Houseboating Adventures - Issue 17 - (Page 40) HBA: Is Sumerset looking at the "Floating Home" concept as a model for its houseboats in France, UK and Holland? If not, what model type will be best suited for these markets? SL: We will let the market determine our direction. Honestly, we have several different avenues we are discussing with our international division. HBA: What was the reason for introducing a five-year transferable warranty? SL: Sumerset Secure is a tangible commitment to quality and customer service after the sale. We are holding our own feet to the fire by standing on our beliefs in the houseboats we produce. In addition, the warranty far exceeds any other manufacturer’s commitment and ability to service boats after the sale. This program elevates Sumerset to that higher playing field within the boat building industry and creates brand value for the consumer. HBA: You have recently opened an Insurance and Finance Center. What were the reasons for doing this? SL: We had an opportunity to provide our customers with some competitive options with regard to financing and insurance. A very reputable company offered us an exclusive program with value added features exclusively for our customers. That is one more benefit of being recognized as the leader in your industry, service agencies who are leaders in their industries want to collaborate with you. Our customers have the benefit of one stop shopping, competitive finance rates and exclusive insurance services like emergency towing and a replacement cost policy provision. HBA: What was the inspiration to bring American Waterways into the Sumerset model line? SL: This is a strategic business decision that allows us to market and support one brand rather than multiple brands. Everyone knows who Sumerset is and what we stand for! HBA: How important is the Elite series to the Sumerset line and why? SL: The Elite brings creativity and exclusive customization to individual owners with the purchasing of the Elite package. Our customers often say they bought a Sumerset because it is the best houseboat on the market. The ELITE series allows someone to purchase the best of the best. HBA: Are luxury houseboats (like the Elite Series) becoming more or less popular? Will this trend continue or change over the next four years and why? SL: The Elite series is not for everyone. There are size and dollar targets that must be met to build an Elite. The vacation ever with my wife and four teenagers on Lake Lanier in Georgia on a houseboat for a week. We came away very excited about our trip and the kids all asking when we might be going again. I am seriously considering purchasing a houseboat based on our experience." As boomers discover the great family experience of Houseboating, they are also discovering we are a custom industry. If you dream it, we can build it! HBA: How important are the NMMA and HIA to the future of houseboating? SL: The industry has long been a cottage industry that has tried to stay below the radar screen. Now with the demands of customers for safety and quality, HIA and the NMMA bring a mandate for certification to the public, therefore instilling confidence that they are investing into a product that follows the safety guidelines of the ABYC, as well as the NMMA. There is no future for the houseboat industry without the NMMA. It is like asking where would attorneys be without the American Bar Association or where would physicians be without the American Medical Association. HBA: With an international sales division in place, does the future of Sumerset lie across the Atlantic or the Pacific? SL: The future of Sumerset lies in the hands of all 250 employees. As long as we execute on our beliefs and goals, we will be successful. The international division is just an enhancement of our distribution channels. )6B@" A05("%C&5AB9&@
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.