CLEARWATER, Fla. - Dec. 12, 2007 - MarineMax, the nation's largest boating and yachting retailer, is once again earning top honors in the marine industry. After two consecutive years of being ranked North America's Number One boating retailer by Boating Industry magazine, this year MarineMax was the first and only inductee into the Boating Industry Hall of Fame. MarineMax Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President William H. McGill, Jr. accepted the honor at the Top 100 awards ceremony and black tie dinner held November 28 in Las Vegas.
Boating Industry's Top 100 awards recognize those dealers in North America who best deliver the boating dream. After being award the Number One dealer spot in 2005 and 2006, the ranking's inaugural years, MarineMax was retired from contention in future rankings. However, in recognition of the company's ongoing efforts and continued success, Boating Industry this year honored MarineMax with the first and only induction into its Hall of Fame.
In a statement, Boating Industry congratulated MarineMax, saying, "The award recognizes the company's position atop the industry in a league all its own, demonstrated by its commitment to the customer, evident throughout the entire 90 store organization."
"This is a true honor," said McGill. "Helping people live the boating dream is at the heart of what we do. Our entire team works hard to deliver the best sales, service and ownership experience possible, and to have these efforts recognized is tremendously rewarding."
Matt Gruhn, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry, thanked MarineMax for being one of the Top 100 program's biggest supporters, saying the company, "has demonstrated not only that it shares our mission to help the industry improve and grow, but that it's willing to contribute its own best practices in an effort to drive marine retailing forward."
Despite the recent industry slowdown, Gruhn congratulated MarineMax for continuing its best practices. By staying focused on these initiatives, the company was able to increase its Sea Ray market share by almost 25 percent, and holding more than 1,000 customer events this year - more than any other year in its history. Ultimately, he says, "MarineMax is delivering a customer experience on par with companies like Starbucks, Costco and Harley."
At 90 dealerships across the country, more than 2400 MarineMax team members work together to provide customers with the ultimate boating experience. Knowledgeable sales consultants are trained to help customers select the boat that best fits their needs. Professional delivery of every boat and a variety of classes including Women on Water®, Kids in Boating and Captains Classes are available to help customers and their families learn or enhance their boating skills. Customers also enjoy MarineMax-organized Getaways!™, led by MarineMax captains, to exciting boating destinations across North America and beyond. In-house and mobile service departments are available to assist with all maintenance and repair needs. Many dealerships also have Boating Gear Centers with full parts and accessories.
For additional information, contact Glenn Sandridge at 727-531-1700 or visit www.marinemax.com.
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About MarineMax
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Meridian, Hatteras, Grady White, and the Ferretti Group including: Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Mochi Craft and Bertram, the Company sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and provides yacht brokerage services. The Company currently operates 90 retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company.