sales affect your business and the
the table.
with? It seems like you live the
relationship with your dealers?
lifestyle and are a participant.
The Internet brings many chal-
What is Slingshot’s long-term
I married an amazing girl and my
lenges and opportunities. It is
strategy and how are you grow-
wife and I are fortunate to enjoy
here to stay and has will continue
ing the sport specifically?
many outdoor activities. We have
to transform the world of retail
Continue building great products
dirtbikes, mountain bikes, skis,
sales. We have an online store
with innovation that matters and
snowboards, surfboards, paddle-
and implemented the Shopatron
provide value to our partners, rid-
boards and kiteboarding gear. The
model for our partners on fulfill-
ers, employee’s and investors. In
Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood
ment. Some of our partners love
terms of sport growth I think we
and Pacific Ocean are all relatively
Shopatron and some do not. The
have to look at the cable parks.
close to Hood River, Oregon so we
Internet will continue to evolve --
These parks are going to have
have many options. One of these
brands/distributors/retailers must
an incredible long term effect on
days we will get a boat but for
embrace change and develop cre-
the watersports industry. Kids will
now if we want to wakeboard or
ative solutions to these changes.
grow up and develop friendships
wakesurf we must pester the crew
riding the cable – then they will
at Active Watersports in Portland
How is it working with the crew at
get older and get jobs. One of
Oregon for a ride. I’m confident
REMOTE Wakeskates?
their buddies will buy a boat, an-
that one day soon a determined
Silas Thurman has done an amaz-
other one will take up kiteboard-
entrepreneur will actually build a
ing job creating end user demand
ing, the third will get into surfing
cable park in the Northwest and
for his brand and our relationship
or paddleboarding. This is where
the riders will rejoice.
seems to work really well. Silas is
the crossover will begin because
very creative and has strong vi-
they have one common waters-
How did you get your start in the
sion and I think he appreciates the
ports bond – wakeboarding at the
watersports industry?
quality of our construction and
cable park.
surfboards,
kayaks,
Greg & his wife out on the trails
11
12
13
RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
Miami Ski Nautique
Kim Laursen,
Co-Founder
ners, co-owners of a ski boat, and
spent many years traveling the
southern US, and Europe “chasing buoys.” Henrik’s plan was to
return home to Denmark, while
mine was to live near my family
in Illinois. Somehow, we just never managed to quit skiing long
enough to move away from south
Henrik, Kirk and Kim Laursen
by Nautique. Being three avid
Charleston, South Carolina. Hen-
Nautique fans, the conversation
rik, being the salesman that he is,
eventually centered on starting a
somehow convinced me to plan a
small boat dealership. Miami Nau-
wedding near Trophy Lakes on a
tique was founded in 1998, with
Friday night, so we could ski the
Rony as a silent partner. In 2007,
record tournament starting the
we bought Rony’s shares, and be-
next morning.
came sole owners.
What year was Miami Nautique
Miami
literally
Back in the day, we were a six-boat
founded, and what was business
founded on the water. Between
dealership sharing space with
like at that time?
sets of driving, coaching, and ski-
a miami bus company. We had
Miami Nautique is a family run
ing, we often had “wouldn’t if be
one full time service technician,
business located in Miami, FL with
cool if…” conversations in the boat.
a website manager, and a part
a satellite location in Pomano
Some of these talks included our
time bookkeeper. Our boats were
Beach. Our Nautique dealership,
friend, Rony Siekaly who was play-
selling, and we received enough
service center, and water sports
ing center for the Orlando Magic
water sports equipment special
pro shop is owned and operated
at the time, and was sponsored
requests, to open a very lean pro
by my husband, Henrik Laursen,
and myself. We’ve been passionately involved in water sports for
the past 25 years.
Henrik and I met at McGinnis Ski
School in Ft. Lauderdale. I was a
school teacher driving and coaching skiers, during summer break.
and Henrik was a financial manager of a Scandinavian company .
We became quick friends, ski part-
14
Florida. Eventually, we married in
Nautique
was
shop.
