Largest Marina Operator in the World

Safe Harbor Marinas is excited to announce that our family has grown to 70 marinas across North America! Thank you to all of our loyal members for giving us the opportunity to continue to serve you and your family during the summer boating season.

We are often approached by marina owners and operators who are looking to sell all, or some portion of their property. Many of these are outside the scope of our investment strategy. But for those properties that are a fit with our objectives and methodology, we offer a compelling proposition.  To be considered by Safe Harbor Marinas, please contact us HERE.

 

Marinas International’s Blog is Moving!

Thank you for following Marinas International’s blog!

We are pleased and excited to announce the launch of our brand new website at http://www.marinasintl.com.  The new content management system offers us an integrated blog feature; therefore, we will no longer be posting to our Word Press account.  Please continue to follow us HERE.

 

With gratitude,

The Team at Marinas International

 

 

Marinas International Aims to Improve Lives

When the founders of Marinas International set out on their venture nearly thirty years ago, the cornerstone of their business model was not only to operate and manage marinas, but to build communities around the marina lifestyle. That same principle carries through their environmental and charitable efforts as individuals, as a company and as good citizens.

Marinas International Corporate participates in a number of activities and fundraisers year-round in the very philanthropic Dallas-Ft. Worth market. Putting their spin on philanthropy, Marinas International founded and hosts an annual fundraising event called Lakefest. “When we first thought up the idea for Lakefest, our dream was to bring together the community members where we work and live for a greater good, “said Shannon Funk, Vice President of Marketing. “However, we wanted to distinguish ourselves from others; we wanted to be affordable and above all we wanted 100% of the proceeds to go back to the benefitting charity.”

To date, Lakefest has raised over $500,000 benefitting various (501c 3) non-profit organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Cancer Society, Legacy Brain Foundation and the Texas Association for Infant Mental Health. The featured event includes a Country Music concert at one of their local marinas and has spotlighted some of the biggest names in the Texas Country Music scene like the Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen, Roger Creager, Stoney LaRue, Robert Earl Keen & Johnny Cooper; just to name a few.  Since boating is a big part of the Marinas International lifestyle and the event draws thousands to the lake to help deserving charities, it also presents opportunity for attendees to learn about boating safety and clean water initiatives. Having reached its ten year milestone, the event is going strong and already partnering with donors such as Safeway and Amazon for their 2015 event.  For more information or to volunteer, go to www.lakefesttx.com.

Charitable spirit spills down through the Marinas International organization to their many locations throughout the country. Many carry the honorable distinction as “Clean Marinas”. The Clean Marinas program is an ongoing endeavor, by a marina industry alliance, determined to provide environmentally clean facilities and protect the states’ coastal and inland waters from pollution. Marinas also participate in annual Shore Clean-up operations and donate time, manpower and resources to keep the waterways clean for the next generation of boaters.

Local causes also tug at the heart-strings of Marinas International’s managers. Aqualand Marina on Georgia’s Lake Lanier held a fundraiser during their “Farewell to Summer 2014” member appreciation party resulting in a total contribution of $1,735. All funds donated were used to offset medical costs for three firefighters who were seriously injured due to a reported aerial ladder truck collapse. “These heroes risk life and limb for our families every day, “said Patrick Kenney, General Manager at Aqualand Marina. “The boating community is one of the most dedicated and committed groups to giving back and to standing up for those who are victims of illness, injury or whatever their struggles may be.”

Marinas International plays host to outstanding charitable events including Cruise for Hope, a non-profit organization raising funds for Cancer research and treatment.  Kevin Langton, President and founder of Cruise for Hope continues to bring this event to beautiful Lake Grapevine in Texas at Marinas International’s Silver Lake Marina.  For more information on Cruise for Hope or to purchase tickets, go to www.cruiseforhope.org.

 

 

Celebrating 30 Years of Marina Excellence!

