Garagecast - All Things Power Sports and Marine

In this episode of GarageCast, we sit down with Tom Whowoll, third-generation owner of Gordy’s, to explore why real-world experiences will always matter in the boating industry. From the irreplaceable thrill of being on the water to the power of experiential selling, Tom shares how Gordy’s has built a legacy by creating memories—not just selling boats.Tom also recounts a remarkable personal story of resilience after a near-fatal accident on Lake Geneva, and how his passion for wind-powered sports and boating never faded. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while technology and AI can enhance the journey, nothing replaces authentic experiences, community, and the emotional connection of life on the water.

In this episode of GarageCast, Jesse Davis of Legend Boats shares how operating as both an OEM and a retailer shapes smarter pricing, tighter dealer relationships, and a better customer experience. We dig into retail-driven insights, standardized pricing, performance scoreboards, and how Legend is navigating tariffs and market uncertainty—a candid, back-to-basics conversation on what’s working in marine retail right now.

GarageCast goes inside the pontoon market with industry veteran Mark Gibbs, now leading the charge at Premier Pontoon Boats. Mark shares how Premier is growing market share in a declining segment, why fast problem-solving wins customer loyalty, and how Premier’s PTX hull sets their boats apart. We also dig into inventory challenges, dealer relationships, and the balance between technology and personal connection in today’s marine industry. 

GarageCast sits down with Justin Shields, Director of Sales at Hagadone Marine, for a high-energy look at what truly drives sales in the marine industry: personal connection. Justin shares how he went from building an F&I department from scratch to transforming his approach at boat shows—shifting from chasing crowds to focusing on the person right in front of him.A sharp, insightful episode for anyone who wants to elevate their sales game and build relationships that actually convert.

Live from MRAA Dealer Week, GarageCast sits down with Correct Craft CRO Thomas Bates to break down the most significant challenges and opportunities in today’s boating industry. We explore why dealers must shift from “selling boats” to “selling their brand,” how telematics is reshaping the ownership experience, and why the industry is struggling to capture new and younger boaters.

Boating has changed—and fast. In this episode of GarageCast, Matt Gruhn from MRAA breaks down the most significant shifts facing marine dealers today, from soaring boat prices to rapidly evolving customer expectations. We dig into why most dealers still aren’t using AI, what the “dealership of tomorrow” must look like, and how transparency and technology will shape the future of buying and selling boats. A sharp, forward-looking conversation every marine professional needs to hear.

GarageCast goes deep into the future of boating with Gavin Hunt, VP of Sales at Chris-Craft. From his early days selling skis to leading one of the most iconic premium boat brands in the world, Gavin shares sharp insights on dealer strategy, brand positioning, and why Chris-Craft’s 151-year legacy still defines luxury on the water.We cover the launch of the new Sportster series, the rise of “dock jewelry,” the realities of today’s shifting marine market, and how dealers can stay profitable by embracing transparency, fresh inventory, and emerging tech—including AI.

Kim Sweers—The Boat Boss—is back on GarageCast. In this fast-moving episode, Kim shares hard-won lessons from reshaping her service operations, the bold move that eliminated constant rework, and the strategic pivot that fueled an 80% surge in brokerage sales. She also unveils her new show, Yachting Unplugged, and breaks down why staying informed—and embracing technology—will define the next era of marine retail.

In this episode of GarageCast, we sit down with Mark Dukes, owner and GM of High Desert Harley-Davidson in Boise. With more than 40 years in the powersports industry, Mark shares his journey from his early days at Fay Myers to leading one of the top Harley-Davidson dealerships in the Northwest. He breaks down the evolution of dealership culture, the importance of execution and customer service, and how his Learn to Ride program is bringing new riders into the sport—a standout conversation with a true industry veteran.

Meet the powerhouse duo behind Century Marine. In this episode of GarageCast, second-generation owner Melanie Bosley Bloomfield and sales leader Stephen Osborne share the family legacy, award-winning customer experience strategies, and the resilience that shaped their success. From boating passion to community-driven service, discover how Century Marine built a loyal, multi-generation customer base—and why their approach keeps winning. A must-listen for anyone in marine or powersports retail.