Surrounded by key members of Nautic Global Group's national dealer network, CEO Jim Malone laid out a comprehensive new vision for the company and answered questions on a wide range of topics during a "fireside chat" December 13 in South Bend, Indiana.
The event, which was moderated by MRAA President Matt Gruhn, was designed as a personal way for Malone to energize dealers with specifics about plans for expanding manufacturing capacities, improving processes, and for sharing specific changes at the company designed to quickly tackle issues that may develop. It was also an opportunity to introduce dealers and the boating media to NGG's new leadership team.
"I was really impressed listening to Jim, because he carries a lot of passion," said Dan Higgins of Hamlin's Marina in Hampden, Maine. "I feel like he's honest, and he speaks directly to the issues. The boating industry has its unique challenges, but I think he can draw on his past experiences to make NGG an industry leader."
With leading brands such as Hurricane Deck Boats, Godfrey Pontoons, Rinker Express Cruisers and
Captiva Sport Boats, Polar Kraft Aluminum Fishing Boats, and Parti Kraft Pontoons, Nautic Global Group is well positioned in a number of different categories, according to Malone.
"These brands have an amazing heritage, and we're simply taking the next exciting steps to plan out the future for the company," Malone said. "We're lucky enough to be growing quickly, and we want our dealer partners to have a voice in where we go from here. Our greatest asset is our dealer network. They build the value in our brands. It's our job - my job -to listen and respond to issues quickly."
Although the event was attended by a select group of dealers from around the country, the wider national and international dealer network was invited to submit questions via email.
"In the pontoon (and deck boat) segments, we're seeing more and more customers come on board," said Steve Seuss of Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire. "(NGG) is trying to grow, they have the opportunity to do so, and we're all on the same page. That's really exciting for us going forward."
Gruhn, former Editor and Publisher of Boating Industry, kept the conversation moving, while deftly managing remote inquiries, along with questions from dealers in attendance.
"I was impressed by the open and honest format of this conversation," Gruhn said. "Jim Malone's candor clearly impressed the dealers in attendance, and from what I could gather, they are excited about the changes taking place at Nautic Global Group."
The video below is a seven-minute overview of the event.
