Call me a sentimental fool, if you will, but I’ve been feeling the hurt of a lot of people in need this holiday season. I’ve even cried at some of the stories I’ve been listening to on the radio.
So it’s not surprising that a press release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tugged at my heart strings.

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It’s that time of year when many people start thinking about making a New Year’s resolution. Some resolve to work harder, spend more time with family, exercise, eat healthier, or quit smoking. (Read More…)

I received an email from someone who works at a boat dealership in a southeastern state.  He lamented that he never knows what the dealership manager is thinking or what priorities are for the business because his manager rarely holds meetings and seldom communicates with the team.  As an employee, he is meeting starved!  (Read More…)

The state of the economy today reminds me of a frog analogy I heard years ago. If you put a frog in a pot of boiling water it will immediately jump out. But if you put a frog in water that’s room temperature and then slowly heat it up, the frog will just sit there and boil to death. (Read More…)

Many in the industry say 2008 will be a make- or break-year. We agree with that and we speculate that it will be a survival of the fittest story, with the Goliaths gobbling up the Davids. (Read More…)

While at IBEX I attended the workforce development seminar and one of the panelists, Pat Kearns, asked why ‘The Future Boatbuilders of America,’ doesn’t exist. (Read More…)

Seems that everywhere I go these days I run into former automotive people filling positions in the marine industry.

I’m sure that some automotive people find their way into the marine industry by way of seeking new employment and changing the direction of ones career path. I firmly believe that much can be gained by sharing knowledge and technology from industry to industry.

Also, I have taken the time to get to know many of these former automotive people personally and I really like them. So what’s the big deal, right? (Read More…)

CWR Electronics of Bayville, N.J., has recently returned from their first International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) show. Held in Miami Beach, Florida, the world known IBEX show was a great success. (Read More…)

Having walked the floor at IBEX in Miami, I met many professional exhibitors who took the time to talk with me and explain the ins and outs of their products. I learned a lot and found many story ideas for Soundings Trade Only. I admired and appreciated everyone’s hard work, dedication and passion.

I did experience, though, one wrinkle. (Read More…)

IBEX opened its doors today; the exhibitors look crisp and hope to sell big.

But some on the floor told me the weak market has prevented many companies
from sending their usual number of people to the show. The companies have been trying
to curb costs.
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