How to Hire
After people skills, these are the key character traits. These can’t be trained; people have them or they don’t. You have to look for these and test them in your hiring process.
No Time for Complacency
The marine industry globally has been on a strong run for nearly two years now. Many, if not most, new boat manufacturers are reporting record backlogs of sales; some stretching into 2024. In the US, nearly half of these new boat buyers are first-time boat buyers. Clearly good times for the boating industry!
Professional Development – The Real P.D.
Last month Eric Smith wrote a great article about mentorship, taking and giving advice, and the professional benefits of mentorship. I’m going to continue to explore this “professional” theme. This month we will dive into professional development.
Yacht Brokers Association of America to Host Annual YBAA University in Providence, Rhode Island
The Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) will host its annual YBAA University (YBAA U) in Providence, Rhode Island Thursday, July 14, 2022.
Yacht Brokers Association of America Launches The Guide Online
On March 24, 2022, the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) launched its online version of The Guide—a reference and training tool for the professional practice of yacht brokerage and sales.
The Four Biggest Enemies of Sales Success and What to Do
Sales success simply boils down to talking to enough of the right people the right way. The right people are people who have a need or desire for what you have, they have the ability to make a decision on what you have, and they have the means to invest in what you have.
Pay It Forward
I started in the marine industry as a kid in 1990. By 2001 I was a full-time Yacht Broker. An older broker, Jerry, took me under his wing and mentored me – he was a true father figure.
State of the Industry | 2022 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show
In case you missed the Industry Breakfast last week at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, you can now view NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer's state of the industry address, including NMMA's efforts to advocate and expand recreational boating.
Senator O’Connor Named Legislator of the Year by Massachusetts Marine Trades Association
Last week State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) was named the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) Legislator of the Year.
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) Hosts 16th annual Business of Boating (BOB) Conference
On Thursday January 20th the MMTA hosted their 16th annual BOB Conference at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, MA. The conference brought approximately 130 in-person attendees and another 70 + remote attendees.
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association honored longtime industry leader Larry Russo, Sr.
The MMTA presented longtime industry leader and former owner of Russo Marine, Larry Russo Sr. the Frank Farrell Distinguished Service Award. After being acquired by MarineMax in 2016, Larry has remained with the company as the Senior Vice President of MarineMax Northeast.
5 Tips to Jump-Start Sales in 2022
t’s a new year and time to ramp up. Some agents completed their business plans months ago and are already focused on having a profitable year. However, it’s never too late to develop a plan to keep you on track.
Canadian Boat Builders Brace for Proposed Luxury Tax
The Canadian government’s proposed luxury tax on new boats valued at CA $250,000 – originally scheduled to take effect January 1, 2022 – is expected to be fully implemented in the weeks to come. A spokesperson for Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed recently that the government will release draft legislation to implement the tax in the coming weeks.
Not Available for Co-Brokerage
In the last two years the co-op type field selection of “not available for co-brokerage” is getting more than its fair share of use. We have all heard many different explanations as to why, but no matter the reason there are multiple legal and ethical issues that come into play.
Yacht Brokers Association of America Launches New Website and Member Listing Service
The Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) recently launched a new and improved website, offering a more modern design and enhanced user experience. Upgraded features include clear call-to-action buttons, an easy-to-navigate menu structure, and direct access to view member resources.
Gary Smith, CPYB, Sarasota Yachts Presented the Vincent J. Petrella Chairman’s Award
On January 27, 2022, during the International Yacht Brokers Association’s (IYBA) 2022 Annual Dinner in Sunrise, Florida, the Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) program presented the 2021 Vincent J. Petrella Chairman’s Award to Gary Smith, CPYB, Sarasota Yachts.
What Opportunities Will 2022 Bring for the Boating Industry?
The boating industry boomed massively in 2021 as people looked for new hobbies and activities to explore the great outdoors after the turmoil of 2020. New boat sales hit a 13-year high of 318,550 units in 2020, which is staggering when you consider where the market was ten years ago – only 178,000 were sold that year.
