Back from Atlanta [ I really wanted to write about………..

how beautiful that our St Joe and Apalachicola Bays looked as I reached the Gulf Coast at around sunset on Mon. afternoon ]

The 2008 Atlanta boat show is in the history books now . It made me realize that persistence is a big part of success in a business that is ultimately about people. Customers, vendors ,venues,show promoters ,builders, floor-plan/industry finance [our banks] and retail finance folks ,employees, advertising,big and small time media, marketing etc…….. Its a lot to balance , and a lot relationship building, and a lot of prioritizing. .As far as the show goes , we pulled it off to my satisfaction this time . I was satisfied because we addressed so many things and did a pretty good job within our capabilities [ as a small dealer] and I think we brought exceptional products and that is key to our success . If you read my earlier pre show posts you might be aware of the tribulations that preceded the show, especially in regards with getting boats built and delivered in time for a “smalltime” professional effort.
Well, when you get your boats into the venue ,they are reasonably clean, and the marketing stuff is set up , and the show doors open , it time to be on stage and forget the process and meet the people and sell the product [hopefully] you have presented and are proud of . I think we did that in Atlanta this year . We brought Ranger Tug’s www.rangertugs.com very popular 25 footer [thanks to "Commander Bill"] and had the “East Coast” world debut of the C Dory 23 Venture www.c-dory.com which was formerly the Cape Cruiser 23′.
I thought Wefings Marine performed well in year three [persistence]of our Atlanta Boat Show effort .
There were folks that recognized our boats from years past, folks that have been to our dealership numerous times , folks that are recent or not so recent customers just coming to see us [ I love that] , people that tell me they read my blog [that is way flattering], recent discoverers of fuel efficient boats and boats with character, people that just appreciate our taste in boats and willingness to talk about them,and the usual unruly children that break things who’s parents need big-time discipline. Its a process that’s not so different from alot of other industries that cater to peoples hobbies and pleasures .
So there is some of Marc Grove’s inside impressions of the boat show life . I still enjoy them , I still cant wait to get back out on the water when I get home . Thats why I really wanted to write about the beautiful waters I saw Monday afternoon as I reached the coast !