// PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
Our first rule – all decisions are based on the best interests of the company . Rule # 2 – we believe open debate and arguments are healthy as part of the decision process .
Joe Lewis says his industry leadership roles have been greatly satisfying , especially his long-standing engagement with the MRAA .
Joe Lewis General Manager , Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina
possibly in the Carolinas but saw an ad in the Wall Street Journal for Mount Dora Marina . I loved the Orlando area , so I checked out the facility and closed on the marina 30 days later .
BI : Was this the official launch of your industry career ? JL : I purchased the marina in May 1989 , with plans to be an absentee owner and hire a GM to run the business . The goal was to make Florida home , hang out and go boating on weekends , and fly back on Mondays to Pennsylvania to manage my business interests there . However , the boat business had some difficult years , and my weekends were spent working in the marina . After two years and having just met my soon-to-be wife , the transition to a full-time boating career was sealed in May 1991 .
BI : What were those early difficulties ? JL : The late 80 ’ s and early 90 ’ s were challenging years for business in general , but in the marine sector , a couple of recessions and the passage of the luxury tax took their toll . We faced declining storage revenue and slowing boat sales . We took the challenges one day at a time and dumped in money to supplement cash flow shortages to get through those days .
BI : Fast forward 30 + years … what is the scope of operations today ? JL : With a staff of ten , we provide service to 234 storage customers along with dozens of people who purchase new Starcraft , Four Winns or pre-owned boats each year . We ’ re a full-service facility offering sales , storage , service , transport , canvas repair , fiberglass / gelcoat repair and restoration . We launched a rental division pre-Covid , and our boat share business in 2022 .
Every Christmas for the past 27 years , Joe and his team at Mount Dora Marina have magically transformed their marina into a Christmas wonderland that attracts thousands . In recent years , they ’ ve partnered with Toys for Tots and Lake Cares Food Pantry to generate needed donations as part of their holiday festivities .
BI : Yours is a family-owned business , correct ? Who ’ s involved and what ’ s been the timeline , transition and challenges ? JL : My son Joey and daughter Julia have been working at the dealership for 14 and 11 years , respectively . Joey is service director , while Julia is sales and marketing director . The biggest challenge is maintaining focus , not playing favorites and making decisions based on aligned focus and goals .
Our first rule – all decisions are based on the best interests of the company . Rule # 2 – we believe open debate and arguments are healthy as part of the decision process . However , once a decision has been made , everyone is on board .
www . boatingindustry . com october 2024
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