The Miami Ski Nautique team
When did you open the second
It seems like Miami would be a
derstands the needs of high-end
satellite location, and how is that
market different than any oth-
competitors as well as local fami-
working out?
er. What makes your situation
lies. To this end, each and every
About a year ago we opened our
unique?
staff member is a passionate wa-
satellite location on Chrystal Lake
Miami is a great place to call home,
ter sports athlete with technical
in Pompano. This is about an hour
and yes, our market tends be
knowledge of equipment. Since
north of Miami, and home to Dean
unique. For one, we clearly have a
Miami is a popular tourism destina-
Lavelle’s LTS wakeboard school.
warm climate. Therefore, we don’t
tion, our staff is also multilingual,
It’s also just minutes from the Ski
have a predictably slow season,
fluently speaking nine languages.
Rixen cable park, McGinnis Ski
and we have the capability to host
Being located on the coast, much
School, and Chet Raley’s Palm
events year round. The climate is
of our boat market is on salt water.
Beach training center. We’ve got
perfect for ski/wake schools as
This tends to make our boat prep
a fresh water lake for demoing
well, so it gives us an opportunity
and service unique in comparison
boats and equipment, so we’re
to support schools, athletes, and
to the fresh water market. Coastal
happy there, and the store is gain-
coaches.
rent and property tend to run on
ing momentum.
It’s imperative that our staff un-
the high side as well.
15
Sunset at Miami Ski Nautique North.
Finally, our ice hockey team is a
G23 wakeboard boat, Nautique
locally in tournaments. Over the
bit unique to south Florida busi-
earned the water sports indus-
years, we’ve developed very spe-
ness. Henrik, along with several
try’s “Manufacturer of the Year” as
cial lifelong relationships with our
staff members, and customers, are
well as “Most Innovative Product
international customers, and enjoy
avid hockey players on our Miami
of the Year.” With the addition of
serving them.
Nautique Hanson Bros ice hockey
the G25, and the NSS Surf System,
We also have representatives in
team.
it’s clearly evident that Nautique
each country to offer local assis-
is not happy with the status quo,
tance to customers as needed.
What types of features are really
which fits our business rational
On any given day, up to eight lan-
helping sell boats these days?
perfectly.
guages are spoken in our pro shop,
We’re proud to represent an in-
16
so it’s important that our staff is
novative and progressive manu-
Explain how the international
multilingual, and understands the
facturer like Nautique. They con-
side of your business works.
cultures of other countries. Our
tinue to step it up year after year
We’ve worked very hard and dili-
by introducing game changing
gently, to develop our interna-
boats, and shifting the landscape
tional business. Miami is a hub for
of water sports. For example, the
Latin America with people travel-
Ski Nautique 200 was introduced
ing to and through our city on a
in 2010, and since then, has set
rather routine basis. Many have
more world records than most
second homes or businesses in
other boat companies combined.
Miami, while others are visiting
With last year’s introduction of the
family, vacationing, or competing
It’s a family business!
Marketing the Miami Ski Nautique business at special events both in the US and abroad.
priority is that clients can feel at
monetary values and import taxa-
clinics at our local ski club, World
home when they deal with Miami
tion as well.
Games Cali, Pan American Cham-
Nautique, whether it’s by email, in
pionships, The Beach Games in
person, or over the phone, in their
You
South
Venezuela, various South Ameri-
home language or ours.
America, etc. What is your strat-
can National Championships, the
At the end of the day, we’re all
egy there?
US National Championships, and
speaking the same language – a
We sponsor athletes and events in
the Miami Nautique Intl Record
true passion for the water.
every country, in order to support
slalom and Latin American Big
the sport, and give back to our
Dawg held in Miami. We’re also
customers and friends.
involved in a Miami cable project,
What are the biggest challenges
support
riders
in
there?
which is scheduled to open in the
International shipping and warran-
What types of special events or
ties can be a challenge. Since each
promotions are you working on
country has different customs reg-
this year?
Anything else you want to
ulations, accomplishing smooth
Our next events are the Nautique
touch on?
transitions from country to coun-
Big Dawg tournament in Chile,
Just a big thanks to the manufac-
try can be difficult. Additionally,
and the Miami International Boat
turers who continue to send us
some countries go through times
Show in February. Some other
enough quality innovative prod-
of political instability, affecting
events we’re involved in are: kids’
uct to keep our customers hungry,
next year.
give us great training, and support
us year after year. Finally, a note of
appreciation for the WSIA and all
they do for the industry.