We are 30 years young and continue to grow and thrive in the marina industry.  Because of the breadth of our business experiences and the fact that we live the philosophies we teach, we are uniquely equipped to develop custom solutions for the challenges you are facing – whether you seek our guidance to deliver consistently exceptional customer experiences, wonder how to maximize the earning potential on your investment, want to shift your management culture, or want to learn our approach to great leadership.  Our methodology, based on time-tested strategies and practices, empowers and inspires, offering creative solutions that lead to action and results.

It is important to us that the companies we work with maintain ownership of their journey to success. Our custom solutions are designed for those looking to create long-term, sustainable, positive transformation within their organization. We begin with a thorough assessment, yielding recommendations for shifts in approach and perspective. Then, we tap into our vast resources to develop a streamlined business plan for maximum success.

With Marinas International on your team, you get more than just a list of best business practices; you get a partner from insight to implementation, a new perspective on doing business, and a strategic roadmap for how to make the changes you want.  This is not consulting as usual. This is a true collaborative relationship built on thirty years of excellence.

To explore our custom management solutions visit our new website: www.marinasinternational.com and follow us on Facebook.

Author Jim Hunter Named IMBC Keynote Speaker

Marina conference opener to focus on servant leadership.

Professional speaker and author Jim Hunter will present the keynote address at the International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC), January 28-30, 2015, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL. Hunter’s session, “The Power of Servant Leadership,” will be held Thursday, January 29 at 8:30 am. IMBC is produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI).

During his presentation, Hunter will discuss the rapidly emerging phenomenon known as Servant Leadership, a values- and relational-based approach to leadership that seeks to create a high-trust office culture by turning “bosses” into “coaches” and “head-honchos” into “mentors.” He will discuss developing leaders of character who guide with authority (influence) rather than simply relying upon power (coercion) and how attendees can bring those lessons back to their facilities.

“Our attendees are interested in ways to strengthen their businesses,” AMI Chair, Jeff Rose, CMM, says. “This session will show them that by building trust across your organization and nurturing a corporate culture that invests in its employees, you can see stronger team engagement, performance, and loyalty, which will lead to business success.”

Jim Hunter is the author of two internationally bestselling books, The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership and The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader. His books are used in many MBA and other higher education curricula around the world, are translated into over two dozen languages, and have sold well over 4.5 million copies worldwide. Hunter speaks on leadership to audiences around the world and assists organizations in building leaders and high-performing teams. His clients include many of the world’s most admired organizations, including American Express, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

Hunter will follow the morning keynote with an afternoon roundtable in which participants will break into groups and dive deeper into the concept of Servant Leadership.

To learn more about IMBC, visit MarinaAssociation.org/IMBC.

International Marina & Boatyard Conference Returns to Tampa Convention Center

 

The International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC) will return to Tampa, Florida, January 28–30, 2015, at the Tampa Convention Center. IMBC is the leading marina and boatyard conference and is produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI).

“We are looking forward to returning to Tampa,” AMI Chair Jeff Rose, CMM, says. “The show has seen success in Tampa and the city offers numerous waterfront properties for conference events.”

IMBC will host most conference events, such as receptions, seminars, and workshops, at the Tampa Convention Center. Discounted room blocks will be offered at the Marriott Tampa Waterside and The Westin Tampa Harbour Island.

“Tampa’s many restaurants, activities, and entertainment opportunities make it a desirable location for IMBC participants,” Rose continues. “In addition, Tampa is readily accessible for many, and the area around the Tampa Convention Center is easy to navigate. We are excited to return.”

For more information on IMBC 2015, please visit MarinaAssociation.org/IMBC .

To see information about Tampa’s Convention Center: click HERE.

IMBC—Formed in 2002 as the National Marina & Boatyard Conference, the International Marina & Boatyard Conference is the leading show catered specifically to marina and boatyard owners, operators, and managers as well as dockmasters, harbormasters, boat builders and repairers, and industry consultants.

AMI—The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) is a nonprofit membership organization that provides management training, education, and information about research, legislation, and environmental issues affecting the marina industry.

