Jay Samit discussed technology and adaptability during his eyeopening keynote session .
ELEVATE 2025 : Marine industry decision makers set the stage for the year ahead in Charlotte gathering
By Madelyn Pegg
The 2025 Boating Industry Elevate Summit set sail on Monday night at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte , North Carolina , where attendees connected and practiced their driving skills . Some dealers met for the first time , others caught up with old friends and everyone seemed to enjoy the lively evening .
On Tuesday , attendees gathered to listen to keynote speaker Jay Samit , who covered mind-boggling topics . Samit shared that the ability to adapt is key in life and in business , and that “ disruption isn ’ t about what happens to you , but how you respond to what happens to you .”
For those who attended , we learned the five steps it takes to become a disrupter and the three technologies that will change the world . The takeaway : strategizing new revenue streams is important .
The next session was moderated by Morgan Stanley ’ s Anthony Nasca . Performance Brokerage Services ’ Jon Couwenberg and Courtney Bernard
Attendees shared an action packed evening at the NASCAR Hall of Fame .
The State of th Industry Panel included Jan Plessner ( left ), Glen Hubbard , Jeff Husby and Zach Hutcheson .
discussed the importance of planning succession and exit plans with Morgan Stanley ’ s Brad Stanek and Paulina Matel . Research shows that 88 % of owners that exit are not happy with the outcome and 78 % have no formal advisory help . The panelists shared information and tips about developing written plans and tax plans , along with generational succession advice .
George Houle of Leadventure presented how to build a bridge between the dealership website and the in-store parts purchase experience . David Gee , professional speaker and former editor-in-chief of Boating Industry , moderated the Recreational Boating Market Data panel , featuring Jack Ellis of Info-Link , Rob Grant of Lightspeed DMS and Marion Minor of EPG Brand Acceleration .
Maxwell Materne gave an eye-opening presentation that dove into the metrics of dealership sales data and trends to find hidden opportunities for additional sales and increased customer loyalty . He studied departmental health , inventory , sales processes and team sentiment using metrics like financial health , inventory age , sales performance and culture scores to come up with a “ Lifecycle Clock ” for customers , which he shared during his presentation .
After lunch Rob Greenwald highlighted the value that human interaction will always have in the sales process . David Gee shared tools dealers can use
www . boatingindustry . com february 2025
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