The hockey team
Branded events and materials
17
“Daddy, you promised to
wear your life jacket!”
Trust us, she’ll know if you don’t.
Brought to you by the National Safe Boating
Council and the women who nag love you.
safeboatingcampaign.com
18
19
GUEST EDITORIAL
Summit in the Snow Draws
Largest Attendance Ever
New Dealer Alliance Program Brings 14 Shops
The view from the gondola, on the way up the mountain. Photo: Kevco
With a new location in Steam-
The WSIA Dealer Alliance Group
top executives, and it provides
boat, Colorado and new, world-
recognized top performance in
a priceless value to everyone in-
class speakers in the lineup, the
watersports with a special award
volved. The Tommy’s Slalom Shop
2013 Summit in the Snow hosted
and the opportunity to participate
group of dealers (which recently
over 170 attendees at the Steam-
in an open forum discussion on
grew to three shops nationwide)
boat Grand Resort on March 5-7.
how to improve the marketplace
left with an invaluable experience.
The new “WSIA Dealer Alliance”
for all dealers.
Founder Tommy Phillips is now
program, driven by Alliance
20
a consultant for the group and
Multimedia brought 14 leading
Now in its 7th year, the Summit in
said, “This year’s Summit was the
shops to the Summit, surpassing
the Snow has proven to be a man-
best ever! Without the skills we
the previous dealer mark of four.
datory event for the industry’s
learned, we could not compete at
As the final meetings concluded
and everyone hit the slopes once
again, the 2013 Summit in the
Snow was considered by all to be
a unanimous success. The WSIA
would like to thank its sponsorship supporters; Surf Expo,
Clarion Audio, Belter Insurance,
Reitz Law Firm, Alliance Multithe highest level. The legal advice
Morning seminars gave people
and the new WSIA Dealer Alliance
options on which breakouts to at-
have shaped the way top dealers
tend and covered everything from
lead the industry. We will attend
risk management to social media
the crucial meetings every year to
and Internet marketing.
maintain our edge.”
media, Boating World Magazine,
OJ Props, and World Sports &
Marketing.
Speakers
Peter Reitz & Associates:
Risk Management
Dr. Dan Maxim:
Product Stewardship
Greg Walthour:
SEO Domination
James Krawczyk:
Photoshop & WordPress
Keynote Speakers Dan Clark (L) and Ted Murphy (R). Photo: Meddock
The opening night featured Dan
Ted Murphy, from Izea.com in
Clark, a professional speaker and
Orlando, entertained the entire
recent Speaker’s Hall of Fame in-
group with the second keynote
ductee, who delivered a comedic
on Wednesday night. Murphy did
and inspirational keynote on “The
his homework on our industry’s
Art Of Significance” and achiev-
performance in the areas of SEO
ing the level beyond success.
and social media. He gave us the
With the WSIA’s emphasis on
roadmap to success and delivered
relevance, this night really set the
several messages on how to get
tone for a great event.
results.
David Mihm:
Local Search Strategy
Darlynn Nangano:
Social Media & Marketing
Sunny Grosso &
Shereen Eltobgy:
Delivering Happiness
In The Workplace
Capt. Richard Moore:
Boating Law Administrators
Greg Agnew:
The State of
Electronic Releases
21
MEMBER DIRECTORY
MANUFACTURERS:
BOATS
Skier’s Choice
Connelly Skis
Liquid Force
Maryville, TN
(865) 983-9924
www.skierschoice.com
Lynnwood, WA
(425)-775-5416
www.connellyskis.com
Encinitas, CA
(760) 943-8364
www.liquidforce.com
Creative Water Sports
Nash Mfg / Nash Sports
Redlands, CA
909-335-1885
www.ezski.net
Fort Worth, TX
800-433-2901
www.nashmfg.com
Big Rapids, MI
888-661-2263
www.acmemarine.com
Custom Chutes, Inc.