 

Jeff Rose is a Certified Marina Manager and Vice President of Operations for Marinas International, a Dallas-based full-service marina management company, celebrating 30 years in the industry.

 

 

Millennials are making their mark.

As featured in the Trends Edition of Marina Dock Age Magazine’s Dec ’14-Jan ’15 copy

Millennials, the segment of the population born between 1982 and 2003, are perched to cause a seismic shift in the nation’s financial sector, from the time clock to the bottom line. It is estimated that by 2020, Millennials will comprise more than a third of the American workforce.  As an industry, marinas should evaluate and prepare for the future of boating and working with this dynamic generation.

Read the complete article HERE.

Greener Options for Recreational Boating by John Ivanko

 

Whether you live or travel on the coast, next to a lake or along a river, we often find ourselves setting foot on a boat. For many fishing enthusiasts, a boat is as necessary as the bait and tackle. The same is true for aquatic adventure seekers, whether diving or snorkeling. For me, there’s nothing more enthralling than gliding over the waters in a sailboat, spinnaker raised.

On a recent trip into the Miami area when working on a three-part ecotourism blog, I had a chance to attend the Miami International Boat Show, to learn about some of the ways the boating industry is greening itself, from new all-electric touring boats to propane-powered engines. While numerous issues remain related to fuel use and construction materials for what most people view as luxury items, the fact remains that many of us do, in fact, like to get out on the water. And sometimes a kayak, canoe or surfboard won’t do the trick. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 88 million Americans participated in boating in 2012, with 12.1 million boats registered in the US.

So, when self-propelled boats or boards are not an option, here are few of the boating choices and technologies along the continuum of sustainability.

Solar-Powered Touring Boat

There’s no noise and no pollution with the 22-foot Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company’s Loon, a pontoon cruising boat that’s propelled by a 4 kW motor drawing juice from an on-board battery bank. Accommodating up to 10 passengers, the roof canopy sports a .7 kW PV array. As the world’s first solar assisted pontoon boat, it’s ideal for boaters who like to troll inland waterways, lakes and calmer waters.

Twin Vee Catamarans

If you have a need for speed and getting out on the open waters of an ocean, the Twin Vee twin engine catamarans are among the most fuel-efficient options. Because the boat hydrofoils, the Twin Vees use about half the fuel of any other boat in size and price range, says to Roger Dunshee during our test ride. The catamaran design reduces drag in the water, making it more efficient that other boats. This durable and highly stable boat is well suited to the open waters, whether to hook your fish dinner, dive to spearfish the exotic and problematic Lionfish that are decimating reef fish populations, or go on a snorkeling expedition.

Sail Away on Sailboats

How can you go wrong when the wind is doing all the work to propel your watercraft? While most sailboats come with a gas-powered engine to get you out of the harbor or around tricky situations (like windless days), a sail boat can be both a majestic and fossil-fuel-free way of getting around out at sea. If course, if you have the financial means, you can go all out in a 65-foot Beneteau sailboat, with optional PV or wind turbine systems to power all on-board appliances. However, there are plentiful options for sailboats that can satisfy nearly every budget, though some may take some major DIY work to get seaworthy.

Propane Outboard Motors

“It’s priced like gas and has zero evaporated emissions,” says Captain Bernardo Herzer, CEO and Founder of Lehr, a company that makes reliable and less ecologically-damaging 5 horsepower to 15 horsepower propane outdoor motors. Propane is an approved alternative fuel in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and National Energy Policy Act of 1992. He’s quick to point out that unlike gasoline, propane never goes bad and the propane engines are up to fifty times cleaner than gas. The propane engines also sidestep one of the biggest problems with the boating industry: fuel issues related to the engine. A boon for wildlife, propane eliminates the possibility of gas being spilled in the water. The company expanded into the boating industry after their successful start in propane-powered lawn and garden products.

Want to check out your boating options first hand, the International Miami Boat Show is held every February.

