oct-2017

162 163 As is true for any company,marketing is a key component of Marquis-Larson’s success, and Par- mentier says that social media and the internet comprise the leading edge.“There are a lot of people who don’t like confrontation; they despise walking in a showroom and negotiating,”he asserts. “For the first time in my 35 years,we’ve now got a couple of dealers who essentially sell all of their boats on the internet.And I do see the business going more towards that in the future.That’s how the Millennials and the Gen-Xers think; that’s what they’re used to. I don’t think it will ever be a hundred percent, but I do see a day,maybe five or six years from now,where 20-25 percent of the dealers start heading down that route.” However, there are still boat buyers who prefer a more personal touch.“When you get into the sport yachts,we do sell to the end user,”Parmentier admits.“Those types of people, in many cases, have owned eight, ten, twelve boats and they come right to the factory; our dealers bring them and then we work with them, one on one.They’re extremely knowledgeable people; they’re building very expen- sive boats; they want customization; they want to touch the factory.More than anything, they want my cell phone number seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.And we give that to them.” In addition to that cell phone number, Parmenti- er believes that in selling boats,Marquis-Larson is providing another very valuable asset to its custom- ers–quality family time.“One of my best sales lines is: ‘What else can you do where a two-year-old and an eighteen-year-old have the same amount of fun? Boating!’We’re able to make a lot of people’s dream Baby, you’re a ten. Everybody says we are too! (in case you were wondering, a 10 means perfect). IN FACT, THE MAJORITY OF OUR CUSTOMERS RATE US A 10OUT OF 10 northpointcf.com Apply now at www.northpointcf.com EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE SHOULD BE STANDARD. THE MARQUIS-LARSON BOAT GROUP come true and make their families happy.” “We’re a great corporation,”he adds in summation. “We hire a lot of people,we give them great in- come and benefits.We have unbelievable craftsmen that build these fantastic boats that are perceived throughout the world for their high quality.” The Marquis-Larson Boat Group: a combination of two great boating traditions. PREFERRED VENDORS n Northpoint Commercial Finance www.northpointcf.com Northpoint Commercial Finance was founded in 2012 and is based in Alpharetta, Georgia.The company offers inventory financing services, catering to the outdoor power sports and office equipment sectors,manufacturers, dis- tributors, and dealers.As of August 11, 2017,Northpoint Commercial Finance has operated as a subsidiary of LBC Capital Inc. n Taylor Made Systems www.taylormadesystems.com Taylor Made Systems is one of the world’s largest manu- facturer of marine glazing systems and a leader in framed glass windshield technology for powerboats. In addition to windshields, they offer a large selection of custom-quality marine products, including manually and power actuated doors, roof systems, hatches and canvas enclosures.