O’Brien International
Bradenton, FL
941-753-4818
Redmond, WA
407-852-2424
www.obrien.com
Agenda Surf
Eagle Sports
Bryant Boats
Sweetwater, TN
(423) 337-3639
www.bryantboats.com
Correct Craft
Orlando, FL
(407) 855-4141
www.nautiques.com
CWS Boats
Cape May, NJ
(609) 780-6326
www.cwsboats.com
Fineline Industries
Merced, CA
(209) 384-0255
www.centurionboats.com
GE Capital
Hoffman Estates, IL
248-625-3650
www.gecaptial.com
Malibu Boats
Merced, CA
(209) 383-7469
MANUFACTURERS:
EQUIPMENT
Acme Propellers
Chula Vista, CA
619-318-4848
www.agendasurf.com
AM Skis
Orlando, FL
407-412-5971
www.amskis.com
Aquaglide/Northsports
White Salmon, WA
509-493-4938
www.aquaglide.com
Body Glove Int’l
Redondo Beach, CA
310-374-3441
www.bodyglove.com
Houston, TX
800-862-4424
www.eaglesports.com
Bonnier/Transworld
Wakeboarding
Winter Park, FL
407-628-4802
www.bonniercorp.com
Sanger Boats
Fresno, CA
(559) 485-2842
www.sangerboats.com
22
Redmond, WA
206-257-2301
www.solowatersports.com
HO Sports
Redmond, WA
(425)-885-3505
www.hosports.com
Performance Diesel
Webster, TX
281-464-2345
performancediesel.com
Jobe Sports USA
Orlando, FL
407-352-3655
www.jobesports.com
Pleasurecraft
KC Technology/D3 Skis
Revel Match / Rave
Sports
Ellensburg, WA
509-933-2312
www.d3skis.com
MasterCraft Boat Co.
Vonore, TN
(423) 884-2221
www.mastercraft.com
Pacific Watercraft
Little Mountain, SC
www.pleasurecraft.com
St. Paul, MN
651-255-4805
www.ravesports.com
Kent Sporting Goods
New London, OH
www.kentwatersports.com
Roswell Wake-Air
Cocoa, FL
321-890-7120
www.roswellwakeair.com
Kwik Tek
Comptech / Sky Ski
Redding, CA
530-244-6837
www.inboardsports.com
Denver, CO
303-733-3722
www.airhead.com
Slingshot Sports
Hood River, OR
509-427-4950
www.slingshotsports.com
Sport Dimension
Action Water Sports, Inc.
Bart’s Water Sports
Deep Creek Marina
Carson, CA
310-320-7873
www.sportdimension.com
Hudsonville, MI
810-629-1342
actionwater.com
North Webster, IN
(574)-834-7666
McHenry, MD
301-387-6977
Square One Dist.
Action Water Sports of
Issaquah, WA
425-369-6850
www.squareoneco.com
deepcreekmarina.com
Bennett’s Boat & Ski
Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Zachary, LA
225-654-9306
bennettsboatandski.com
action-watersports.com
Active Water Sports
Beaverton, OR
503-643-5018
Springville, UT
801-747-3539
www.boardco.com
activeh2o.com
Adrenaline Watersports
Boulder City, NV
702-293-1122
www.boulderboats.com
Belevue, WA
425-746-9253
adrenalinewatesports.com
Ambush / Buywake.com
Elkton, MD
410-620-2628
www.chessiemarine.com
Kennesaw, GA
770-974-9757
www.ambushboardco.com
Cleveland Boat Center
ZF Marine LLC
Dartmouth, MA
401-261-1964
www.zf-marine.com
Aqua Sport Marine
Ilmington, IL
(815) 476-7802
www.docksidemarine.net
Driport Marine
O’Fallon, MO
(636) 978-9999
www.driport.com
Flash Watersports &
Marina
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
973-663-7990
www.flashmarina.com
Fort Fremont Marine
Fremont, WI
920-446-3220
www.fortfremont.com
Club Royale Marina
Art in Surf
Fenton, MI
810-629-1342
actionwater.com
Cleveland, TN
423-472-1201
clevelandboatcenter.com
Lebanon, TN
615-444-2628
www.aquasportmarine.com
DEALERS
Action Water Sports
of Fenton
Dockside Marine
Chessie Marine Sales
WOW World of
Watersports
Boystown, NE
(402) 516-8034
www.wowwatersports.com
Hot Springs, AZ
501-760-7100
diamonlakewatersports.com
Boulder Boats
WaterSki America
Dallas, TX
972-620-2377
www.waterskiamerica.com
Watersports
BoardCo. Inc
Wake Journal
Orlando, FL
407-476-4791
www.wakejournal.com
Diamond Lakes
Cayucos, CA
805-440-6065
www.artinsurf.com
Waterford, MI
248-681-9100
clubroyale.net
Gull Lake Marine
Richland, MI
267-627-4507
www.gulllakemarine.com
Conneaut Lake
Navigation
Barefoot Central
Katy, TX
281-395-9751
www.barefootcentral.com
Conneaut Lake, PA
814-382-3255
www.navcompany.com
Heinen’s Motorsports
Osseo, MN
763-425-2178
heinenmotorsports.com
23
MEMBER DIRECTORY
Hyperactive
Watersports
Chestermere, Alberta, CA
hyperactivewatersports.