Photo: Courtesy of Twin Vee

John D. Ivanko, with his wife Lisa Kivirist, have co-authored Rural Renaissance, Homemade for Sale, the award-winning ECOpreneuring and Farmstead Chef along with operating Inn Serendipity B&B and Farm, completely powered by the wind and sun. Both are regular speakers at the Mother Earth News Fairs. As a writer and photographer, Ivanko contributes to MOTHER EARTH NEWS, most recently, 9 Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living. They live on a farm in southwestern Wisconsin with their son Liam, millions of ladybugs and a 10 kW Bergey wind turbine.

Material Source: Mother Earth News

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/greener-options-for-recreational-boating-zbcz1411.aspx#ixzz3JjEo9Jee

BoatUS President Accepts 2014 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award

BoatUS president Margaret Podlich (center) is the winner of the 2014 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award. She is shown with Volvo Penta’s Marcia Kull (left), a former winner, and Boating Industry magazine’s Kathy Johnson.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Calling it an honor to be included in a group of such “Wonder Women,” BoatUS president Margaret Podlich accepted the 2014 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award at the Marine Dealers Conference & Expo on Wednesday.“I am very humbled, considering the winners from years past,” said Podlich, 50, who received the decoration at a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas awards breakfast at the Rosen Centre Hotel. “It is an honor to be singled out and join such a group of women that includes leaders like Marcia Kull, Kris Carroll and Joan Maxwell.”

Podlich has held several positions at BoatUS for the past 20 years. She worked her way up the ranks to become president in 2011.

Podlich reflected on the state of women’s involvement in the recreation of boating and in the boating industry.

“The industry has an increasing appeal to women consumers. The appeal in the product is greater,” she said. “What I am saying is there is significant opportunity within the women demographic to sell boating to women consumers. I think women in the industry are going to help that happen. It is not just a nicer galley in a boat. It is about better safety; it’s about having more choices; it’s about making boating easier to fit into lives.”

She recognized the MRAA’s efforts to attract a more diverse group of people to the industry.

“At this particular conference I have been impressed by how many women are involved at the dealer level,” she said. “One of my takeaways is that [MRAA] perhaps is doing a better job of getting women involved than the rest of us. The other fun thing about this crowd is that there are some younger people here. To me, that is brilliant. They have cracked the code. Maybe we need to learn from them about how to permeate the rest of the industry with some of this younger demographic. They have different boating experiences than many of us — wakeboarding, for instance, and the ability to control the wake behind the boat. And the stereo systems here are incredible. To me, this is very exciting.”

Industry colleagues and former award winners Marcia Kull, vice president of marine sales at Volvo Penta of the Americas, and Joan Maxwell, president of Regulator Marine, were excited to see their friend recognized.

“We are grateful that we have a woman like Margaret in the boating industry,” Maxwell told me after the presentation. “She is a friend and a smart advocate for the industry and it is because she loves boating so much.”

Kull presented the award to Podlich. “Under her leadership, BoatUS moved from a staid consumer organization to a powerful lobbying partner of both the NMMA and MRAA, harnessing the energy and advocacy of its half a million members to ensure that boating remains affordable, accessible, safe and fun, and that its members keep buying the boats and accessories our industry is manufacturing and selling,” she told the audience. “Margaret evangelizes the boating lifestyle as a passionate and skilled participant, and that itself forms the very root of her effectiveness as a leader.”

Click HERE for her complete story.
Read Marina Life’s Article “Women in Boating“.

National Water Safety Congress Presents Cold Water Facts

There are a lot of misconceptions about cold water and cold water-related accidents. Test your knowledge by reading the FACTS below.

True or False:

1. “Cold Water” is defined as being any water temperature under 70 degrees.
2. Without a life jacket, you can only survive for around 10 minutes in cold water.
3. Victims that have been in cold water require different CPR techniques.
4. Many victims drown just feet from safety.
5. Most times first responders are not trained medical professionals.
6. Even good swimmers drown.
7. No Ice is Safe Ice.

What can we learn from Cold Water Boot Camp USA about life jackets and cold water?

Check your answers HERE.