// PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP and manufacture luxury models from 17 ’ to 53 ’ including dual consoles , bay boats , and center console sportfishing machines ; our new 670 will debut in September . We have Plants A – D , product development and engineering , plus are underway on construction of Plant E , which when finished will bring us to around 400,000 square feet .
BI : You ’ ve sure come a long way from dirt floors , with world class facilities and sales to a global marketplace . SP : To put it in perspective , our first boats sold in the $ 1200 range , while our current 53 ’ sells for north of $ 3 million . Interestingly , we ’ ve even sold a number of boats to several royal families in the Middle East !
BI : Speaking of families ... your adult children and their spouses all work at Scout . What are the benefits and challenges of operating a family-owned business ? SP : The benefit is that the entire family is as passionate about the brand as I am . I struggle with the disconnect between the generations of my children versus my generation of baby boomers … work schedules and commitments are not the same priority for them .
BI : In terms of product design , what ’ s your genesis for new ideas ? SP : I ’ ve always been crazy about cars . I follow the styling trends of the luxury automotive industry .
BI : Regarding trends , any opinion on the future of electric boats and related technology ? SP : Interestingly enough , I drive a Tesla which is the ultimate in EV in the automotive industry . For several years I worked on the design and development of an electric boat and built a test boat that I ran . I determined that it ’ s up to the industry and the development of new technology with lithium and propulsion to meet the consumer demand before a truly successful electric boat can be marketable .
For many years , Steve Potts personally painted the stripes on every boat sold . Recently , a customer demanded Steve ’ s personal touch , along with a video documenting it as a prerequisite for delivery .
BI : Your insight regarding R & D and the investment required for successful new product design ? SP : The timeline of a new design has been shortened significantly with advancements in technology . Product development is the lifeline of any business . PD & E is first in our company … new products are what consumers want and demand .
BI : Advice for young professionals considering a marine industry career in product design ? SP : Anyone who gets into this industry must have a passion for it ; it ’ s not an industry you can consider based purely on economics .
BI : What ’ s the biggest challenge facing the recreational marine industry ? SP : The health of the marine industry is purely based on how many independently owned companies are competing . When publicly traded corporations or investment groups take over these companies , you lose the drive , passion and focus on why the company exists in the first place .
BI : When you ’ re not absorbed in the next big design hurrah , what ’ s on your agenda for fun ? SP : I love to travel and spend time on the water . My favorite places are the Virgin Islands and Florida Keys .
Steve and Dianne Potts both enjoy the boating lifestyle , including cruising in the Florida Keys where they own a home in Marathon .
BI : Besides earning key industry product distinctions and awards , you ’ ve personally been recognized by Ernst & Young as ‘ Entrepreneur of the Year ,’ won regional CEO honors , plus Scout was named among South Carolina ’ s Fastest Growing Companies . As you consider your enduring career , what has been the key driver behind your success ? SP : Never give up !
www . boatingindustry . com may 2024
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