com
Memphis Boat Center
Memphis, TN
901-744-4444
www.memphisboatcenter.com
New Found Boat
Shoppe
Bristol, NH
603-744-0777
newfoundboatshoppe.com
Redline Water Sports
Chilliwaer, BC
www.tige.ca
Regal Marine Pty Ltdt
Miami Ski Nautique
Island City Watersports
Cumberland, WI
715-822-8337
islandcitywatersports.com
Miami, FL
305-438-9464
www.miamiskinautique.com
Overby Marine Sales/
Service
Littleton, NC
(252) 586-3593
www.overbymarine.com
Midwest MasterCraft
Lauderdale Lakes
Marina
Elkhorn, WI
262-742-3898
lauderdalelakesmarina.com
LIghthouse Harbor
Marina
Greentown, PA
570-857-0220
www.lighthouseharbor.com
Lynnwood Motoplex
Lynnwood, WA
425-774-0505
www.motoplex.net
Main Channel Marina
Syracuse, IN
574-457-4200
www.mainchannel.com
MarineMax, Inc.
Clearwater, FL
(727)-531-1700
www.marinemax.com
MasterCraft Dealer
Tempe, AZ
602-541-3857
24
Crystal, MN
763-533-9666
Overton’s
Midwest Watersports
Pacific Nautiques
Pacific, WA
253-833-4140
pacificnautiques.com
Minnesota Inboard
Watersports
Excelsior, MN
952-474-1742
www.mninboard.com
Parker Business
Planning
Orlando, FL
407-843-8808
parkerbusinessplanning.com
Performance Ski & Surf
Orlando, FL
407-859-7544
www.perfski.com
Nautiqueparts.com
Elizabethtown, NC
910-247-6201
www.nautiqueparts.com
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-939-0754
www.sammyduvall.com
Raymond, ME
(207)-655-7547
www.sebagowatersports.com
Shuswap Marine Ski &
Board Centres
Calgary, Alberta, CA
403-255-0045
www.shuswapsnb.com
Silver Lake Marine
Race City Marine
Mooresville, NC
704-799-0008
www.racecitymarine.com
Nautiques of Orlando
Orlando, FL
407-425-2678
www.orlandonautiques.com
Sammy Duvall’s Water
Sports Center
Sebago Watersports
MP Marine Products
Salt Lake City, UT
801-973-4017
www.marine-products.com
Sail & Ski Center
Austin, TX
www.sailandski.com
Greenville, NC
www.overtons.com
Victoria, MN
952-443-1805
midwestwatersports.com
Vermont, Victoria
03-9874-4624
www.regalmarine.com.au
Silver Springs, NY
585-237-5185
www.silverlakemarine.com
Ski Dock
Recreation Station
Spearfish, SD
605-717-4386
www.recstation.net
Austin, TX
512-918-2628
www.skidock.com
Ski Rixen of Quiet
Waters
Deerfield Beach, FL
TNT Wakeboarding
Raleigh, NC
910-987-5155
www.tntwakeboarding.com
Afrayed Knot
Watersports
Cortez, FL
941-448-4169
www.floridafunboat.com
H2O Sports Parasailing
Hilton Head, SC
843-683-4386
www.h2osportsonline.net
Stan Craft Marine
Coeur d’Alene, ID
208-457-8000
stancraftmarinecenter.com
Superior Boat Repair &
Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA
916-638-3382
superiorboatrepair.com
Tommy’s Slalom Shop
Denver, CO
303-455-3091
www.gettommys.com
Fort Worth, TX
817-589-7547
www.texasmastercraft.com
Ocklawaha, FL
352-288-9905
Crystal, MN
763-533-9666
wakeboardwarehouse.com
Waterskis.com
Texas Ski Ranch
New Braunfels, TX
830-627-2843
www.texasskiranch.com
Crystal, MN
763-533-9666
www.waterskis.com
White Lake Marine
The Boat House
Iowa City, IA
319-631-0112
Panama City, FL
850-236-8677
www.pcbeachadventures.com
Transition Watersports
Wakeboards.com
Texas MasterCraft
High Times, Inc.
