Well…here goes, my first blog entry! I just returned from a meeting in Dallas, TX; where I participated in a round-table discussion with a group of very successful boat dealers from all around the country, as well as Canada. We discussed the economy, the boat industry, etc.; but at the end of the day, everyone in the room shared in one common belief that really excited me. Although there is not as much business as we are accustomed to, boaters still want exactly what Wayzata Marine offers; quality, value, expertise, atmosphere, service, and stability. It confirmed for me the principles and faith that I have maintained over the years; focusing on customers and customer service is the key to the long term success of any dealership!
Ok, here is a little background on me. I grew up in the Wayzata area, graduating from Wayzata High school in the early eighties. I then left home and headed up Interstate 94 to St. Cloud State University. Graduating with a degree in management, I packed up my things and came back to the only employer I had ever known…at the age of 5, I had started sweeping floors for Wayzata Marine, a boat dealership which my father started when I was only two years old. My pay started out as a nickel, but when I was five, that was a lot! Then, finally, my big break came at the age of 13! I helped a customer look at a few boats when everyone else was with other customers. I remember Mr. Humphrey telling me that he thought this 18 foot open bow would be perfect for him and his family…and then he went on to say something I will never forget, “I think I will take this one”! Containing my excitement as best I could at the age of 13, I maintained my cool and I brought him in to the office where my mom filled out his paperwork. Thirty years later, I have worked in every department possible within a boat dealership, and have helped countless families onto the water.
I am blessed to be married and have two wonderful kids. My wife Dava and I have been married for 21 glorious years. She grew up in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities; we met while I was in college. My son Jason is a sophomore at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He is an economics and math double major, thankfully he was blessed with his mom’s intelligence. In the summer you will find him managing the dock crew here at Wayzata Marine. My daughter Taylor is a sophomore at The Blake School in Minneapolis. She has a passion for horses, especially the 3 horses she owns, two of which she shows competitively around the country. She also works here on the docks during the summer.
It is my intention in this blog to write about the boat business, the boating lifestyle, the boating community (especially Lake Minnetonka), customers and family. I hope to answer your questions and help people understand more about boating.
As the owner of Wayzata Marine, I thank you for putting your trust in our company over the last 42 years; we will continue to serve our customers with integrity, respect, courtesy, professionalism and honesty.
Dave
