MRAA Launches ‘Dealership of the Future’ Task Force to Accelerate Marine Retail Transformation

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has announced the formation of a “Dealership of the Future” Task Force, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to confront the rapidly intensifying forces reshaping the marine retail business model and to provide dealers with a clear roadmap for long-term success.

The creation of this group comes at a pivotal moment for the marine industry, as dealers face a convergence of challenges unlike any in recent history. Consumer expectations have shifted dramatically. Technology has advanced at a pace that outstrips industry adoption. Operational complexity continues to grow. Service demands are rising. Product pricing has escalated faster than income levels. And the traditional retail model, which was built in an analog era, is struggling to meet the needs of the modern boating consumer.

Collaborative Task Force

The MRAA’s Dealership of the Future Task Force unites respected voices from across the industry — innovative dealers, leading manufacturers, influential partners and key MRAA staff — all committed to shaping a more modern and sustainable retail model. 

Dealer Members

• Jeremy Anderson, President, Walstrom Marine
• Bob Bense, President & CEO, Superior Boat Repair & Sales
• Bryce Brown, Principal, MasterCraft Colorado
• Jani Gyllenberg, Innovation & Business Development Manager, Marine Connection
• J Hurless, Owner, Reeder-Trausch Marine
• Joe Lewis, General Manager, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina
• Joe Martin, President, BoatJunkie Sales & Service
• Eric Smith, General Manager & Co-Owner, Colorado Boat Center
• Kim Sweers, Managing Partner, FB Marine Group

Manufacturer & Partner Members

• Thomas Bates, Chief Revenue Officer, Correct Craft
• Ellen Bradley, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Boating
• Jeff Haradine, President, Barletta Boat Co.
• Ryan Kloppe, Associate Director, Lightspeed
• Jason Nierman, Chief Revenue Officer, Rollick

MRAA Staff Participants

• Ridgeway Addison, Senior Director of Education
• Stevie Cook, Certification Manager
• Matt Gruhn, President
• Jerrod Kelley, Content Manager
• Steven Netsch, Director of Research & Strategic Insights
• Liz Walz, Director of Learning Vision & Impact

The Task Force was formed after months of research and industry dialogue, during which several core priorities were developed. Over the coming year, the Dealership of the Future Task Force will develop and release a structured series of insights, frameworks, and recommendations for dealers and manufacturers. This roadmap will be supported by MRAA research, educational programming and direct collaboration with the Task Force members, MRAA’s Board of Directors, the MRAA Educational Foundation and MRAA’s Strategic Partners.

Visit MRAA.com to view the full press release. Contact MRAA President, Matt Gruhn, for more information: [email protected]; 763-333-2421.