Aquatic Adventures
White Lake, NC
(910)-862-3688
www.whitelake.com
Holland America
Beaufort Inlet
Watersports
Beaufort, NC
252-422-2498
beaufortwatersports.com
Woodard Marine
Banora Point, NSW
-95837
www.tige.com
Hydeville, VT
802-265-3690
www.woodardmarine.com
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(206) 626-8091
www.hollandamerica.com
Ikes Beach Service
Best Boat Club
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-562-5179
www.goboatingnow.com
Gulf Shores, FL
251-948-3757
ikesbeachservice.com
Just Chute Me
Chute ‘em Up
Parasailing
Port Aransas, TX
361-774-5792
www.chuteemupparasail.com
Daytona Beach Parasail
Tigé Boats Australia
Palm Harbor, FL
727-410-6443
www.hightimesparasail.com
Daytona Beach, FL
386-547-6067
www.daytonaparasailing.com
Destin, FL
850-333-3984
www.parasaildestin.com
Lighthouse Harbor
Marina
Greentown, PA
510-857-0220
www.lighthouseharbor.com
MB Parasail
mbparasailing.com
Dennis Parasail
Tigé Performance
Mesa, AZ
480-861-0666
www.tigeaz.com
PARASAIL
OPERATORS &
MANUFACTURERS
Plymouth, MA
508-789-0715
www.capecodparasail.com
East Coast Parasail
Tigé Watersports
Corona, CA
951-737-9801
www.tigewatersports.com
Adventure Parasail
Virginia Beach, VA
757-714-6634
Marco Island Water
Sports
Marco Island, FL
239-777-9977
marcoislandwatersports.com
North Cape May, NJ
609-889-9481
www.eastcoastparasail.com
25
MEMBER DIRECTORY
Miami Beach Parasail
SeaBreeze Parasail
Top of the Line Parasail
KC Watersports
Miami Beach, FL
319-520-8266
miamibeachparasail.com
Virginia Beach, VA
757-286-5930
www.dragonflyparasail.com
Dunedin, FL
727-403-8807
www.clearwaterparasail.com
Paola, KS
913-783-4300
www.kcwatersports.com
Naam Sports
SeaBreeze Watersports
UFO Parasail
Langkawi, Kedah
604-966-5991
www.naam.biz
Honolulu, HI
808-396-0100
seabreezewatersports.com
Lahaina, HI
808-661-78836
www.ufoparasail.net
Orlando Water Sports
Complex
Nutin Fancy Fishin, Inc
Sebago Watersports of
Key West
Wind & Watersports
Dunedin, FL
Key West, FL
www.keywestsebago.com
Ft. Myers, FL
239-765-8080
windandwatersports.com
OBX Parasail
Orlando, FL
407-854-1800
www.orlandowatersports.com
Texas MasterCraft
Ft. Worth, TX
817-589-7547
www.texasmastercraft.com
www.obxwaterworks.com
Siesta Key Watersports
Paradise Parasail
Ft. Myers, FL
239-433-4337
Pleasure Island Parasail
Orange Beach, AL
251-609-0244
pleasureislandparasail.com
Sarasota, FL
(727)642-2876
siestakeywatersports.com
Pensacola Beach, FL
(850) 934-9743
www.radicalrides.com
Sage Sailing
Surfside Beach, SC
843-232-8383
Skys The Limit
Watersports, Inc.