How to Become a Yacht Broker
Although many of us dream of the day we can quit our jobs and go cruising, the balance in our retirement account may not allow for that just yet. For that reason, many people who love boats and know more than their fair share about them often entertain the idea of working in the marine business.
McCollough Yachts Has Completed its First Sale!
McCollough Yachts, a Brokerage, Design, and Engineering firm in Newport, RI, has completed its first sale. Concluding at S$4,800,000, McCollough Yachts Brokerage represented the Buyers in their purchase of FPB78 #3, formally known as IRON LADY II.
Why Prospects Ghost You and What to Do About It
As salespeople, we’ve all had the situation where a decision-maker told us they were interested, asked us to follow-up at another time, and now after several follow-up calls and e-mails, we can’t get ahold of them and can’t get them to return our calls.
Brewer Yacht Sales Opens Second Location in South Carolina
Brewer Yacht Sales is proud to announce the opening of its second South Carolina location at Charleston, inside Safe Harbor’s Charleston City Marina.
Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) to host HYBRID Business of Boating (BOB) Conference
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) is pleased to announce it will host the annual Business of Boating (BOB) conference in person on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Lakeview Pavilion, Foxboro, MA.
A Message from YBAA Executive Director JP Skov
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your continued support of our association. We’ve all enjoyed strong market demand for the last couple of years, and according to the experts, we will have another fruitful year in 2022.
Intrinsic Yacht & Ship Becomes Exclusive Area Dealer for Spot Zero
Intrinsic Yacht & Ship is pleased to announce they have partnered with Spot Zero to provide exclusive sales and services of their products in the region. Partnering with Spot Zero will allow Intrinsic the chance to provide top-level service to boat owners in Ocean City, Baltimore, Annapolis, and the surrounding areas.
Increase Sales by Getting Back to Basics
The greatest in any field of endeavor has always been great at the basics. Vince Lombardi, the great Green Bay Packers coach, said football comes down to two things: blocking on offense and tackling on defense, and his great Packer teams spent 80% of their time on those in practice.
Welcome, McCollough Yachts, LLC
McCollough Yachts is a custom Yacht Design, Engineering, and Brokerage Firm located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. Our specialty is luxury performance yachts that utilize cutting-edge technology.
Marina Holdings LLC Makes the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
NEW YORK, August 17, 2021 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Marina Holdings LLC, which is comprised of Yarmouth Boat Yard, Moose Landing Marina, and Freedom Boat Club of Maine, made their annual Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. This prestigious ranking represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.
Boat-Building Icon Leon Slikkers Retires from Tiara Yachts, Capping Legendary 75-Year Career in the Marine Industry
In a career that began with building wooden runabouts, Slikkers pioneered sport, sail, and pleasure boats with a focus on innovation, engineering excellence, and unparalleled commitment to quality.
Massachusetts Marine Trades Association Workforce Solutions Amendment Passes in the 2022 State Budget
Last week Governor Baker signed the 2022 state budget, which included $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the recreational boating industry.
30,000 Grant from BankNewport Advances RI Marine Trades Association Foundation’s Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Pilot Project
BankNewport and its OceanPoint Marine Lending division are pleased to announce that a $30,000 grant is awarded to the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Foundation (RIMTA Foundation) has played a key role in the advancement of the Rhode Island Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Pilot Project.
Yacht Brokers Association of America, Inc. to Host Annual YBAA University in Annapolis, Maryland
YBAA-U offers yacht brokers and industry professionals the opportunity to network, participate in business presentations, technology sessions, and panel discussions while earning continuing education hours toward their Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) exam.
YBAA Mourns Long-Time Member and Board Member, Vincent Morvillo
YBAA is saddened to announce the passing of board member and friend Vincent "Vince" Morvillo, CPYB. Vincent Morvillo, Jr., of League City, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 in Webster, Texas at the age of 75.
