January 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We're less than 90 days away from boating season, a couple weeks away from the brand new Fredericksburg Boat Show, and a month away from the DC show. Then comes the show at Chantilly in mid-March and next thing you know—it's time to boat again! Here's a few of the interesting things that happened over the winter.
Boating Industry's Top 100 Dealer List
First of all Prince William Marine was named one of Boating Industry's top 100 dealers after the Marine Retailers Association convention last November. Neither Bob nor Carlton attended the actual convention so I didn't get a chance to discuss it with them but after looking at the list, all I can say is at #5 they got robbed! Marine Max was #1 but when you think about it, Prince William is an independent. They face a lot more obstacles than Marine Max does so I think PW should have been higher up.
Alas, Hoffmaster's did not make it. As I told the editors at the time, I think we're a year away. For example, PW has an Ambassador Program and unfortunately our suppliers don't offer anything like that we can compete with. However, this year the National Marine Manufacturers Association will have a certification program. The NMMA wants people to buy certified boats built by certified manufacturers through certified dealers. This year we will achieve that certification which will be a measure that I know the processes are right; then I'll feel I have a right to be on the list (as much as I plan to improve). If we don't make the list it will mean the industry is that much better than it was last year. The customer wins no matter what!
Marina Notes
We've certainly been working to remove customer irritants this winter. First of all, our pile jacketing project is completed on C pier so we can complete roof repairs. Secondly, we're decking across the seawall from the ramp to B pier so that the seawall slips will be much nicer and slip holders can have easier access to the bathhouse. We're going to add a pumpout hose at the shore which will make it easier for boats to fill up and pumpout and we moved the ramp dumpster up to the road so that we can widen the ramp making it easier for trailer boats to launch. We're also installing solar-powered lighting at A pier for safety, and we hope to have the barbeque pit and play area done as well. Our Spring Kickoff Party will be late this year, March 18th, because there's but one weekend between the DC and Chantilly boat shows.
New Years Resolutions
So with all that, I look over last year's accomplishments with an eye—aye, matey—towards this year's resolutions and objectives:
• In 2005 I was able to take a cruise to Tall Timbers again with my family and my brother and sister-in-law;
• We dined at Tim's a couple times by boat and really enjoyed ourselves;
• We didn't have occasion go to any fireworks and we didn't miss them;
• The customers threw a great big party at the marina that was awesome;
• The Occoquan Yacht Club brought a lot of fun to our marina;
• We took a church group out tubing-that was a real hoot;
• I did more deliveries and demo rides which made my life a lot more fun and seriously contributed to my boating agenda;
• By redirecting our usual Christmas Card funding, we were able to make donations on behalf of our card recipients to the benefit of others more needy at the Central Union Mission (Food for the Homeless).
My 2006 resolutions and objectives look something like this:
• Take at least two church groups out on the boat;
• Find an underprivileged group of kids and take them out;
• Take one cruise that requires me to take the boat into the Bay;
• Go on another cruise with the in-laws;
• Crank up the Care packages to Iraq again. We've got new contacts and have been sending stuff on our own but if you like to contribute to this worthy endeavor, please contact me at 703/494-7161. Also check with your place of work—many will match your own contributions. Hoffmaster's will continue to contribute as well as take care of any and all shipping costs.
• Teach a group of wives (SeaGals) the finer points in boating;
• Learn more ways to make my life a personal mission of positive influence on the lives of others on the one hand, without turning it into some perceived marketing gimmick on the other! My special thanks to those customers that have helped me learn how to be a better human being in this way. 2005 was really off the charts my friends, but 2006 will RULE...so people, let's get ready to have a blast!
Contact Information
Joe Hoffmaster—Sales Manager, General Manager, Sales Specialist new boats. M, T,W, and F
8am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm.
Martha Hoffmaster—Chief Financial Officer; M, T, Th and F 8:30am-11am, 12:30pm-3pm.
Judy Chilcot—Accounts Receivables, billing questions, and boat sales; M-F 8:30am-4pm.
Terry Verity, Service Writer, Jeff Atwood, Parts Manager—Parts and service questions, Cobalt sales; M-F; 8am-4pm.
Charles T. Hedrick—Sales Specialist; M, W, Th, and F 8:30am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Sun Noon-4pm or by appointment.
Sam, DB, John, Dave, and Jon are techs M-F 8am-4pm.
For Service and parts orders and follow-up, call Terry or Jeff. On the weekends leave Terry notes. Parts order forms and work order forms are located on the parts counter. Anybody in the store can assist you with this.
To put your boat up on brokerage or to get a value call Chuck.
If you have a question about your bill call Judy.