26
Lafayette, LA
www.cajunxcables.com
Dunedin, FL
(727)389-2209
Elev8 Wake Park
St. Augustine, FL
904-819-0980
www.smilehighparasail.com
Boulder, CO
303-304-4844
www.elev8wakepark.com
New Braunfels, TX
830-627-2843
www.texasskiranch.com
Sunset Watersports
Key West
Key West, FL
305-294-1500
sunsetwatersportskeywest.
com
Sammamish, WA
206-227-5178
Pleasant Grove, Canada
(415) 747-4119
wakeislandwatersports.com
College Station, TX
979-229-9395
ASSOCIATES
Hydrous Wake Park
Allen, TX
214-390-3088
www.hydrous.com
Tidalwave Watersports
Mt. Pleasant, SC
843-296-9244
tidalwavewatersports.com
Wake Island
Watersports
Wakeside at the
Barracks
H3O Development
Partners
SD Watersports
Lake Buena Vista, FL
407-939-0754
www.sammyduvall.com
Texas Ski Ranch
CajunXcables
Smile High Parasail
Radical Rides
CABLE PARK
OPERATORS
Belter Insurance
Willows, CA
1-800-540-2258
www.belterinsurance.com
Informes y Soluciones
Lima, Peru
51-1-372-2200
informesysoluciones.com
Big Game Watersports
Northbrook, IL
847-715-1253
www.shoreline-marine.net
Boating World
Sportspower
The Boarding School
NASBLA
Irvine, CA
949-660-6150
www.boatingworld.com
Altadena, CA
(626) 456-1969
www.sportspowerltd.net
Orlando, FL
407-484-5525
theboardingschool.com
Lexington, KY
859-225-9487
www.nasbla.org
Clarion Corp of
America
Swimline
Wake Charter
NMMA
Cyprus, CA
www.clarion.com/us
Edgewood, NY
631-254-2155 x145
www.swimline.com
Portland, OR
503-421-8188
www.wakecharter.com
Chicago, IL
312-946-6200
www.nmma.org
Coleman Company
Tearepair, Inc.
WakeSurf NC
Wichita, KS
316-832-3084
Land o Lakes, FL
800-937-3716
www.tear-aid.com
Littleton, NC
252-203-7000
www.wakesurfnc.com
National Safe Boating
Council
Evolution Insurance
Brokers
Sandy, UT
801-304-5572
www.eibdirect.com
Unleashed Wake
Magazine
Toulouse, France
336-125-15123
unleashedwakemag.com
ASSOCIATIONS &
FRIENDS
Bristow, VA
703-361-4294
safeboatingcouncil.org
Surf Expo
Atlanta, GA
www.surfexpo.com
AWSEF
Ilmor Marine
Mooresville, NC
704-360-1900
www.ilmor.com
Wake Worx
Knoxville, TN
865-643-4119
www.supersacr.com
Polk City, FL
863-324-2472
www.waterskihalloffame.com
Dale Dobroth
Indexic, Inc
Mt. Pleasant, SC
800-742-4781
www.indexic.net
Ken Cook Co.
Milwaukee, WI
414-466-6000
www.kencook.com
CAMPS &
SCHOOLS
Chain O Lakes Water
Ski School
Three Lakes, WI
715-546-2014
chain-o-lakes-skischool.com
INT League
Black Diamond, WA
360-886-7822
www.intleague.com
LA Fire Department
Redondo Beach, CA
310-318-1395
www.watchthewater.org
Protomet Corp
Oakridge, TN
865-425-0600
www.ptmedge.com
Miami Ski Nautique
Miami, FL
www.miamiskinautique.com
LOFS Watersports
Association
Crown Point, IN
219-682-8528
USA Water Ski
Polk City, FL
863-324-4341
Wake The World
Asheboro, NC
336-215-1135
www.waketheworld.org
Wakescout
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-496-2178
www.wakescout.com
REPS
Parker Stair
MasterCraft
Vonore, TN
parker.stair
@mastercraft.com
27
“Daddy, you promised to
wear your life jacket!”
Trust us, she’ll know if you don’t.
Brought to you by the National Safe Boating
Council and the women who nag love you.
safeboatingcampaign.com