Three in a row for Nitro Marine

by Bob Wonders on 25 Jun 2010 Queensland dealer Nitro Marine has been named Mercury Marine Australian Deal of the Year for the third year in succession

Based in Southport, on the Gold Coast, Nitro Marine has a history dating back more than 25-years, but current joint proprietors, Michael and Therese Waugh, acquired the dealership 10-years ago.

Surprisingly, they took on the task with no previous marine industry experience.

'I was just an enthusiastic boater and the thought of working with boats all day every day was appealing,' Michael explained.

'Of course, it wasn't simply the appeal of working with boats, Therese and I recognised Nitro Marine as being a viable and worthwhile business opportunity,' he added.

John Temple, general manager, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific for Mercury Marine, described the dealership as boasting 'the willingness to go the extra mile' for its customers.

'Winning this highly competitive award and achieving it three years in succession is a true testament to the dealership's professionalism and dedication to its overall organisation and structure,' Mr Temple declared.

'Michael and Therese and their experienced staff continue to ensure that Nitro Marine maintains its standards and I applaud their hard work and dedication.

'Recent times have been troubling for the marine industry with the global economy and Nitro Marine and Mercury Marine's other dealerships have put in the effort to ensure Mercury stayed ahead of the game.

'I am indebted to our entire dealer network for their efforts,' he added.

Conveniently situated just a short stroll from Southport's main business centre, Nitro Marine holds several new boat franchises, including the popular, locally built Stacer range, its own Eagle Cruisers, the extensive Quicksilver range and the US-built line-up from Crownline, Triton and Pioneer.

The dealership also carries chandlery items, fishing tackle and general boating accessories and equipment in its showroom.

Michael and Therese are particularly proud of the fact that some 80 percent of their business is generated by regular clients and referrals.

They also credit their hard working staff, now numbering eight and including four qualified mechanics, for much of the company's success.

Service manager Rick Grech heads the workshop with sales manager Dale Collins in charge of boat sales.

Michael Waugh admits that times have been 'tough.'

'At one stage, despite our dollar turnover holding, boat sales were definitely down,' he explained.

'Nevertheless, I'm confident the industry will bounce back and Nitro Marine will be well positioned to take advantage of an improving economy,' he added.

Winning Dealer of the Year is no simple task.

It involves an in-depth judging process by Mercury Marine management which not only covers sales achievements, but every aspect of a successful Mercury dealership.

Particular attention is paid to customer service, promotion of Mercury product and all-round general presentation of the dealership.

Although Nitro Marine claimed 'the big one', Dealer of the Year, Mercury Marine also honoured other dealerships.

Northcoast Boating was named Most Improved Dealer of the Year; S.H.Wallace was accorded MotorGuide Dealer of the Year; Performance Marine was honoured as MerCruiser OEM of the Year (Towsport), Telwater, manufacturer of the Quintrex, Stacer, Savage marques was named MerCruiser OEM Dealer of the Year (Sterndrive) and Hitech Marine won praise as MerCruiser Dealer of the Year.

'Needless to say, our warmest congratulations go to them all, 'John Temple said.

So what's next for Nitro Marine?

'That's obvious,' Michael Waugh declared, 'Mercury Marine Dealer of the Year for the fourth time in succession.'