Navigating Success in the Boating Industry with Jeremy Anderson
Welcome Aboard, Boating Industry Leaders!
In this edition, we bring you our exclusive interview with Jeremy Anderson, the esteemed General Manager of Big Thunder Marine, a Top 100 Dealer from the Lake of the Ozarks.
Jeremy is passionate about helping other industry professionals with his vast experience and success stories. We greatly appreciate his contribution to our podcast and hope you do too!
Dive into the journey of Big Thunder Marine, their impressive growth, and the innovative strategies that keep them at the forefront of the boating industry.
Highlights
1. Big Thunder Marine’s Evolution
Discover the story behind Big Thunder Marine, from its origins to becoming a leader in the industry. Jeremy shares the milestones and challenges faced along the way, providing a blueprint for success in the boating business.
2. Jeremy Anderson's Journey
Learn how Jeremy's passion for boating and extensive experience in the industry have driven his success. His journey from a childhood love for the water to leading Big Thunder Marine is both inspiring and informative.
3. Building a Winning Team
Learn about Jeremy's unique strategies to build and maintain a motivated, cohesive team. From mentorship programs to fostering a culture of appreciation, get insights on how to create a thriving workplace.
4. Customer Experience Excellence
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of providing an elevated customer experience. Learn about the processes and practices that ensure customer satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term engagement.
5. Innovations and Expansions
Explore how Big Thunder Marine's growth involved acquiring multiple locations and integrating high-quality brands. Their focus on comprehensive services and high-end offerings has set them apart in the industry.
6. Community and Customer Engagement
Discover the key aspects of Big Thunder Marine’s success in building a strong community and engaging customers through events and personalized experiences.
7. Boating Industry Challenges and Opportunities
Gain perspective on the current challenges in the boating industry and the opportunities that lie ahead. Jeremy discusses maintaining customer satisfaction, adapting to market conditions, and the future of boat dealerships.
Big Thunder Marine’s Evolution
Big Thunder Marine was originally started by Bob and Sue Morgan in the 1990s. It focused on powerboats and a race team. After Bob’s unfortunate passing in 2011, the dealership shuttered.
In 2015, Fred Ross and his two kids, Chris and Andrea, reopened the dealership and bought a small company, Tritoon Town.
Jeremy joined in 2016 to help grow the business from 10 people using QuickBooks and no established systems to a top 100 dealer with over 100 full-time employees. He helped implement service work orders and sales systems and facilitated acquisitions that expanded the company's reach and capabilities.
Jeremy’s leadership transformed Big Thunder Marine into a high-end, high-experience dealership carrying brands like Mastercraft, Chris Craft, Fountain, and Monterey.
Jeremy Anderson's Journey
Jeremy's passion for boating began in childhood when he went fishing with his family and learned to water ski. This love for the water led him to become a show skier in the 1990s, performing barefoot, jumping, and participating in pyramid acts.
His professional journey in the boating industry began at Munson Ski in Illinois, where he started as a pro shop manager. Jeremy's career advanced as he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to work for a Mastercraft dealership. He significantly increased their sales from 6-8 boats a year to 28 boats by focusing on customer satisfaction and doing the right things for customers.
Building a Winning Team
Jeremy’s approach to team building focuses on internal referrals and nurturing talent. For instance, the business manager, Barb started as a teenager on a gas dock and now manages finance and business operations.
Jeremy highlights the importance of internal growth and finding the right seat on the bus for each employee. The company also offers perks like free rental boats and family fun days, fostering a culture of appreciation and teamwork. Jeremy believes in continuous improvement and listens to employee feedback to refine processes and enhance productivity.
Customer Experience Excellence
At Big Thunder Marine, the customer experience is paramount. Jeremy ensures that clients are paired with specialists who love the products they sell. This personalized approach means that if you want to buy a Mastercraft, you’re dealing with someone who surfs and wakeboards. Their salespeople really know and understand their target customers.
Jeremy insists on test drives and demos to ensure customers fall in love with their boats before purchase. The dealership provides full service, including financing, Coast Guard documentation, and first service free of charge. They aim to make the entire process seamless, from initial interest to post-purchase support.
Innovations and Expansions
Big Thunder Marine's growth involved acquiring multiple locations and integrating high-quality brands. They pride themselves on being a high-end, high-experience dealership, offering brands like Mastercraft, Chris Craft, Fountain, Monterey, and European brands like Jeanneau and Prestige. The company also focuses on providing comprehensive services, including custom paint shops, interior work, and a pro shop that attracts customers even when they are not looking for boats.
Community and Customer Engagement
One key aspect of Big Thunder Marine’s success is its commitment to community and customer engagement. They host events that bring people together, such as surf Sundays and poker runs. These events foster a sense of community and attract potential customers who might be new to boating. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of making customers feel part of the Big Thunder Marine family, ensuring they have a positive and memorable boating experience.
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What's Your Story?
Share your experiences and insights in the comments. How have you navigated challenges and opportunities in the boating industry?
If you are the owner, manager, or director of a successful boat manufacturer, dealership, or brokerage and would like to share your story and experiences, send me an email to jose@boatingbizsuccess.com!
Happy Boating!
