Boating Industry February 2023 | Page 13

// INDUSTRY NEWS they can get , which will focus their search on what they can afford , saving dealers and brokers valuable time from chasing dreamers instead of working with realistic buyers . With more than 50 % of pre-owned boats being sold driveway to driveway , we look forward to helping an underserved segment of the boat-buying community , as well as dealers and brokers , so we will aid buyers at both ends of the spectrum .”
“ We worked closely with Jeff and his team to provide finance options across a wide variety of boat ages , prices and credit profiles while enabling the customer to track their deal and exchange sensitive documents through a secure portal so they feel fully engaged in the process ,” said Jared Zimlin , Business Development Director of Elite Direct Finance .
Pensacola investors purchase Day Break Marina , L & M Marine
One in a Row Ventures , a local investment group led by entrepreneur Jason Crawford , in partnership with Chad Henderson , CEO / Founder of
Pensacola-based Catalyst HRE , announced the purchase of Bayou Chico ’ s iconic Day Break Marina along with boat dealership L & M Marine , located in Stapleton , Alabama . The companies join ARCO Marine Inc ., WAY Partners LLC , and AmCoat LLC as brands in the One in a Row portfolio .
“ My partners and I are honored to help write the next chapter for these companies that have such a rich history in their respective communities ,” said Crawford , who launched and led successful healthcare startup IRIS ( Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems ). “ Both brands have been well-led by passionate owners who built committed teams and were rewarded with loyal customers that fueled decades of profitable operations . This is the foundation on which we intend make them even more successful in the years ahead .”
“ My father started Day Break Marina in 1989 as a local businessman committed to serving local boaters better than his competitors would or could ,” said Jake Adams , who will remain general manager and part owner of Daybreak Marina . “ Our decision to join with the One in a Row team was based on their company values and a promise to take even better care of the friends and neighbors who have made us successful for three decades .”
Adams ’ sentiments were echoed by Jon Page , who will stay on as general manager of L & M Marine .“ For years , L & M Marine has been the trusted advisor for thousands of boaters across the Southeast -- with some of the best brands in the industry . From boats , motors , parts and accessories to service and fi- nancing – we offer it all ,” Page said . “ Joining forces with One in a Row and the Day Break Marina team gives us direct reach into one of our best markets and gives us and them a local leg up on our competition .”
“ We ’ re already creating a dealership space at Day Break Marina , so customers will be able to try and buy L & M boats on site ,” Crawford said . “ We ’ ve got some other exciting changes we ’ ll be announcing in the weeks and months ahead , so 2023 is a great time to be part of the Day Break / L & M family .” www . boatingindustry . com february 2023
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