Location: 320 Lake St., Fontana, WI 53125
Web site: www.gordysboats.com
Year founded: 1950
Product or service offered: Full-service marina and restaurant.
Leadership team: Tom W. Whowell, owner; Rallee Chupich, owner; Tom G. Whowell, owner; and Steele Whowell, owner.
Target clientele: Boaters and potential boaters, people who love the water, people who love great food, people who love to have fun – everyone is welcome, anytime.
Business organization memberships: Cobalt 20 Group; Marine Retailers Association of America; Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce; and Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce.
What has fueled your company’s growth? Keeping the customer happy! We are open seven days a week and have empowered our employees to do whatever we can, whatever it takes to make sure that the customer has a wonderful boating experience every day. Everyone at Gordy’s has the power to do anything that is necessary for the customer, even if it crosses department responsibilities. We want to keep them on the water, having fun with their families and enjoying summer boating. Our mission statement and company values demonstrate that “excellent customer service” is our number one priority.
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth? Places to moor and store boats, and limited available water space. Although it might appear that there is a great deal of water all around us, the actuality is that there are very few spaces to park boats. Most marinas, boat companies and harbors are full and the challenge for the boat dealer with new boating customers is to find a place to moor those new customers’ boats for the summer season.
Do you plan any changes in your company in the upcoming months? Several of our short term goals include the following: grow Cobalt Yacht dealership; purchase travel lift; grow on-line sales; increase market share in our territory; and continue to achieve Cobalt Platinum CSI status (as we have every year as a Cobalt dealer).
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them? Thomas Jefferson: Exceptionally well-organized, intelligent, physically fit. There is a story that goes along the lines that the largest concentration of intellect in the White House dining room was when Thomas Jefferson dined alone. He was a renaissance man who incorporated two hours of physical fitness in his daily routine while dabbling in things like being president and writing the Declaration of Independence. John Wooden: Remarkable success in his field, a great teacher and an example to his players. He got the absolute best out of everyone he coached with encouragement and positive reinforcement. A true professional and a gentleman, which is a rare combination. Jack Welch: The quintessential contemporary business man who is both personally and professionally successful and can explain how to do it. Hard-working with a sense of humor, vast experience and an even temperment. An educator, facilitator and an excellent example for those who want to grow their business, if they’ve got the Jack Welch physical and mental stamina.
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? Very good, because the high end boat market is very strong. This will lead to an increased market share in our territory and expanded service and storage opportunities.
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Congratulations from these strategic partners:
Lori A.Johnson, 262-741-4055, www.chase.com
Jim Saxton, (262) 275-6154, www.walworthbank.com
Keith Lukes, 773-724-6000, www.thz3.com
Wisconsin Business Team, 414.708.3958, www.verizonwireless.com
